Iran’s ongoing campaign against activists and reformers

By
Staff Writer
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Recent developments in Iran underscore the persistent and heightened measures the clerical regime takes against dissenting voices.
Recent developments in Iran underscore the persistent and heightened measures the clerical regime takes against dissenting voices.

 

Activists advocating for human rights, freedom of expression, and gender equality are consistently targeted, with many facing arrests, imprisonments, and other oppressive actions.

On August 15, 2023, reports confirmed that Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court had sentenced Tahereh Naghiee, the Secretary General of the Iranian Teachers’ Organization, to a six-month prison sentence, suspended for five years.

Additional penalties for Ms. Naghiee include fines, a ban on international travel, and social deprivations. The charges? “Propaganda against the state.” This comes after her trial held on June 11, 2023. A former educator in Tehran’s 5th district, Naghiee’s advocacy has seen her caught in the crosshairs of the regime.

The harsh treatment isn’t limited to educators. Kurdish journalist, Nazila Maroofian, faced a violent arrest on August 14. Shockingly, while trying to retrieve her cell phone from the police station, she was assaulted by an officer. Prior to this incident, Maroofian was hospitalized on August 5 due to significant health issues but was quickly returned to Evin Prison. Fortunately, she was released from Qarchak Prison on August 16.

 

In the northern Gilan Province, nine women's rights activists were arrested, with their whereabouts now unknown. Zarian and Zilan Malaii, two architectural engineering students, were also arrested on August 13.
In the northern Gilan Province, nine women’s rights activists were arrested, with their whereabouts now unknown. Zarian and Zilan Malaii, two architectural engineering students, were also arrested on August 13.

 

Meanwhile, Donya Hosseini, another vocal activist, was arrested for a second time on August 12, having previously been detained in November 2022 for participating in protests.

In a concerning development in Sanandaj, Bahar Ahmadi was arrested without a warrant on August 12. Her husband, As’ad Mohammadi, was detained three weeks prior. The lack of transparency in both cases is alarming, with no clear information about their whereabouts, charges, or conditions.

In yet another example of the regime’s clampdown, Massoumeh Soleimani, a women’s wrestling coach and referee, was sentenced to a year in prison on the ambiguous charge of “inciting violence in cyberspace.” She was previously detained on May 10, 2023.

 

The fate of Yalda Dehghani remains uncertain. Arrested in early July, she has been held in Lakan Prison without trial, with the authorities denying her bail. Similarly, Hanieh Daemi was summoned to the Intelligence Police on August 14 without clear reasons.
The fate of Yalda Dehghani remains uncertain. Arrested in early July, she has been held in Lakan Prison without trial, with the authorities denying her bail. Similarly, Hanieh Daemi was summoned to the Intelligence Police on August 14 without clear reasons.

 

The myriad of cases unfolding in Iran paints a bleak picture of a regime relentless in its pursuit to silence those advocating for change. As activists navigate this treacherous terrain, their courage and resilience serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to a better Iran.

 

 

 

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu

 

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