Iran News Update - November 04, 2009

Newslinks

AJC: Ship Seizure Proves Iran is Fanning Flames of War

Israel: Commandos seize huge Iranian arms shipment

Iran wants to be seen as regional power: ElBaradei

Obama calls for new relationship with Iran on anniversay of embassy takeover

Iran On the Edge

Iran opposition protesters return to streets

White House hoping violence in Iran won't spread

BBC Persian's eyewitness report page (Farsi) | مراسم 13 آبان، مشاهدات شما

Iran's ex-presidential candidate attacked

Internet down or really slow in most parts of Tehran (Farsi) | اینترنت را قطع کردند

Iran's new chant is 'Death to no one!'

Gov tried to counter Kermanshah protests by mixing Basij with greens, but failed (Farsi) | مردم غيور كرمانشاه ترفند كثيف نظام را نقش برآب كردند

Earthquake strikes southern Iran

The President Snubs Iran's Democrats

Neda's mother: She was 'like an angel'

U.S. Embassy Takeover a Mistake

Officials Who are Tricked by US are Naïve

Greens Announce Rally Routes

Leaders of Advar Tahkim Student Group Arrested

Iranians brace for tougher economic times

From Misc. Sources

- Karroubi's son confirmed on BBC Persian that his father was injured during an attack by the special forces.

- According to once source, gunshots were heard in Tehran at around 3:15.

Photos

- Pictures of tear gas and abuse by Sec. Forces

- Greens Carrying Green Banner in Tehran

- Photos of today's protests from BBC Persian

From Tweets
(Most of these are from the ever-amazing NiteOwl. Great to have him back!)

- According to NiteOwl, there have been no reports of anyone being killed in today's protests.

- Resistance source : "Police kept their word & didn't touch us. Unlike Sepah & Basij."

- Trials for Mohammad Ali Abtahi & Hengameh Shahidi were held today. The news was buried in all the protest news!

- Mousavi was at his office in Fahrangestan today. Sec. forces reportedly prevented him from joining protesters, says journo.

- Arrested today1: Mohammad Hashemi - reformist politician, Nafiseh Zah Kohan, journalist.

- Arrested Today2: Hojjat Sharifi, reformist politician, Wahideh Moolavi, women's rights activist.

- Arrested Today3: Ali Mashmooli, student activist from Isfahan, Ali Maleehi, reformist politician and activist.

- Arrested Today4: Mohammad Sadeghi, reformist politician/activist, Hasan Asad Zaidabadi, reformist activist.

- Eye witness tells BBC Farsi TV that the coup forces had equipments for dispersing people with boiling water.

- Security forces very violent today. Basijis were attacking with machete in their hands.

- Witness says some students from U of Tehran arrested.

- Three buses blockaded the university entrance gate to block the view on the inside of university campus.

- Basij, lebas shakhsi [plain clothes /under cover] were singling out individuals, dragging them away by the neck.

- Plainclothesmen chanted against Mousavi outside the office. Some attacked it but were beaten back.

- Security Forces have been fought back at Tehran Uni, they left scene. Students are free.

- Sec. Forces attacked Karroubi's car and the car was badly damaged in the attack as Karroubi was inside.

- Karroubi suffered skin irritation and small burns from the tear gas and was forced to leave the area.

- Many protesters are going home after beatings and then coming back with bandages.

- Reports that tear gas was used extensively to disperse protests in Tabriz just after they started.

- Political Activist Dr. Habibullah Peyman and his wife were beaten in Tehran during protests.

- Mobile Network Completly Shutdown in Tehran.

- Many people were detained and taken to Al-Javad Mosque. Can be confirmed now.

- Plainclothesmen were taking pictures and videos of protesters.

- Shomali Majmoueh Shiroudi/500 Basijis hold 50 Greens in buses.Trying to free them.

- Eyewitnesses claiming that protesters in Tehran's Hafte Tir were savagely beaten.

- Internet had been completely cut off by the government around Enghelab Square and other parts of the city.

- One of Karroubi's bodyguards has been taken to the hospiltal, per Mowjeh Sabzeh Azadi.

-Tear gas was used so extensively in Tabriz that around the main University, breathing was impossible.

- Regime goons threw protesters to the ground and jumped on their legs to break them, per radio caller.

- Unconfirmed Claims that gas with colored powder is being thrown at people for later identification.

- Opposition websites have been blocked by the gov to stop people from getting news of protests

- Opposition websites have been blocked by the gov to stop people from getting news of protests.

- Police opened fire at protesters at Tehran's Hafte-Tir Square, injuring multiple people, according to a reformist news website.

- Four Metro Stations in Tehran have been shut down by the government to stop the flow of Green protesters

Videos


Grand Ayatollah Dastgheib advises Khamenei to sit alone somewhere and repent.


Purely disgusting. I will never understand how anyone, especially leaders of a nation can not only allow, but condone those who are supposed to protect physically assault innocent people.

News Update - October 24, 2009

Disappeared journalist at risk of torture

Newslinks

Gilani assures Iran of tracking down Sistan attackers

Nuclear Negotiations / Don't celebrate yet

Iran, Pakistan agree on joint anti-terrorism mechanism

Top Iran official says West's nuclear plan a cover up for theft

The Karroubi Effect

Selected Headlines from the Tehran Bureau

Rafsanjani allegedly wrote a letter to Ahmadinejad inviting him to Expediency Council meeting (Farsi) | ماجرای تماس هاشمی با احمدی‌نژاد و موسوی

The Week in Green with Hamid Dabashi

Influential Iran lawmakers criticize nuclear deal

Political service editor of Iran paper was in the attack on Karoubi (Farsi) |
دبیر سرویس سیاسی روزنامه ایران عامل حمله به مهدی کروبی (+عکس)

Iran Is Said to Arrest Wives of Many Prominent Detainees

UK expert involved in Iran talks dies mysteriously

UN nuclear team arrives in Iran

Videos

News Update - October 23, 2009

Disappeared journalist at risk of torture

Newslinks

Clashes as Iran opposition leader visits exhibition

Selected headlines from the Tehran Bureau

France, Israel “exchange” nuclear information on Iran

US displeased at delay in Iran response on uranium

Iran universities target of conservative attacks

Terrorism: Iran reaps the whirlwind

Iran will emerge victorious

60 arrested at the prayer session (Farsi) | تعداد بازداشت شدگان مراسم دعای کمیل به 60 نفر رسید

Iran urges Pakistan to hand over rebel group leader

Iran Fails to Endorse U.N. Nuclear Deal

Families of the detainees offer strong words to the coup government (Farsi) | بیانیه جمعی از خانواده‌های زندانیان سیاسی در باره بازداشت‌شدگان دعای کمیل و سایر زندانیان جنبش سبز
Summary by anonymous: Following the arrest of about 30 members of the families of the political prisoners last night (Oct 22, 2009), who had gathered in the residence of Shahabbedin Tabatabai (a detained member of the Participation Front) to pray for his release, families... of political prisoners issued a statement strongly condemning this pathetic act. In this statement addressed to the coup forces they said: “If you have no mercy on our innocent children, at least have mercy on your religion; stop ruling in the name of Islam and [therefore] stop dishonouring Islam [with these acts]. The detention of our loved ones, who had done nothing wrong but expressing their thoughts or at most revealing the bitter truth of the society, is a great oppression and people will not forgive you for this.” They also warned the coup agents: “be afraid of the day that people’s patience is over!”

Grand Ayatollah Bayat-Zanjani praises Karroubi after being attacked by hardliners (Farsi) | گفتگوی تلفنی مرجع عالیقدر با حجت الاسلام و المسلمین
Summary by anonymous: Grand Ayatollah Bayat-Zanjani in a phone conversation with Mehdi Karroubi while denouncing the recent assault against Karroubi in Media Fair by pro-Ahmadinejad hardliners, admired Karroubi’s resistance in front of these obscene and hideous acts. In this conversation Grand Ayatollah Bayat-Zanjani called Karroubi a fighter and a true believer and addressed to him said: “The more influential you are, the more they (pro-coup hardliners) resist you and these insulting attempts [just] reveal how successful you are.”

Grand Ayatollahs Montazeri and Saanei condemn the recent raids on the homes of families of political prisoners (Farsi) | ابراز تاسف آیات عظام منتظری و صانعی از حمله به مراسم دعای کمیل
Summary by anonymous: Grand Ayatollahs Montazeri and Saanei, strongly condemned last night’s (Oct 22, 2009) raid on the families of political prisoners, who had gathered in a religious ceremony in the residence of Shahabbedin Tabatabai (a detained member of the Participation Front) to pray for his release, and the arrest of 30 members of these political prisoners’ families. Grand Ayatollah Montazeri after learning about this pathetic act by coup forces expressed deep sorrow and regret that in the Islamic Republic authorities are now raiding the religious ceremonies! He also reinstated that the original slogan of the revolution which is “Islamic Republic” has been ignored by the rulers and added that the most important slogan of the revolution, which is “Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic”, has been ignored and that the meaning of “Republic” in an Islamic government which is basically the same as people’s authority [and democracy], has been ignored and people’s right to be free is being violated. Also, Grand Ayatollah Saanei by strongly condemning this act, advised the families of the political prisoner to be patient and strong, as well as to be more resistance and to spread the information. He also by pointing out the raid on a religious ceremony said that when the families of political prisoners and innocent people are being attacked in a religious ceremony, it shows the weakness of the authorities, meaning that they cannot even tolerate a religious ceremony!

Iran misses atomic deal deadline

Bahai Leaders Must Continue to Wait

I Will Return to Iran

Majlis Reps Have Wrong Address

Revolutionary Guards Killed, Again

State Expects Intelligence from Guards

From Tweets

- Agents attacking the Komail prayer service were masked and armed.

- Mousavi announced he would not renew publication of his newspaper Kalameh Sabz for time being.

Videos

News Update - October 22, 2009

Stop Child Executions

Newslinks

Iranian Lawmaker Dismisses Uranium Plan

Arrests Made At Event For Jailed Iran Activist

Shahab Tabatabaie's wife has been released (Farsi) | همسر شهاب طباطبایی آزاد شد

‘Everyone Has Forgotten You’

Iran Lawyer Seeks Cash To Spare Young On Death Row

2500 students protested the suspensions (Farsi) | اعتراض ۲۵۰۰ دانشجو به احکام محرومیت

Statement by families of the detainees on prayer session & other green prisoners (Farsi) | بیانیه خانواده‌های زندانیان سیاسی در باره بازداشت‌شدگان دعای کمیل و سایر زندانیان جنبش سبز

Rafsanjani: The clerics should be on people's side when those in power are cruel (Farsi) | هاشمی رفسنجانی: روحانیت باید به هنگام ستم قدرتمندان در كنار مردم باشد

The Faltering Islamic Leviathan

Selected Headlines

Israel, Iran Reportedly Held Secret Nuclear Talks

Battle of the Media between Iran and Saudi Arabia

Who supports Jundallah?

US urging China, Japan to buy less oil from Iran

Decoding the Green Movement’s Slogans

Iran must overturn sentences issued by post-election 'show trial'

Iranian-American Stunned by Sentence

Iran: 5 Executions Include Woman

The mullah's rewrite of Iran's ancient history: Don't overlook this atrocity

Ebadi's husband and sister threatened (Farsi) | خواهر و همسر شیرین عبادی تهدید شدند

What really happened in Vienna

Mass arrests continue; family members of political prisoners among the detained

From Misc. Sources

- Members of Haft-Tappeh labor association are facing threats and being prohibited from going to work for protesting after not receiving their payment for months. They have also been sentenced to jail for six months as a result.

Videos

News Update - October 21, 2009

Being an artist myself, I caught this while on my search for today's news update and I wanted to share. If anyone decides to enter, I wish you the best of luck. :)

Poster4Tomorrow & Reporters Without Borders – Worldwide Exhibition & Contest

--

Stop Child Executions

Newslinks

Mostafa Tajzadeh tells his wife he is unaware of the process of his case (Farsi) | تاج‌زاده: فرصت شنیدن حرف‌های ماهم برای مردم پیش خواهد آمد/حق وتوی جنتی و همکارانش بزرگترین بدعت در انقلاب است
Summary by anonymous: Mostafa Tajzadeh, former deputy Interior minister and senior member of Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution Organisation who has been detained since the disputed presidential election in June, in a visit with his wife said that he is unaware of the pr...ocess of his case and emphasized that he has not done anything illegal, so he is ready to face the court PUBLICLY. He was also briefed by his wife about the false accusations made against him by the coup administration’s propaganda. In reaction he calmly and with confidence responded: “Let them say whatever they want in an unchallenged environment and in our absence; there is no doubt that there will be an opportunity for the people to hear our side of the story too! "

The effect of the Green Movement (Farsi) | انتشار بی سابقه اعلامیه های 13 آبان در سطح تهران
Summary by anonymous: It seems like despite the announcement of heavy prison sentences for the political activists, the activities of the Green movement not only have not decreased but are being followed more publicly and extensively. After the presence of Green movement ...in front of Keyhan Newspaper (Coup government’s propaganda) booth in press exhibition in Tehran on Oct. 20th, there have been reports that these days some young members of Green movement are distributing hand outs in the crowded parts of the city inviting people for the next major protest on Nov. 4th.

Iran's Biggest Worry: Growing Ethnic Conflict

The Return of Ayatollah Montazeri (Farsi) | بازگشت آیت الله منتظری

Iran, world powers agree to draft deal on uranium

Iran promises "good news" on nuclear achievements

Mr. Mohajerani goes to Washington

A Green Ayatollah’s Fatwa Against Nukes

Pakistan Says Will Help Iran Find Bomb Culprits

IDF, US forces launch major joint air drills

International Book Fair in Frankfurt Germany

Iran nuclear fuel deal 'agreed'

Iran Keeps Obama Waiting on Nuclear Deal

Iran agrees to ship out enriched uranium to Russia

Most Kahrizak defendants released on bail

Shadi Sadr wins 2009 Human Rights Defenders Tulip Award

From Misc. Sources

- On October, 21 2009 workers of a pipe-making plant in Ahvaz went on strike over not being pad for ten months. People who don't work at the plant also came to join them in support, and chanted "Coup government, resign, resign," "Either justice or death," “Ya Hossein, Mir Hossein," and "God is great" slogans. Even though there's no report on any clashes, Basijis were present and confiscated cellphones from people recording the events.

- Mohamad Mostafaei, Behnoud's lawyer has set up an account to raise diyyah (blood money) to help save the lives of other people, who have been sentenced to death for crimes committed under the age of 18. His blog can be found here.

- Five other people were hanged in Evin prison today.

- Yesterday, six students were suspended from Sharif University for their involvement in protests against the regime.

Videos

News Update - October 20, 2009

Accourding to a source, Safar's execution has been postponed for a month. Let's keep hoping that he and many others young people will not have to face Behnoud's fate. Please help raise awareness and let's all encourage others to join in the fight against the executions of those who committed crimes under the age of eighteen.

Sign the Amnesty petition to halt the execution of Safar Anjooti

Stop Child Executions

Newslinks

U.N. Security Council condemns bomb attack in Iran

Iran nuclear talks 'going slowly'

Three arrested over Iran suicide bombing

Brazil criticized for visit by Iran's president

Selected headlines from the Tehran Bureau

Newsweek: Journalist detained in Iran now in UK

Karoubi: I've prepared myself for everything (Farsi) | مهدی کروبی: "خود را برای همه چیز آماده کرده‌ام"

Iran's evasive blame game

Once again, Qazvin international university turned green (Farsi) | در ادامه اعتراض دانشجویان: دانشگاه بین المللی قزوین بار دیگر سبز شد

IRGC commander calls on Pakistan to allow IRGC military operation in Pakistan (Farsi) | سپاه منتظر مجوز نابودي تروريست‌هادرپاكستان

Two Iranian policemen shot dead in southeast: report

Supporters of Green Movement cause "Keyhan" to close down (Farsi) | هواداران جنبش سبز در افتتاحیه نمایشگاه مطبوعات و خبرگزاریها به غرفه روزنامه كیهان رفتند و به نشانه اعتراض به وضع موجود نمادهای سبز خود را در آنجا نصب كردند
Summary of article by anonymous: Supporters of the green movement caused the closedown of the guestbook of coup propaganda main newspaper "Keyhan" in the press exhibition in Tehran. The flag of "Keyhan" had to be put away as it became green over the hours! Supporters of the green movement planned to hold a protest simultaneously with the opening ceremony of the press exhibition on October 20th but the coup government in a pullback action rearranged the ceremony to be taken place behind closed doors.

Ali Pir Hosseinlou's released prevented (Farsi) | ممانعت از آزادی پیرحسینلو

Iran not to cede 'nuclear rights'

Iran MPs file complaint against opposition leader

Iran attack exposes sectarian divide, Baluch risks

Iran Commander Urges Bombers Held or Pursuit Allowed

Iran parliament votes to end food subsidies

Mohammad Mostafaie: We hope Behnood's fate is not repeated (Farsi) | امیدواریم سرنوشت بهنود تکرار نشود

Iran: 3 detained Americans still face questioning

Iran: Guard death toll raised to 15 in Sunday bomb

Misunderstanding Iran

U.S. officer: If Israel strikes Iran, U.S. will likely join

Iranian press condemns bombing

Coup Perpetrators Insist on Intensifying Security Atmosphere

Coup Supporters Increase Pressure on Karubi

Talks on Iran's uranium to go into a third day

Behind Iran's Diplomatic Snub of France

'Jundallah will receive crushing response soon'

From Misc. Sources

- There is a crowd of one-hundred people standing at the gates of Evin prison, including a lawyer and a rep from UNICEF.

-Network of Green Path Movement (JRS): Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, in separate messages, condemned suicide operations in Sistan and Baluchestan. Mousavi emphasized in his message that, "uncontrolled violence which is resulted from prejudice and superstition in the eastern borders of our country should force us to think that such seeds, planted at any time and in any place, within a few years will shape roots of such deep crises and make life harder for humans."

From Tweets
(Slightly edited for spelling and grammar)

- Sec forces escorted all foreign reporters into Mosala. They didn’t let them talk to anybody.

- One sec guard has found a green graffiti on Keyhan news stand. Sec forces cover the graffiti with some papers.

Videos

News Update - October 19, 2009

Safar Angooti to be executed October 21 - please take action

Stop Child Executions

Newslinks

Grand Ayatollah Bayat Zanjani comments on the division within the political conflict (Farsi) | آیت الله بیات زنجانی ضمن حمایت مجدد از موسوی: تکلیف همه ما ایستادن در برابر انحرافات کنونی است
Summary by anonymous: Grand Ayatollah Bayat Zanjani, one of the Marajeh (the highest ranking clerics) in Qum, requested that all people to withstand against what he described as division from the principle of Islamic Republic. The Grand Ayatollah while described the confrontation in Iran as a confrontation between two ideologies said: “One side is defending the “Islamic Republic” while the other side does not believe in “Republic” at all and interprets the “Islamic” part the way it likes.” He also added that he defends an establishment that has justice, freedom, respect for people’s vote and their rights and all of the Islamic Revolution slogans inside of it. He reiterated that one of the reasons behind the 1978 revolution was the fact that authorities had not learned from the past and added: “Unfortunately after a not very long period we are simply being caught by the same bitter historical experience again.”While vaguely condemning the interference of some military personnel in political issues, Grand Ayatollah Bayat Zanjani added that there is a party in Iran that does not consider anyone other than some military personnel suitable to control the political, social or even technological affairs. By pointing out the events after the presidential election he continued: “… the situation has escalated so badly that after the massive obliteration of the character and ideas of Imam’s allies and making up different false accusations against every single one of them, today they even sometimes attack Imam Khomeini's family.”

Iran's Mottaki postpones visit to Yemen

Selected headlines from the Tehran Bureau

Iran's Policies Have A Cost

US, UK and Pakistan behind suicide bombing: Iran

Iran nuclear talks 'off to good start', says UN host

Sheikh of Reform: Mehdi Karroubi

Press group calls for pressure on Iran to free jailed journalists

Rights group urges Iran to drop threat of charges against Karroubi

Khamenei says Iran will punish attackers

Sunni insurgent group in Iran

Why a Bombing in Iran Could Be Bad News for Obama

France removed from Iran uranium suppliers

Mohammad Naeimipour & Ahmad Shirzad write to Tehran's prosecutor regarding their sons' arrest (Farsi) | اگر از همین ابتدا تسلیم فزون خواهان شوید عاقبتی جز بدنامی و نفرین خلق خدا نخواهید داشت

14 Azad university students banned from entering the premises (Farsi) | ممنوع الورود شدن 14 دانشجوی دانشگاه آزاد تهران مرکز

Iran bombing hits Revolutionary Guards prestige at home

Syria condemns terrorist attack in SE Iran

Iranian Revolutionary Guards vow revenge on Britain and US

Iran consortium to get 3rd mobile phone license-paper

Turkey offers condolences over bomb attack in Iran

Mortezavi’s Deputies Depart as Well

Ahmadinejad's theological foes

Azad University Rises Against Coup Government

Iran Signals It May Not Make Nuclear Deal

From Misc. Sources

- Few days ago Zaribafan, Head of the Office of Veteran Affairs of Tehran, in an interview said that if family of Neda Agha-Soltan (the young girl who was shot and killed by basij during one of the peaceful protests) accept that their daughter was kill...ed by the “conspiracy of the enemies” (i.e. foreigners) then they would be covered by Office of Veteran Affairs and would receive benefits and monthly payments. In an interview with VOA, Neda’s mother stressed that they would never accept that their daughter was killed by “conspiracy of the enemies” to receive benefits and monthly payments! She said that their daughter, like Sohrab and other Martyrs of Green movement, was martyred for freedom and what is important for them is that Neda is loved and honoured by the people of Iran and they are proud of this.

- Norooz: Sharif University students are under increasing pressure, the reports say. The disciplinary committee has summoned at least 6 students. 4 of those students are deprived of studying for a semester. According to Amirkabir newsletter, these students are accused of taking part in a demonstration against a speech given by Kamran Daneshjoo, the minister of Science and Technology, in the university on 7th of Mehr (Oct. 1st). According to the sentence of the disciplinary committee, not only are these students banned from studying for half a year, they are not allowed to enter university grounds. This is, however, a primary sentence which can be repealed.

From Tweets
(Slightly edited for spelling and grammar.)

- Intel Ministry contacted parents of Num of Science & Tech U with threats of arrest.

-Outside hall of Amir Kabir UNI, Basiji attacked 1 of the chanting students. Students helped him (the protesting student) to flee.

- More students joining the protest in the Amir Kabir UNI chanting: “Anjomane Basiji nemikhaym nemikhaym”

- Today 3.45pm. Students chanting: Ya hossein Mir Hossein in the hall of Amir Kabir UNI

- Amir Kabir UNI The speaker tries to calm the students but they keep chanting anti-coup gov slogans.

Videos

News Update - October 18, 2009

Safar Angooti to be executed October 21 - please take action

Stop Child Executions

Newslinks

Iran accuses Pakistan over attack

Bahari still in Iran, unclear whether he can leave the country

Iran vows response to suicide blast

Neda Agha Soltan's mother: I don't want the martyrs' foundation's support under any circumstances (Farsi) | مادر ندا آقاسلطان: به هیچ قیمتی حاضر نیستم تحت پوشش بنیاد شهید قرار بگیرم

Iran bombing kills 5 Revolutionary Guard leaders

Six train wagons containing 400 passengers derailed (Farsi) | قطار مسافربري تهران-کرمان در آب شيرين کاشان از ريل خارج شد

Death toll in Iran attack rises to 35 - TV

Iran, Senegal review expansion of mutual relations

Q&A: Iran's Revolutionary Guards

Trial of seven Baha'is delayed, no new date set

Guardian Council Chairman: Crush future demonstrations

From Misc. Sources

- A 24-year old inmate of Gohardasht Prison committed suicide on October 15, just one month before he was set to be released.

From Tweets
(Slightly edited for spelling and grammar.)

- Kayhan (hardline newspaper) is blaming Mossad for today's suicide attack that killed 5 Iranian RGs

- Asreno reporting an explosion close to the Oil Ministry Bldg on Taleghan St. No other news agencies reporting yet.

Videos

News Update - October 17, 2009

Stop Child Executions

Newslinks

Interrogations in the classrooms (Farsi) | باز جویی در کلاس های درس!

Selected headlines from the Tehran Bureau

Threats against Karroubi are a political tug of war (Farsi) | تهدید کروبی طناب‌کشی سیاسی است

Iran may declare dead protester Neda a martyr

Mottaki to Clinton: Avoid ‘useless slogans’ used in Bush era

Moghiseh appointed as the head of committee for probing mistreatment of detainees and those harmed in prison (Farsi) | محمد رضا مقیسه، رییس کمیته پیگیری امور بازداشت شدگان و آسیب‌دیدگان حوادث اخیر بازداشت شد

Worse than Shah-era Capitulation Laws

Iran releases foreign Newsweek reporter on bail

Chavez says Iran helping Venezuela find uranium

Ali Motahari: conservatives should admit their wrongdoings (Farsi) | مطهری: احمدی نژاد آغاز كننده فتنه بود و باید عذرخواهی كند
Summary by anonymous: "The conservative representative of the people of Tehran in the Parliament and the son of the Martyred Ayatollah Motahari, Ali Motahari, in an interview stated that the conservatives should admit to the wrong doings of Ahmadinejad and should consider ...the facts without prejudice and judge fairly. He said that some of the pro-Ahmadinejad hardliners are insisting that there should be no national unity unless the “leaders of the conspiracy” (referring to reformist leaders) admit to their mistakes and apologise to the people or even be prosecuted, but they should pay attention to the fact that Ahmadinejad started the “conspiracy” by his remarks during the election campaign in the presidential debates when he accused others who were not present to defend themselves and he also provoked people by this “victory” speech. Motahari added that the pro-Ahmadinejad hardliners should at least admit that for a national unity both parties should come together but there are some who see the current situation to their benefit and that is why they oppose to the national unity plan and there are also other are too biased to see the truth."

IRGC's agenda for early retirement of Iran-Iraq war evidence (Farsi) | تصفیه نیروهای قدیمی سپاه پاسداران
Summary by anonymous: RouyadNews reported that there is an agenda in the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) to force old personnel, who are mostly those that defended the country during the 8-year imposed Iran-Iraq war, to accept early retirement by offering them lucrative incen...tive packages and replace these forces by new personnel who will have passed “certain screenings”.

Families of victims of recent events meet at Laleh park (Farsi) | /اختصاصي سلام/
درگيري عصر امروز در پارك لاله با گاز اشك آور پايان يافت
Summary by anonymous: According to a report by SaalamNews, similar to previous weeks a group of mothers and family members of the victims of the recent events were going to hold a gathering and to meet with a number of artists in Laleh Park in Tehran today (Saturday, 17 O...ct 2009) but this peaceful gathering was confronted by police and security forces. Police and security forces have attacked the protesters and used teargas to scatter them.

Iran’s FM to visit Yemen

How Accurate are Public Opinion Polls in Iran?

Khamenei is alive and well, it seems

The Executives of Construction Party of Iran, Hossein Mara'shi says conservatives should distance themselves from Ahmadinejad (Farsi) | مرعشی: باید تمام تخلفات احمدی‌نژاد توسط مراجع صالحه مورد بررسی قرار گیرد
Summary by anonymous: Hossein Mara'shi, the spokesman of The Executives of Construction Party of Iran (Kargozaran Sazandegi, reformist) in an interview said that the conservatives should distance themselves from Ahmadinejad and clear their positions with respect to h...is actions as giving an easy ride to Ahmadinejad is not in the best interest of conservatives. He added that the problem is that a high cost is being paid from country’s resources for the benefit of a group that don’t deserve it as their association to revolution and establishment is not proven at all. He stressed that all of Ahmadinejad’s illegal acts during the election and his incompetence should be review by just and qualified authorities, because many have serious doubts about Ahmadinejad’s competence and these questions should be answered. He also emphasized that Ahmadinejad should not be considered above the law even as a president.

From Misc. Sources

- Hassan Qashqavi stepped down as Foreign Ministry Spokesperson because his family members participated in the massive Qods day protests, and some were arrested.

From Tweets

- Saeed Hajarian has been sentenced to 5 years suspended sentence.

- Iran says it will soon exclude the U.S. dollar from the country's foreign revenues and reserves, state media reports

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From Misc. Sources
- Department of Anti-sabotage in Hamburg in Germany said that the security forces and secret police of the Islamic Republic of Iran are monitoring the Iranians who have been exiled to Germany and are opposing the Iranian government. The German Official News Agency, on Thursday, quoted from this office whose headquarters is in Hamburg, and said that the Islamic Republic's secret police are active in Germany. Manfred Marek, deputy of the public office of protecting the constitution, said: "We have information that wherever a demonstration against the Iranian government is held, the intelligence ministry of Iran sends its members to secretly go among people.

- In a most recent change in government relations with the grand ayatollahs, Safi-Golpayegani and Makarem Shirazi, two of the Shiite grand ayatollahs in Qom, criticized Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government and accused it of opposing the clerics. It appears that their criticism is to Najjar, Internal Minister's statement, which had given news of assigning female governors.

From Tweets
(Slightly edited for grammar and spelling.)

- Highly likely that Islamic Republic will fail and be replaced by secular gov in less than five years.

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