Dublin: Front Line and The Body Shop launch national campaign for protection of human rights defende
Dublin: Front Line and The Body Shop launch national campaign for protection of human rights defenders
Front Line, the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, together with The Body Shop Ireland, launches action campaign “Protect One, Empower a Thousand” to end the harassment of human rights defenders. On Monday 19 November at 1 pm at The Body Shop on Grafton Street, Front Line and The Body Shop launch their joint national campaign to secure the protection of human rights defenders. Senator David Norris will speak at the launch highlighting how human rights defenders, including gay rights activists, put their lives on the line on a daily basis in defence of the rights of others.
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Front Line will be joined by a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) human rights defenders invited by Front Line to Dublin for a personal security training workshop as part of an international conference organised by Front Line. The campaign will highlight twelve cases from around the word - some of which are detailed below.
Among the human rights defenders who will be present is Donny Reyes, a defender of LGBT rights and Director of LGBT rights organisation ArcoIris from Honduras. While he was escorting a colleague to a taxi rank in central Tegucicalpa, Honduras Donny Reyes was arrested, beaten by police officers, taken to a police station and assaulted in March 2007.
From Monday, customers at The Body Shop stores throughout the island of Ireland will be able to take direct action on the cases of human rights defenders in six countries, including Donny Reyes, who are currently being harassed, detained or threatened as a result of their peaceful activities in defence of human rights.
In each store, an action centre will be present where customers can sign postcards to be sent to the relevant authorities, urging them to take immediate action to end the harassment of named human rights defenders in Honduras, Uzbekistan, Serbia, West Papua, Iran and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These postcards will be collected by Front Line and delivered to the authorities in each country.
Background on the other 5 cases that are the focus of the campaign is given below:
Mutabar Tadjibaeva, Uzbekistan Mutabar Tadjibaeva founded the Fiery Hearts club in Uzbekistan to defend the rights of women. She was arrested in October 2005 while on her way to Ireland to participate in the Third Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders, organised by Front Line and sentenced to eight years in prison on fabricated charges. Since her arrest, she has repeatedly been denied access to medical care, her family and to legal representation. She has been held in solitary confinement on a number of occasions.
Justine Masika Bihamba, Democratic Republic of Congo Justine Masika Bihamba works in Nothern Kivu, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, documenting sexual violence against women and evidence of war crimes. On 18 September 2007 6 armed men in army uniforms broke into Justine's home, tied up her family, assaulted one of her two daughters and kicked the other daughter in the face. Although Justine's driver and one of her daughters were able to identify four of the perpetrators who participated in the attack, none of them have yet been arrested.
Bijana Kovacevic-Vuco, Serbia Bijana Kovacevic-Vuco is the director of YUCOM, a human rights organisation in Serbia.Bijana Kovacevic-Vuco has worked tirelessly to help bring war criminals to justice in Serbia and as a result has been insulted, assaulted and vilified by sections of the government and media in Serbia. Many other human rights defenders in Serbia are subject to similar forms of harassment and abuse.
Yan Christian Warinussy, West Papua Yan Christian Warinussy is executive director of the Institute for Research, Analysis, and Development for Legal Aid in West Papua which documents human rights abuses. In June 2007 Yan Christian Warinussy met with Hina Jilani, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General on the situation of human rights defenders, during her official visit to Indonesia. Since then he has been subjected to repeated intimidation and harassment.
Saleh Kamrani and Sa'id Metinpour, Iran Lawyer Saleh Kamrani and journalist Sa'id Metinpour are currently being detained in section 209, Evin Prison, Tehran. Both Saleh Kamrani and Sa'id Metinpour have been active in defending the rights of the Azerbaijani minority in Iran. On 18 August 2007 Saleh Kamrani was arrested and his computer and personal documents were confiscated. Since 21 August 2007 he has had no contact with his family or lawyer. Sa'id Metinpour was arrested in the northwestern city of Zenjan on 25 May 2007. Since his arrest he has been subject to torture and illtreatment. Neither Saleh Kamrani and Sa'id Metinpour have been charged, brought to trial or given access to a lawyer.
For further information please contact Front Line's Head of Media Jim Loughran at: Tel +353 (0)1 2123750 or mobile +353 (0)879377586 jimloughran@frontlinedefenders.org
Full details on the campaign can be found on the Front Line web site - www.frontlinedefenders.org
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Iran: Continued detention of Saleh Kamrani and Said Metinpour for representing Azerbaijani community
Lawyer Saleh Kamrani and journalist Sa’id Metinpour are currently being detained in Section 209 of Evin Prison, Tehran. Saleh Kamrani is a lawyer who has represented members of Iran’s discriminated Azerbaijani minority. Both he and Sa’id Metinpour are active in promoting the rights of the Azerbaijani minority in Iran.
Further Information
On 25 May 2007, Sa’id Metinpour was arrested in the north western city of Zenjan. He has been subjected to torture and ill-treatment and is suffering from poor health as a result. He has also spent much of his time in detention in solitary confinement in an attempt to force him into making a videotaped confession. Neither man has been charged, brought to trial, or given access to a lawyer.
Get back to Protect One Empower a Thousand - Front Line and The Body Shop Campaign
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Protect One Empower a Thousand - Front Line and The Body Shop Campaign to Protect Human Rights Defen
Protect One Empower a Thousand - Front Line and The Body Shop Campaign to Protect Human Rights Defenders At Risk
Front Line and The Body Shop are organising this campaign to highlight the importance of the work of human rights defenders as key agents of social change and to show that a simple action can make a big difference
Your participation in this campaign will help send a strong message to remind governments that they have an obligation to protect human rights defenders. You can link directly to the "Protect One Empower a Thousand" campaign by taking one of the below banners onto your web site and linking directly to the campaign page on the address http://www.frontlinedefenders.org/thebodyshop
Thank you for your support.
Get back to Protect One Empower a Thousand - Front Line and The Body Shop Campaign
Protect One Empower a Thousand - Front Line and The Body Shop Campaign to Protect Human Rights Defen
Protect One Empower a Thousand - Front Line and The Body Shop Campaign to Protect Human Rights Defenders At Risk
Please take action on behalf of one of these human rights defenders whose lives are in danger simply because of their legitimate work for human rights:
- Donate: Your financial support will help us increase our capacity to help protect human rights defenders at risk.
- Become a Front Line defender sign up to receive, by email, Front Line actions: Every week Front Line issues a weekly Urgent Appeal on behalf of a human rights defender at immediate risk. You can take fast and effective action from your computer. All you have to do is copy the letter and send it off to the address provided.
- Take a banner and link to this campaign page: Your participation in this campaign will help send a strong message to remind governments that they have an obligation to protect human rights defenders.
- List of the above human rights defenders without flash movie
The Campaign is organised together with The Body Shop. Our partnership with The Body Shop enables us to mobilise a national campaign where you can learn more about the work of human rights defenders and take action on their behalf.
The Campaign is organised together with The Body Shop. Our partnership with The Body Shop enables us to mobilise a national campaign where you can learn more about the work of human rights defenders and take action on their behalf.Mr. Abbasi was transmitted from sporadic cell to general section of the Ardabil prison
Author: Savalan Sesi
Oyrenci:22th Aban (13th November): According to the received news from Ardabil, located in south Azerbaijan, Ardabili activist, Ali Abbasi, after 34 days detention in sporadic cell of Iranian intelligent services, has been transmitted to the 7th section of Ardebil prison. His charge is propagation against national security. According to this report, Mr. Abbasi is not allowed to visit anybody and he has very bad spiritual and corporeal situation.
Amir Abbas was freed After 6 Months jail and torture
Author:Milli Shura
Oyrenci:Tuesday 22th Aban (13th November): AmirAbbas Banayikazemi, Repute activist and Turk hero of Azerbaijan national movement was freed from Tabriz prison after tolerating of 6 months jail and torture. He had been detained on 24th Ordibehesht (14th May) by invading of Iranian intelligent services to his home. He had been condemned to 2 years jail, but after his review request, jail period decreased to 6 months conditionally. We congratulate his freedom to Azerbaijan nation and his reverent family.
Iran. 8 November 2007
One journalist imprisoned, two publications suspended
The EU urges the Islamic Republic to keep its promises on human rights
Reporters Without Borders today regretted that Iran continues to snub appeals from the international community on human rights, as one journalist was imprisoned and two publications suspended.
“Less than a week after the European Parliament passed a resolution urging Iran to respect its “obligations in line with international norms and instruments on human rights”, Yaghoub Salaki Nia was imprisoned at Evin jail in Tehran. His arrest on 31 October brought to ten the number of journalists imprisoned in the country,” the worldwide press freedom organisation said.
“Iran remains deaf to appeals from the international community aimed at establishing a real dialogue on human rights,” the organisation said. ”Journalists are being held in custody without charge in defiance of the most basic rights. Some of them are suffering as a result of their prison conditions and need medical attention which has been denied to them,” it added.
Intelligence ministry agents arrested freelance journalist, Yaghub Salaki Nia, a contributor to several banned media, including Shamesse Tabriz, Ahrar, Omid Zanjan, on 31 October. His house was searched and his work equipment and papers were seized. The journalist has also founded an organisation dedicated to the defence of political prisoners in the Iranian province of Azerbaijan. He was taken to Evin jail and it is not known what charges he faces. His family was able to visit him, on 5 November in the presence of prison warders and on the condition they did not discuss the issue of his imprisonment.
Elsewhere, the Authorisation and Surveillance Commission of the Press on 23 September suspended political monthly Dilmaj, founded in 2004, but no reason was given. The quarterly Madresseh was suspended on 5 November for “apostasy”. The philosophical review had published an interview in its latest edition with an intellectual cleric, Mohammad Mojtahed Shabesstary, who carries out research into the Koran. Iranian leaders took the view that his remarks were “insulting of sacred texts”.
The European Parliament voted a resolution on 25 October 2007 (hypertext link) condemning Iranian human rights violations. The EU recognised that “the situation in the Islamic Republic in relation to civil rights and political freedoms has deteriorated in the last two years, particularly since presidential elections in June 2005”, the date on which Mahmud Ahmadinejad came to power. The European Union also called for the “unconditional release of prisoners of conscience, particularly journalists Emadoldin Baghi, Ako Kurdnasab, Ejlal Ghavami, Mohammad Sadegh Kaboudvand, Said Matinpour, Adnan Hassanpour, Abdolvahed Botimar, Kaveh Javanmard and Mohammad Hassan Fallahieh”.
Ten journalists are currently in jail in Iran. Among them Said Matinpour, a contributor to the weekly Azeri-language Yarpagh who is being held at the intelligence services prison in his home city of Zanjan, 330 kilometres north-west of the capital, where he is waiting to learn what he is accused of. He was previously held at Evin prison but was transferred closer to his family. Since his arrest on 28 May 2007, the journalist, who has been held in solitary confinement, has only been able to see his parents twice. His wife and his lawyer have so far been refused the right to visit him. His wife, Atiyeh Taheri , told Reporters Without Borders that she was “very worried about his health”.
Mohammad Sadegh Kabovand, editor of the weekly Payam-e mardom-e Kurdestan, is suffering from kidney and digestive problems and has to make a written request to the prison authorities to be allowed to use the toilet. Reporters Without Borders has obtained information that he has been put under huge pressure to deny reports published by the Human Rights Organisation of Kurdistan, of which he is a founding member. Mohammad Sadegh Kabovand is facing trial for “acting against national security”.
Emadoldin Baghi, journalist and human rights activist, also held at Evin prison, since 14 October 2007 (hypertext link press release of 24.10) has been able to receive visits from his family. They have reported that the journalist, who is in solitary confinement, is being subjected to “brutal interrogation” by intelligence ministry agents. Emadoldin Baghi has so far refused to respond to their questions and has demanded to be tried by a popular jury. He is accused of “publishing secret government documents with the help of detained prisoners to damage security in special establishments”.
Iran is in 166th place out of 169 on Reporters Without Borders’ latest world press freedom rankings of October 2007.
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=24302
New reports over human rights violations and detentions in south Azerbaijan
Oyrenci news: detaining of former activists of Azerbaijan students^ movement goes on.
According to the published news by the human rights activists and Azerbaijan students activists^ detention of former activists of Azerbaijan students^ movement and writers of the student magazines continues. The last of such detentions is Mirghasem Sayyedinzade. Mr. Mirghasem Sayyedinzade is from Jolfa (city in Eastern Azerbaijan) and a graduate of political science from Tehran University. When he was student, he was the proprietor and director of the student magazine "Duzgun Khabar" [true news] in Tehran University. After graduation he ceded this responsibility to Dr Mohammad Ali Heydari, who is in detention now, as well. Mr. Mirghasem Sayyedinzade lives in Tehran and is a member of staff in Tehran Municipality. It is said that now he is in cell 209 in Evin prison. Since being detained on Oct30 th no information or news has been published over his condition in detention or the cause of detention. Being kidnapped by the Intelligence Forces, lead to a five day delay in publishing his news. Prior to this, Mr. Jacob Saleki Niya has been arrested.
Also, Dostag web-log has declared about the transmission of four national activists from the Intelligence Office of Zanjan to ordinary cell. Said Matinpour despite five months of illegal temporary detention is in detention house of Intelligence Office. According to the correspondent of Dostag web-log report from Zanjan, Behzad safari, Jalil Ghaniloo, Leila Hedari and Ali Reza Matinpour have been transmitted to health cell of Zanjan Safar Abad prison since Nov 3rd. On the other hand Azerbaijani students by issuing a notice have declared Nov10th the day of commemoration of South Azerbaijan^s political prisoners. In a part of this announcement it has been mentioned that we, a host of Azerbaijani students and academics, regarding wide and massive detentions of Azerbaijani elites and activists, particularly recent detentions, invite academic society and political activists to break up silence about this matter and we ask them since Nov10 th the day of commemoration of South Azerbaijan^s political prisoners, death anniversary of great hero in campaign against despotism and colonization and Persian chauvinism, Safarkhan Gahramanian, who have spent 32 years of his life in the dark prisons of Persian and Aryan fascism, till Nov17th and by any means try to convey voice of their innocence and oppression to the ears of world and noble Azerbaijani nation.
In another declaration Center of Azerbaijani Student Magazines has denounced illegal detention of its secretary Dr Mohammad Ali Heydari and declared that we have faith in cares and ideals our imprisoned friends. In a part of this declaration it has been said: "It is certain that Azerbaijan nation would not be silent against oppression and suppression and like ever will show the utmost civilian protest. The so-called Azerbaijan national or civilian movement is indebted to many years of difficulties, hardships, and costs and etc. This movement is the outcome of intellectual and savant people^s attempts that because of humanity and natural rights and recovery of lost identity and nation^s rights has permeated in society^s thoughts and beliefs. This as a movement which has civil , lawful and plural features and characteristics, requests for political and cultural development and expansion of individual freedoms and institutionalization of democracy and participation of entire nation in society^s political power and implementation of all civil rights and in a single word the right for determination of self destiny ."
Regarding this, also a group of Azerbaijani students in Tehran and Tabriz universities has issued a declaration and announced that today Azerbaijan national movement as a dynamic and progressive movement has come to very sensitive historical conditions. Influence of Azerbaijan national movement in different layers of social life whereas promises luminous future for Azerbaijan nation, also it has placed nations enemies in very serious bottleneck In these harsh historical conditions, many of pioneers of defense of oppressed Azerbaijan nation^s rights in prisons of the Fars chauvinism are exposed to torture. Deprivation of the right of education, suspension of education, expelling from university, threatening and frightening of activists, massive arrests, illegal detentions, no access to lawyer, no understanding of accusation, detaining in unknown detention houses, long term solitary confinements, no visit or even phone call and mental torture are just part of oppression which children of mother land, Azerbaijan, are exposed to. In this declaration, it has been asked from Azerbaijan nation to commemorate the name and memory of Azerbaijan political prisoners.
Also Oyrenci website (http://www.oyrenci.com/) associated with Azerbaijan Student Movement, in a note predicted that the wave of detention of Azerbaijan young intellectuals and student activists, which is a sign of regime^s perplexity and powerlessness in control of Azerbaijan national movement, will continue. It has been written in this note that Azerbaijan national movement due to its right seeking entity step by step approaches its humanitarian goals. Regime^s resistance against Azerbaijan national movement is not boundless. More detentions are signs of their fiasco. Time passes in favor of Azerbaijan, provided that we do not leave battlefield. If each Azerbaijani exerts one niyoton force, decayed and cracked structure of chauvinism will collapse.
Tensions to Abbas Lisani political Azerbaijani prisoner
Author: Savalan Sesi
Oyrenci:Based on the reliable sources from Ardabil prison, Abbas Lisani, civic activist and political prisoner, has been hurt within recent past weeks. The jailers have prepared very bad condition for him with exercising tensions.
Based on the received reports, the jailers by transferring dangerous prisoners and smugglers with hard issued orders to the part no.? in Ardabil Prison (political prisoner^s part) pressure him.
Mrs. Roghayye Lisani, this political prisoner^s spouse, said: "I visited Abbas today. They again are annoying him. They again are treating to him ridiculously and his condition is intolerable and difficult."
The authorities don’t allow us to visit him and even when his foot was damaged they didn’t allow physician to visit him, said Mrs. Lisani.
Mrs. Fakhte Zamani, humanitarian activist and head of Azerbaijani prisoners association, said: "the prison is not actually an obstacle in order not to respect human rights. All the rights of arrested people or prisoners must be respected". She also said:" there is no regulation to go on leave for political prisoners, Mr. Lisani is about ?? Month is in the prison but he hadn’t had allowance to go on leave".
It is noteworthy that the family of this political prisoner is under tensions of security organizations. They have forced him to avoid interview with media in order to report the condition of Mr. Lisani.
Transferring of 4 Zanjani (A part of south Azerbaijan) from intelligent services offices to prison
Author: Dostag 
Oyrenci:Saied Matinpour is in lockup of Iranian intelligent services after 5 month detention. From the other side, according to some news from prisoners families, some of detained activists have been transferred to SafarAbad prison in Zanjan.
According to Dostag’s reporter from Zanjan, families of Behrouz Safari, Jalil Ghanilou, Leyla Heydari, and Alireza Matinpour have informed that these political activists have been transferred to the Salamat cell of SafarAbad prison of Zanjan from 12th Aban (3rd November).
MirGasem SeyyedinZadeh, former Azerbaijani student activist, kidnapped by intelligent services
Author: Savalan Sesi
Oyrenci:According to the Azerbaijani student movement predictions about increasing of Azerbaijani activists and liberal youth detentions, Mr. MirGasem SeyyedinZadeh arrested by Iranian intelligent services on 11th Aban (2th November), and he maybe kept in cell no. 209 of Evin prison. After 5 days of his detention, no news has been published about his spiritual and physical status, and his detention proofs. Iranian intelligent services went to his home after detection, and they brought computer and his personal notes.
Mr. MirGasem SeyyedinZadeh is originally form Julfa, a city located in south Azerbaijan, and graduate of Tehran university in the field of political sciences. He was grantee and manager of student serial of “Duzgun Khabar” when he was student and after graduation he transferred his right to Dr. Mohammad Ali Heydari that he has also been arrested by Iranian intelligent services. MirGasem SeyyedinZadeh now lives in Tehran and is municipal employee.
Interview of Persian section of voice of America (VOA) with Mrs. Fakhte Zamani, Head of defense society for Azerbaijani political prisoners
Author: Savalan Sesi
Oyrenci:Interview of Persian section of voice of America (VOA) with Mrs. Fakhte Zamani, Head of defense society for Azerbaijani political prisoners
Azerbaijani civil activists detention continues in Iran….
With increasing of pressures on Azerbaijani civil activists in Turkish speaking provinces of Iran, Yagoub Salaki, activist and journalist, detained by Iranian intelligent services last night and transmitted to unrecognized place.
Tens of Azerbaijani Turk students, journalists, teachers, and professors have been arrested in last months and have been kept in Tehran and other cities prisons without any charge realization, attorney taking, and visit right with their families.
In the latest detentions,on 5th Aban(27th October) Mr. Mohammad Ali Heydari, professor of Tabriz and Maragheh universities, arrested by Iranian intelligent services.
Dr. Mohammad Ali Heydari detained by intelligent services in Tehran when he came back from his work on 5th Aban (27th October). After arrest, agents went with him to his home and brought his books, hand scripts, and computer. No news has been announced about him until now, Mrs. Fakhte Zamani said.
Dr. Heydari was manager of student publication of “ Douzgoun Khabar” in Tehran university and head of publications society for Azerbaijani students. Many articles have been published by him in several publications. He has PHD from Tehran University, and he is professor in Tabriz and Maraghe universities in the field of international relations, international law. He also was employee of Taavon ministry in international relations section. Mr. Heydari is one of repute activists in Azerbaijan national movement. He was active in many publications.
VOA: what were Mr. Heydari’s detention proofs?
Mrs. Fakhte Zamani: we have no information about his arrest proofs. This is not new thing in Azerbaijan, now about 10 or 11 Azerbaijani political prisoners are kept in Evin and Zanjan jails without charge realization, especially Mr. Heydari arrested on 5th Aban (27th October) and he has not had any contact with his family until now. He has no attorney, so we don’t know his detention proofs.
VOA: Yaghoub SalekiNiya, Azerbaijani journalist, has been arrested last night too. Would you please tell us about his activities and how he has been arrested?
Mrs. Fakhte Zamani: Mr. Yaghoub SalekiNiya is Azerbaijani journalist and also human rights activist that was arrested by Iranian intelligent services from his home on Wednesday at 21:00, and was transmitted to unrecognized place.
He is one of organizers of defense committee for Azerbaijani political prisoners (ASMEK). He also has written several articles in Shams- Tabriz, Ahrar, Omide-Zanjan, and Sas weekly serials.
Mr. Mohammad Nosrati also is Master student of Ankara University. He came back to Iran accompany with his spouse to visit his sick mother, but he arrested in entering to Iran and now is kept in Evin prison. His charges also have not been realized.
VOA: In last months families of Azerbaijani political prisoners was under pressure from Iranian intelligent services from propagating of their detained relatives news. Are you have any news about this mater?
Mrs. Fakhte Zamani: we try to catch information from families of prisoners to bring these information to international organization active on human rights, but we see that these family are under intense pressures and intelligence services are preventing them from propagating of the related news. AliReza Matinpour, brother of Saied Matinpour, has been jailed, and his arrest proofs have not yet specified. Also Mrs. Leyla Heydari, Mr. Behrouz Safari’s spouse, has been arrested. These actions maybe is to apply more pressure on prisoners, and Iranian intelligent services want to catch needed avowals.
Financial payment and whiplash penalty for Ardabili nationalist activist 
Oyrenci News- Branch 4 of reconsidering court in Ardabil convicted Ramin Sadeghi, Azerbaijani national activist, and penalized him to lashes and payment penalty in charge with participate in demonstration on 28 May 2006.
He had appealed to his primitive judgment, sentenced 50 lashes and 3000000 Riyals payment which must defray account of government. Besides, He had spent in prison for some time.
Detention of a repute and biology graduate of Tabriz University in Tehran
Oyrenci News- As expected and it has been mentioned by Azerbaijani student’s analysis, one of the other repute and biology graduate of Tabriz University detained in Tehran. For stopping the activities of Azerbaijan that are active in publishing of Azerbaijani periodicals and internet sites, it is expected new detention wave of Azerbaijani activist to be continued. In new detention series, Iranian regime trys to calm those that with their human rights activities have prevented full sensors of south Azerbaijan news and they have propagated detention news to the international organizations with sacrificing. Mr. Yaghoub SalekiNiya was one of those activists that had cooperation with the other human rights activists with civil methods and he published detention news in his web-loge. He is 35 years old and married recently and is from Marand, a city in south Azerbaijan, but leaves in Tehran.
Yaghoub SalekiNiya (Ilghar Marandli), author, human right activist, member of Asmek (defender committee of Azerbaijani political prisoners), founder member and former secretary of nongovernmental society of “Azerbaijan progeny home” has been arrested at 9:00 on 9th Aban (31th September) by the government pressure groups and conducted to unrecognized place. It has been announced that Iranian intelligent services detected Mr. Yagoub salekiNiya’s home for 2 hours and they impounded many of his legal books, Camera, films, and family photos.
Vast detention of Azerbaijani national movement activists is the sign of new pressure waves on Azerbaijani activists, so national activists of Azerbaijani national movement must find new supporting ways of political prisoners. Logical support of active forces of social and political movement can put regime in a weak position. According to the current situation the solution is that all of Azerbaijani activist out of Iran must consider the human rights issues of south Azerbaijan and avoid from morbid competitions and time wasting.
Detention of political sciences professor and secretary of Azerbaijani students related publications
Detention of political sciences professor and secretary of Azerbaijani students related publications club
Author: Savalan Sasi 
Oyrenci:whereas detained Azerbaijani activists have been retained almost 6 months in Iran prisons illegally and uncertainty (without attorney right, without any visit and phone calls permission with even their families, and jailing in sporadic cells), Iranian regime with increasing of pressure against Azerbaijani activists in last days, has increased threats on them and with applying of compulsory powers have annoyed these activists.
Herein Dr. Mohammad Ali Heydari, graduated with PHD in international relations field from Tehran university and now professor of Tabriz university in political sciences, has been arrested on 5th Aban (27th October) in Tehran and transferred to unrecognized place.
Dr. Heydari originally is from Marand, a city in south Azerbaijan, now lives in Tehran, and as a senior expert of Taavon ministry is professor in Tabriz University. He was manager of “Duzgun Khabar” serial when he was a student. He published some interesting articles on Azerbaijan national movement philosophy and solution for resolving of the related problems In those times, Also he had fundamental role in publication some of student periodicals, for instance, “Azerbaijani students movements phenomena assessment”, and “Democratic sect rise of martyr, Pishevari”. As a reputed student activist, he was manager of Azerbaijani students related publication club that is a Academic and Civil organization with eight years background.
He is the second university professor next to Mr. Abdollah Abbasi-Javan that have been arrested in the last months in Azerbaijan because of their anti- discrimination, pro- Azerbaijani lingual, and their nationalistic activities.
Police constraint to music groups in Urmu 
Oyrenci:Based on the Urum news correspondent, Urmu Police in a new plan has increased constraints to music groups in Urmu. Based on the report the supervision unit of police intelligence in an operation by recalling authorities of Azerbaijani Music groups in Urmu ordered them to avoid participating in wedding celebrations. They are also allowed to go on their work after receiving permission from the police. In a justification session they have been forced to undertake to avoid singing national poems and marching. Besides, owners of wedding halls in Urmu have been prohibited to allow music groups without allowance from police. Also Nima Dastan a famous Azerbaijani dancer which teaches Azerbaijani dance in Barish institute has been recalled to police and has been noticed to avoid wearing Azerbaijani traditional clothes and dancing in concerts and celebrations, so if he goes on his actions, he is going to be arrested. It is noteworthy that in wedding celebrations in Urmu it is widely practiced to sing Azerbaijan March and Azerbaijani dance as well as showing grey wolf symbol.
Manifesto of a group of Azerbaijani students of Tehran and Tabriz
Human rights violation in southern Azerbaijan
We are steadfast.
Oyrenci:
Azerbaijan, phoenix of the east, after a few years of silence has burgeoned and emerged from under the ashes of times and like ever in the history has taken up the cudgels for itself and others. A calamity with roots in the savagery of the diabolic manner of anti-humans and hero Azerbaijan is decided and strong-willed to tear down the chains of captivity and oppression. Now it is about 80 years that a kind of oppression is imposed upon the pioneers of the justice, freedom and social and economical progress in the Qajar protected countries, i.e.,Azerbaijani Turks in Iran, that has no reason except the inferiority complex of newcomers and parvenus and since oppressors know well that if all freedom-seekers and suppressed and became defeated, Azerbaijan would not sit still against oppression and discrimination they assume such policies. They exert double pressure and oppression on Azerbaijani Turks and by the force of the whip of poverty,discrimination, humiliation, torture and imprisonment they make a void effort to continue their illegitimate ruling for a little longer period unaware of the fact that they started a game with a fire which is hidden under the ashes of times and this fire has never been extinguished and will not put out at all and appearance of its first flames will burn the hands and skirts of the gentlemen in a way that due to precipitance they commit actions which have no reason except insanity and panic. Today Iranian administration suppresses any sort of Azerbaijani Turks efforts in order to institutionalize their civil rights by breaking all the international conventions and religious and moral code and even the passed laws of the founders of the present state. Against this fully civil movement the government resorts to military force, imprisonment and torture of the national activists. As last year in May a large number of the people of Azerbaijan were killed and wounded by the special suppression guards of the Islamic republic just because of their protest against insult to and denial of their identity and also a large number were sent to the prisons of the regime that many of these prisoners are in jails even now. Of course, suppression and strangulation was not excluded to that time but alsoafter that like previous years detention, torture and exile lasted up to now. For instance, in the world day of mother tongue (February), great congregation of Babak castle (July) and the anniversary of the last years (May 2006) great uprising and etc. At present, a large group of the national movement activists are in custody. Their sole sin is that they demand national rights of 35 million Azerbaijani Turks living in Iran which constitutes relative majority of the total population. A large number of Azerbaijani school and university students have been deprived of the right of education since regime is hopeful that by taking such actions will be able to stifle the right-seeking voice in schools and universities. National movement of Azerbaijan with appreciation of all the efforts of the human societies in establishment of justice and freedom in the world till administering justice of the Turk nation of Azerbaijan and also Turks residing in other regions of Iran will keep on its campaign. It also will attempt to attract the attention of the international bodies and humanitarian organizations and human rights defending institutions to the unpleasant situation of Iran Turks especially to the prisoners of
the national movement in the jails of apartheid regime.
Arresting Dr. Heydari manner: 
Oyrenci:Dr. Mohammad Ali Heydari Farfar, the Azerbaijani identity seeker, as soon as leaving his office in Beheshti Street in Tehran on Saturday 27 Oct 2007 has been arrested by intelligence service forces. They took him to his house and inspected his house completely and took his books, computer and what he has written as well. Based on the family statements, there is no news from bridegroom of the family that had come to the house in that time. Dr. Heydari is 40 years old and he was director of Duzgun Khabar publication in Tehran University as well as host of Azerbaijan’s student publications association. He also has lots of articles in different publications. He’s International relations Ph.D. from Tehran University. He is Lecturer of International relations, international law and third world courses in Tabriz University and Maraghe Azad University. Tabriz intelligence service office and Tabriz University preservation office opposed his official contract as lecturer in university because of his efforts when he was a student. Dr. Heydari is staff member of international relation bureau in the ministry of cooperation now.
Severe criticism of European Union due to human rights violation in Iran 
Thursday, representatives of European parliament in Strasburg with unanimity voted to a resolution about human rights situation in Iran in which intensely violation of human rights has been denounced.
In this resolution that points to several specific cases of human rights violation, European parliament has asked Iranian government to respect different international laws about its citizen^s rights and stop current death sentences.
This resolution also has requested to resume bilateral talks about human rights.
These negotiations which were under way in Mohammad Khatami (former president of Iran ) time, stopped in June…..
Benita Ferur Valdner, commissar of European Union^s foreign relations in forum of European parliament about human right situation in Iran said: "there is a continuous harsh treatment against freedom of expression, peaceful associations and political opposition…new cases of torture have been seen and execution of those who are not in legal age continues".
He added: "number of execution in the public view has increased very much and despite to insurance given by Iranian to stop carrying out of stoning, in a case it has been performed. Also in current year at least…. People have been executed in Iran and this large number has placed in second rank in the world".
Under the shadow of nuclear program negotiations
According to the statements of the officials of human rights commission of European parliament, this resolution issued since human rights situation in Iran has become critical and also reminds that relations with Iran is not limited to its nuclear case.
They say they do not want human rights become forgotten because of nuclear negotiations.
Benita Ferur Valdner emphasized this point that: "at present without any improvement in human rights situation there would be no real progress in European union relations with Iran".
Resolution has pointed to apprehension of Emadaldin Baghi and some of other political and social activist like Majid Osanloo and requested for immediate release of all political prisoners.
Also pressure on the religious minorities, in particular, Bahaiian and issue of death-sentences to Adnan Hasanpour and aAbdolvahed Botimar as a correspondent and also pressure on the woman activists and gathering of a million signatures has been denounced intensely.
Dialogue of democracy
European parliament in addition to its requests from Iranian government for stopping human rights violations has asked Iranian parliament to make amendments in laws and forbid stoning for ever and adapt printed matters laws with international political and civil ones.
In another part of the resolution members of European parliament have been asked to vote to a new resolution in condemning of basic human rights violations in Iran.
This ratified resolution asks the member states of European parliament to stop repatriating of political refugees to Iran.
Regarding this, it has pointed to a refugee that after repatriation to Iran has been detained and brought under pressure.
Representatives of European parliament have asked European commission to make utmost efforts in protecting Iran^s civil society, academicians and cultural and social-civil exchanges between Iran and Europe to keep the door of dialogue open.
One the founders of the Defenders of Azerbaijani Political Prisoners Right (ASMAK) is arrested
Yaqub Salekinia known as Elgar Marandli in his mother language is arrested after a raid by Ettelaat forces to his home in Tehran, savalan sesi says.
Mr. Marandli is a well known activist and has loads of his articles and writings published. He was also one of the founders of the Home of Azerbaijani kid’s community.
Official Tehran Puts Pressure on National Activists of South Azerbaijan: Law Observer
29.10.07 19:04
According to the information by the Committee for Protection of Prisoners, currently more than 20 outstanding national activists have been arrested for long terms. The teacher of Tabriz University, Mohammadali Heydari, was detained on 27 October. His place of detention is unclear. Last week, lashing punishment (80 blows) was applied to three prisoners in Iran’s city of Parsabad. Zamaani reported by telephone from Toronto on 29 October that the Iranian Government deprives the ethnic groups of their minimal rights. “Azeri people who make up majority in Iran incur economic, political and cultural pressure. They do not have schools in their Native language and it is contrary to the law,” she said. According to the constitution of Iran, the ethnic peoples residing in Iran should get education in their Native languages. The ethnic peoples include Kurds, Turks, Arabs, Armenians and this law is followed only with regards to the Armenians. According to unofficial data, nearly 35mln Azerbaijanis reside in Iran. According to Zamaani, in addition to arrests and lashing, the national activists of South Azerbaijan in prisons incur pressures. “Sentencing Abbas Lisani to 30 months imprisonment and lashing punishment (100 blows) is illegal. Lisani incurred tortures in the prison. He was detained in the prison for those accused of ‘drug sale’ and ‘intentional murdering’ and was not allowed to meet with his relatives,” Zamaani said. The wife of Lisani, Ardabil national activist, reported to Trend that the Revolutionary Court of Iran sentenced Lisani to 30 months imprisonment and lashing punishment (100 blows) through accusing him of breaking the national security. After 16 months imprisonment, two more criminal cases were filed against him. According to Zamaani, the pressure on the families of the activists was intensified as well. “Several members of national activists’ families also incurred tortures,” she said. 
Azerbaijan, Baku /corr. Trend D.Khatinoglu / The repressions are observed to be intensified with regards to the national activists of South Azerbaijan. “Official Tehran puts inhuman pressure on the national activists of South Azerbaijan, arrests political activists for long terms and punish them through lashing,” said the Chairwoman of the Association for Protection of South Azerbaijani Prisoners, Iranian Law Observer, Fakhteh Zamani.
http://news.trend.az/index.shtml?show=news&newsid=1062791&lang=EN
Lashing sentence for Moghani activists was made actual
Oyrenci:According to reports from Parsabad Moghan (Savalansesi), lashing sentences of Azerbaijani national movement activists, Ramin Bahramnezhad, Siyamak Tavassoli and Hasan Balayee, detained in massive public demonstration on May 2006 and condemned by Revolutionary Court of Tabriz, has been made actual.
Conviction for 2 Ardabili activists Oyrenci:Mansour Jeddi and Asgar Akbarzadeh, Ardabili activists detained throughout public demonstration protesting prohibition of education in Turkish Language, was condemned 4 months actual imprisonment by sentence of Public court of Ardabil No. 105. He had been accused to “propagation against Islamic republic of Iran”. Jeddi and Akbarzadeh had been detained during spreading declarations.
Mohammad Nosrati in Evin prison
oyrenci:Mohammad Nosrati, Master student of statistical science in Ankara University, in accompany with his spouse in coming to Iran to visit his sick mother has been arrested by Iranian intelligence services. Unfortunately, his mother dies in detention period. Iranian intelligence officials after donating 4 vacation days to him for attendance in his mother funeral and mournful ceremony have arrested again him and jailed in Evin prison. He is not allowed to visit anybody and proofs of his detention have not been announced.
Also, intelligence services with threatening of his family have warned them from propagating of their progeny detention news; otherwise they will arrest all of them.
Advocacy authority of Mohammad Reza Faghihi in behalf of Saied Matinpour has not admitted 
oyrenci:Limitations and prohibition of family and attorney visits of Saeid Matinpour, Turk journalist and human rights activist, continues.
According to the received news from Zanjan, Mohammad Reza Faghihi’s request to undertaking advocacy of Saeid Matinpour, Azerbaijani Turk, journalist and human rights activist, has been rejected.
According to this report, Mr. Mohammad Reza Faghihi, Advocate of Mr. Abbas Lisani, had gone to Zanjan to undertake Advocate of Saied Matinpour too, but he has been stopped to take authority of visit and mandate setting by Iranian intelligence forces.
Freedom of Javad Hassanpour, Activist from Ahar 
oyrenci:According to some reports received by Savalan-Sesi Agency, Mr. Javad Ahari, reputed activist from Ahar located in south Azerbaijan, that had been arrested in Khordadd 1385 (May 2006) has been freed from Ahar prison on 30th Mehr (22nd October) against of 20 Million Tomans guarantee. He is one of the Azerbaijan national movement members that he had been arrested from his home in Tebriz on 12th Shehrivar (3th September). Intelligence agents had brought his personal computer, books, CDs in his detention. Befor this detention, Javad Hassanpour had been arrested by intelligence ministry forces in Esfand 1384 (Febuarary 2006) in Ahar and he had been freed after 5 days detention against pawn.
Saleh kamrani in illegal detention 
Oyrenci:with finishing of Saleh kamrani’s jail period and whereas news agencies announced that he will be freed on 27th Mehr (19th October), but he has not freed until now. Any information has not yet announced In this period on his detention location and he has not yet had any phone call with anybody.
According to the latest news on this issue is relates to his spouse, Mrs. Asghari, reference to the Evin prison in Tehran to ask a visit with Mr. Kamerani, but jail officers with unrighteous manner informed she that her spouse is not allow to visit anybody. Finally she referred to the second branch of special interrogation bureau that she has encountered with scornful manner of judge there. It is worthy to say that detention place of Mr. Kamerani has not announced until now and it has not clarified why his is not allowed to visit anybody even his family.
