News Update - January 30, 2010

News Links

What I Didn't Know Yesterday

White moderates and greens

Recent Reports from Iran

Opposition leaders criticize executions

University of Tehran Mosque Center for Espionage

Award-winning actress says she's afraid of returning to the country, fearing repercussions

More than 2000 people gather outside Evin tonight

Threat by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard: “We will act harshly on 22 Bahman”

Iranian opposition in protest call

Fareed Zakaria interview Foreign Minister Mottaki

Tabriz Intelligence Agents Arrest Abdollah Sadoughi

Latest Iran Video: Defending the Executions (30 January)

The Latest from Iran (30 January): Threat

Iran’s Executions: The Reformist Participation Front Questions to Sadegh Larijani

Iran Analysis: The Regime’s Ultimate Challenge “We Will Kill You”

From Tweets

- Currently there are 12 Khajeh Nasir UNI students in detention.

- Soheil Mohamadi was charged with anti national security acts, insulting the president & participating in gatherings.

- Khajeh Nasir UNI student Soheil Mohamadi arrested Nov 3 has been sentenced to 4 years. He is appealing the sentence.

- The Participation Front, N.W. Iran Branch issued an open letter declaring their continued support for Mousavi.

- Dr. Beheshti in a phone call to family informed them he is not well & they have to give him an IV daily.

- Mousavi Sr. advisor Dr. Alireza Beheshti arrested 12/2 & suffered a heart attack in Evin is still in solitary.

- 1/2 For once a happy occasion in front of Evin. Sat night lrg crowd gathered, number of prisoners were set free.

- 2/2 With every freed prisoner walking out of Evin, crowd cheered & clapped. Gathering lasted till midnight.

- 2 of the 5 defendants in Saturday's trial charged with Moharebeh are female.

- Child rights advocate Maryam Zia arrstd 12/31 is under pressure in Evin ¬ doing well accused of MKO connection.

- Shojouni called for execution of opposition intellectuals on state TV program.

- Currently 7 members of the Children's Rights Advocacy Group in detention. No apparent reason for their arrest.

- Children's rights advocate Reza Mahabadian was arrested by Intel last Wed. No news since.

- 1 month since arrested of author, journalist & human rights activist Emadedin Baghi, still in Evin 240 solitary & barred from visit.

- 2 men convicted of rape were executed in Evin today.

- Esfahan UNI disciplinary office issued 20 disciplinary actions for students who participated in 16 Azar student day protest.

- 1/3- Today family of Ashkan Sohrabi & group of Mourning mothers celebrated Ashkan's birthday at his grave site.

- 2/3- Ashkan was one of the first killed during June uprising, he was 20. Plainclothes & police were present.

- 3/3- The crowd than went to Neda's & Sohrab Arabi's grave to pay respect. Forces warned them not to chant.

- Status & whereabouts of Journalist Morteza Kazemian arrested 1 month ago is still unknown.

- During their TV confession weapons were shown. Seems like they are paving the way to charge them with Moharebeh.

- IR TV showed 4 political prisoners confessions Wed night. It seems this was done to legitimize next AM executions.

- 4 who confessed on TV are: Mahmod Dowlatabadi, Mehdi Saiedi, Abbas Balikhani & Borzo Kamrani.

- 4 who confessed on TV were arrested more than 3 months ago & are in Sepah solitary in Gohardash prison.

- 4 who confessed were tortured & presured to do these fake TV confessions & were promised release on bail.

- During their TV confession weapons were shown. Seems like they are paving the way to charge them with Moharebeh.

- Saied Haeri arrested 39 days ago on his way to Qom, to family visits, has not been indicted, is in Evin 240.

- Karoubi campaign activist Mehrdad Rahimi is under heavy pressure to do TV confession. He has not agreed.

- Trial of 16 Ashura protesters started today. 5 were charged with Moharebeh.

Misc. Sources

- Gerdab.ir and the Fars News Agency websites were hacked.

Video