Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Emadeddin Baghi Interrogated without presence of attorney
Handcuffed and dresses in prison cloths Emaddedin Baghi was taken from 209 Evin Prison to be interrogated in the first Branch of the public prosecutors office, on Monday 22 October.
His acting lawyer, Mr.Youssef Molaei, witnessed the scene by coincidence as he had approached the prison to visit his client.
According to section 3 of the 14th article of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Islamic regime is also a signatory, having a lawyer present during all stages of investigations is a principal right. Mr. Baghi, however, was deprived of this essential right.
In a separate short contact with his lawyer Mr.Baghi stressed that he was ridiculed and pressurized while in section 209 Evin prison, but expressed his determination to continue his activities regarding Human right violations in Iran.
We should remind our readers that charges targeted at this human right activist and journalist has been; to have propagated against the regime, and to have revealed highly sensitive government documents under the pretext of interviewing prisoners and discussing them in meetings and congregations and also to have been writing for the Association to Protect the Rights of Prisoners.
Mr. Emadeddin Baghi, had been arrested on 14 October, while attending convocation at the first branch of the Public Prosecutors’ Office, about his activities in the Association in Defense of Freedom of Press.
According to Mr.Bagis’ daughter, he had been asked for a 50million toman bail, to which he was reluctant at first but accepted considering the circumstances. Whilst the bail was being collected by his family, they were informed that Mr. Baghi had been removed to prison, to under take the previous 1 year sentence accorded to him.
Mr. Baghi has released a letter after his arrest in which he reveals pressures put on him and his family prior to his imprisonment. According to this letter, he had been deprived of teaching in the University, refrained from all media activities and interviews and contact with the press.
In his letter he has said that during the 25 years of his activities, as a researcher he had released articles and books, which had either been barred from publication or confiscated after being published.
Iranian Political Prisoners Association
His acting lawyer, Mr.Youssef Molaei, witnessed the scene by coincidence as he had approached the prison to visit his client.
According to section 3 of the 14th article of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Islamic regime is also a signatory, having a lawyer present during all stages of investigations is a principal right. Mr. Baghi, however, was deprived of this essential right.
In a separate short contact with his lawyer Mr.Baghi stressed that he was ridiculed and pressurized while in section 209 Evin prison, but expressed his determination to continue his activities regarding Human right violations in Iran.
We should remind our readers that charges targeted at this human right activist and journalist has been; to have propagated against the regime, and to have revealed highly sensitive government documents under the pretext of interviewing prisoners and discussing them in meetings and congregations and also to have been writing for the Association to Protect the Rights of Prisoners.
Mr. Emadeddin Baghi, had been arrested on 14 October, while attending convocation at the first branch of the Public Prosecutors’ Office, about his activities in the Association in Defense of Freedom of Press.
According to Mr.Bagis’ daughter, he had been asked for a 50million toman bail, to which he was reluctant at first but accepted considering the circumstances. Whilst the bail was being collected by his family, they were informed that Mr. Baghi had been removed to prison, to under take the previous 1 year sentence accorded to him.
Mr. Baghi has released a letter after his arrest in which he reveals pressures put on him and his family prior to his imprisonment. According to this letter, he had been deprived of teaching in the University, refrained from all media activities and interviews and contact with the press.
In his letter he has said that during the 25 years of his activities, as a researcher he had released articles and books, which had either been barred from publication or confiscated after being published.
Iranian Political Prisoners Association
Thursday, October 18, 2007
“AYATOLLA H, TOGLI I L BAVAGLIO A LL’I R A N ”
By: Claudio Gallo
La Stampa
Emadeddin Baghi, 45 anni, uno dei più noti attivisti per i diritti umani in Iran, è stato nuovamente arrestato, quattro giorni fa, nonostante la sentenza di condanna prevedesse una cauzione di oltre 50 mila dollari che l’imputato si apprestava a pagare.
Docente universitario, scrittore, giornalista, è stato in carcere dal 2000 al 2003 per le sue critiche al regime. Recentemente ha dato vita a un’associazione per i diritti dei carcerati e per l’abolizione della pena di morte.
In attesa che lo portassero nel famigerato carcere di Evin, ha scritto questa lettera, di cui pubblichiamo un estratto, alla massima autorità giudiziaria in Iran, l’ayatollah Shahroudi.
EMADEDDIN BAGHI
All’onorevole Ayatollah Seyyed Mahmoud Shahroudi Capo del sistema giudiziario della Repubblica Islamica dell’Iran.
(...) Durante la Rivoluzione del 1979 praticai l’abluzione per il martirio e scesi in strada, ma il martirio non scese su di me. Tra il 1982 e il 1983 sopravvissi a due tentativi di assassinio da parte dei terroristi dei Mojaheddin del popolo. Ci furono opportunità di martirio anche durante la guerra con l’Iraq, ma non si realizzarono.
Successivamente, i tre anni passati in prigione chiarirono che anche trent’anni in cella non avrebbero intaccato la mia volontà. Questo perché non ho mai fatto nulla che oltrepassasse il dettato della legge e dei miei diritti civili garantiti.
Ora, le chiedo come autorità responsabile della sicurezza dei cittadini, di riflettere su che cosa si potrebbe fare.
Le chiedo gentilmente di mettersi nei miei panni, quelli di una persona che si batte per la giustizia, e di dirmi che cosa avrebbe fatto in queste circostanze. Mi dica in che cosa la mia precedente situazione (di perseguitato) differisca dalla prigione. Che differenza ci sia a stare da una parte o dall’altra del muro. Mi dica dov’è la linea rossa. E come possa uno scrittore o un qualsiasi cittadino che voglia esercitare il diritto alla libera espressione delle sue idee, esporre una critica attraverso la scrittura e la parola. E come questa persona, il cui diritto di parlare e scrivere vale quello di chiunque altro di respirare e dissetarsi, possa esprimere le sue idee in modo da non essere trascinato ogni giorno in tribunale, e minacciato minacciato di finire in prigione per le proprie
convinzioni. Perché non sia possibile, come ho cercato di fare in questi anni, costruire
un’associazione per i diritti umani non governativa, non profit e non politica, che svolga legalmente le proprie attività, senza subire gravi minacce, esplicite e implicite, a me e alla mia famiglia.
Nonostante questa lettera parli del mio caso, la cosa più impostante è di informarla che la mia vicenda è insignificante di fronte a ciò che sta capitando a migliaia e migliaia di altri cittadini nel nostro Paese. In questo senso dovrebbe essere informato su cosa succede nel Paese in cui lei detiene la più alta responsabilità in qualità di capo del sistema giudiziario ed è responsabile di qualsiasi oppressione si verifichi al suo interno. Secondo l’insegnamento islamico, l’Imam Ali dice
che un musulmano quando sente del furto della cavigliera di una ragazza ebrea deve essere pronto a dare la sua vita.
Onorevole Ayatollah Shahroudi, secondo l’articolo 156 della Costituzione, il sistema giudiziario dev’essere il protettore dei diritti sociali e individuali del cittadino.
È responsabile della realizzazione della giustizia e della promozione della legittima libertà. Lei ha recentemente promulgato la circolare sui diritti dei cittadini che è diventata legge negli ultimi
giorni del sesto Parlamento. Più tardi, lei ha proposto di stabilire un tribunale dei diritti umani (o del cittadino). È per questa ragione che la informo con questa lettera e aspetto la sua risposta.
Teheran 10 ottobre 2007
LASTAMPA
La Stampa
Emadeddin Baghi, 45 anni, uno dei più noti attivisti per i diritti umani in Iran, è stato nuovamente arrestato, quattro giorni fa, nonostante la sentenza di condanna prevedesse una cauzione di oltre 50 mila dollari che l’imputato si apprestava a pagare.
Docente universitario, scrittore, giornalista, è stato in carcere dal 2000 al 2003 per le sue critiche al regime. Recentemente ha dato vita a un’associazione per i diritti dei carcerati e per l’abolizione della pena di morte.
In attesa che lo portassero nel famigerato carcere di Evin, ha scritto questa lettera, di cui pubblichiamo un estratto, alla massima autorità giudiziaria in Iran, l’ayatollah Shahroudi.
EMADEDDIN BAGHI
All’onorevole Ayatollah Seyyed Mahmoud Shahroudi Capo del sistema giudiziario della Repubblica Islamica dell’Iran.
(...) Durante la Rivoluzione del 1979 praticai l’abluzione per il martirio e scesi in strada, ma il martirio non scese su di me. Tra il 1982 e il 1983 sopravvissi a due tentativi di assassinio da parte dei terroristi dei Mojaheddin del popolo. Ci furono opportunità di martirio anche durante la guerra con l’Iraq, ma non si realizzarono.
Successivamente, i tre anni passati in prigione chiarirono che anche trent’anni in cella non avrebbero intaccato la mia volontà. Questo perché non ho mai fatto nulla che oltrepassasse il dettato della legge e dei miei diritti civili garantiti.
Ora, le chiedo come autorità responsabile della sicurezza dei cittadini, di riflettere su che cosa si potrebbe fare.
Le chiedo gentilmente di mettersi nei miei panni, quelli di una persona che si batte per la giustizia, e di dirmi che cosa avrebbe fatto in queste circostanze. Mi dica in che cosa la mia precedente situazione (di perseguitato) differisca dalla prigione. Che differenza ci sia a stare da una parte o dall’altra del muro. Mi dica dov’è la linea rossa. E come possa uno scrittore o un qualsiasi cittadino che voglia esercitare il diritto alla libera espressione delle sue idee, esporre una critica attraverso la scrittura e la parola. E come questa persona, il cui diritto di parlare e scrivere vale quello di chiunque altro di respirare e dissetarsi, possa esprimere le sue idee in modo da non essere trascinato ogni giorno in tribunale, e minacciato minacciato di finire in prigione per le proprie
convinzioni. Perché non sia possibile, come ho cercato di fare in questi anni, costruire
un’associazione per i diritti umani non governativa, non profit e non politica, che svolga legalmente le proprie attività, senza subire gravi minacce, esplicite e implicite, a me e alla mia famiglia.
Nonostante questa lettera parli del mio caso, la cosa più impostante è di informarla che la mia vicenda è insignificante di fronte a ciò che sta capitando a migliaia e migliaia di altri cittadini nel nostro Paese. In questo senso dovrebbe essere informato su cosa succede nel Paese in cui lei detiene la più alta responsabilità in qualità di capo del sistema giudiziario ed è responsabile di qualsiasi oppressione si verifichi al suo interno. Secondo l’insegnamento islamico, l’Imam Ali dice
che un musulmano quando sente del furto della cavigliera di una ragazza ebrea deve essere pronto a dare la sua vita.
Onorevole Ayatollah Shahroudi, secondo l’articolo 156 della Costituzione, il sistema giudiziario dev’essere il protettore dei diritti sociali e individuali del cittadino.
È responsabile della realizzazione della giustizia e della promozione della legittima libertà. Lei ha recentemente promulgato la circolare sui diritti dei cittadini che è diventata legge negli ultimi
giorni del sesto Parlamento. Più tardi, lei ha proposto di stabilire un tribunale dei diritti umani (o del cittadino). È per questa ragione che la informo con questa lettera e aspetto la sua risposta.
Teheran 10 ottobre 2007
LASTAMPA
For Baghi
Mostafa Izadi
The news has it that Emadeddin Baghi, the head of the Association for Defending Prisoners’ Rights and a prolific writer in the fields of politics and religion has been imprisoned to serve a previous one-year sentence. Baghi has had such experiences for years and if it wasn’t for his prison visits he would not be as aware of what happens in those wards and cells.
There are still many aspiring elites who, even during the oppressive monarchic era, did not see and do not know what prison is and what these four walls do with a prisoner. But Baghi in the past and present has seen, tasted, and knows. Hence, it was incumbent upon him both to set up an association in defense of prisoners (all prisoners) and bring together compassionate people to defend defenseless people, himself taking the helm of the organization.
Baghi is not a rowdy and noisy person, but has a pen for which he pays high costs. The reality is that some see decency in not hesitating in stating what they consider to be right. A critical disposition, particularly when under in its light people’s problems are relayed to authorities or public opinion, is among divine blessings. The ability to critique, particularly against powerful elements, requires courage. A courageous mindset is one of God’s best blessings. What should be done when these qualities are embedded in a commitment based on faith and religious honor?
Should these divine blessings be suppressed or left silent? Does any free-spirited individual, or a religious or intelligent one, accept that because the expression of this courageous and critical mindset has costs, it should not be put to work? Isn’t it [true] that every Muslim for the sake of placing value on Divine blessings should fortify his or her courageous mindset? And isn’t [true] that each Muslim based on the injunction to propagate virtue and avoid vice is obligated not to back away even slightly from this critical and courageous disposition? Furthermore, everywhere everyone insists on the necessity of criticism to exist. Of course, it is entirely clear that those facing criticism, particularly when they have the instruments and tools for confronting the critic, interpret criticism as weakening and do what they have done with Baghi. Right now I am not sitting in a court house to say on what basis Emadeddin Baghi’s conviction and imprisonment has been issued but with the close familiarity that I have with this dear accused [I will state that] I do not consider him to be one who would like to spend his fine disposition in the weakening and destruction of a phenomenon such as an Islamic order.
These slogans in defense of prisoners, defense of human rights, and also his interpretations of other value-based concepts are neither to gain power nor for overthrow; rather the intent is to reform which is one of the most sacred of intents.
Let us assume that Baghi, not for one but ten years, goes among those for whose improved conditions an association has been created. What will be lessened from Baghi and what will be added to those who oppose him?
The world knows that Baghi and those who think like him are neither criminal nor a burden to society, requiring them to be taken away and placed in fetters so that they no longer commit a crime. Rather, he and those who think like him are critics and object to the existing conducts in the running of the society. They are also endowed with literacy and an objecting pen. Isn’t it better to deal with him and those like him in a different way? It takes an open mind, clear heart, and humility to hear and think about words such as those uttered by Baghi and, if the thinking is that he is mistaken, to sit in discussion with him. This way there is no need for confinement, and no utility for branding or banners. Most importantly, [there will be] no horn blown, with thousand and one calumnies, in the international media, particularly in the opposition and enemy media, against our system and the men in charge of our country.
link: E’temad-e Melli
The news has it that Emadeddin Baghi, the head of the Association for Defending Prisoners’ Rights and a prolific writer in the fields of politics and religion has been imprisoned to serve a previous one-year sentence. Baghi has had such experiences for years and if it wasn’t for his prison visits he would not be as aware of what happens in those wards and cells.
There are still many aspiring elites who, even during the oppressive monarchic era, did not see and do not know what prison is and what these four walls do with a prisoner. But Baghi in the past and present has seen, tasted, and knows. Hence, it was incumbent upon him both to set up an association in defense of prisoners (all prisoners) and bring together compassionate people to defend defenseless people, himself taking the helm of the organization.
Baghi is not a rowdy and noisy person, but has a pen for which he pays high costs. The reality is that some see decency in not hesitating in stating what they consider to be right. A critical disposition, particularly when under in its light people’s problems are relayed to authorities or public opinion, is among divine blessings. The ability to critique, particularly against powerful elements, requires courage. A courageous mindset is one of God’s best blessings. What should be done when these qualities are embedded in a commitment based on faith and religious honor?
Should these divine blessings be suppressed or left silent? Does any free-spirited individual, or a religious or intelligent one, accept that because the expression of this courageous and critical mindset has costs, it should not be put to work? Isn’t it [true] that every Muslim for the sake of placing value on Divine blessings should fortify his or her courageous mindset? And isn’t [true] that each Muslim based on the injunction to propagate virtue and avoid vice is obligated not to back away even slightly from this critical and courageous disposition? Furthermore, everywhere everyone insists on the necessity of criticism to exist. Of course, it is entirely clear that those facing criticism, particularly when they have the instruments and tools for confronting the critic, interpret criticism as weakening and do what they have done with Baghi. Right now I am not sitting in a court house to say on what basis Emadeddin Baghi’s conviction and imprisonment has been issued but with the close familiarity that I have with this dear accused [I will state that] I do not consider him to be one who would like to spend his fine disposition in the weakening and destruction of a phenomenon such as an Islamic order.
These slogans in defense of prisoners, defense of human rights, and also his interpretations of other value-based concepts are neither to gain power nor for overthrow; rather the intent is to reform which is one of the most sacred of intents.
Let us assume that Baghi, not for one but ten years, goes among those for whose improved conditions an association has been created. What will be lessened from Baghi and what will be added to those who oppose him?
The world knows that Baghi and those who think like him are neither criminal nor a burden to society, requiring them to be taken away and placed in fetters so that they no longer commit a crime. Rather, he and those who think like him are critics and object to the existing conducts in the running of the society. They are also endowed with literacy and an objecting pen. Isn’t it better to deal with him and those like him in a different way? It takes an open mind, clear heart, and humility to hear and think about words such as those uttered by Baghi and, if the thinking is that he is mistaken, to sit in discussion with him. This way there is no need for confinement, and no utility for branding or banners. Most importantly, [there will be] no horn blown, with thousand and one calumnies, in the international media, particularly in the opposition and enemy media, against our system and the men in charge of our country.
link: E’temad-e Melli
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
HRW calls for release of jailed Iranian human rights advocate
Human Rights Watch on Tuesday called on the Iranian government to free human rights activist Emadeddin Baghi, who has been campaigning against the death penalty in his country.
The New York-based rights group also called on Iran to drop what it called politically motivated charges against the prisoner.
Baghi, who heads the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights and has already served several jail terms in Iran, was arrested Sunday in Iran and charged with spreading propaganda and publishing secret documents, his lawyer said.
According to the charges, Baghi obtained secret information from prisoners detained in security prisons and then disseminated this information during seminars organized by his group, the lawyer said.
A former journalist, Baghi over the last months has publicly protested against the wave of hangings, many in public, that have swept Iran as part of a campaign by the authorities they say is aimed at improving security in society.
"The Iranian government should applaud Baghi for his efforts on behalf of prisoners' rights, not arrest him," said a statement by Joe Stork, Middle East and North Africa deputy director at Human Rights Watch.
In 2005 Baghi was awarded a prize for human rights by France for his work campaigning against the death penalty.
link: the raw story
The New York-based rights group also called on Iran to drop what it called politically motivated charges against the prisoner.
Baghi, who heads the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights and has already served several jail terms in Iran, was arrested Sunday in Iran and charged with spreading propaganda and publishing secret documents, his lawyer said.
According to the charges, Baghi obtained secret information from prisoners detained in security prisons and then disseminated this information during seminars organized by his group, the lawyer said.
A former journalist, Baghi over the last months has publicly protested against the wave of hangings, many in public, that have swept Iran as part of a campaign by the authorities they say is aimed at improving security in society.
"The Iranian government should applaud Baghi for his efforts on behalf of prisoners' rights, not arrest him," said a statement by Joe Stork, Middle East and North Africa deputy director at Human Rights Watch.
In 2005 Baghi was awarded a prize for human rights by France for his work campaigning against the death penalty.
link: the raw story
HRW calls for release of jailed rights advocate
AFP
WASHINGTON - Human Rights Watch on Tuesday called on the Iranian government to free human rights activist Emadeddin Baghi, who has been campaigning against the death penalty in his country.
The New York-based rights group also called on Iran to drop what it called politically motivated charges against the prisoner.
Baghi, who heads the Committee for the Defence of Prisoners’ Rights and has already served several jail terms in Iran, was arrested Sunday in Iran and charged with spreading propaganda and publishing secret documents, his lawyer said.
According to the charges, Baghi obtained secret information from prisoners detained in security prisons and then disseminated this information during seminars organized by his group, the lawyer said.
A former journalist, Baghi over the last months has publicly protested against the wave of hangings, many in public, that have swept Iran as part of a campaign by the authorities they say is aimed at improving security in society.
“The Iranian government should applaud Baghi for his efforts on behalf of prisoners’ rights, not arrest him,” said a statement by Joe Stork, Middle East and North Africa deputy director at Human Rights Watch.
In 2005 Baghi was awarded a prize for human rights by France for his work campaigning against the death penalty.
link: khaleej times
WASHINGTON - Human Rights Watch on Tuesday called on the Iranian government to free human rights activist Emadeddin Baghi, who has been campaigning against the death penalty in his country.
The New York-based rights group also called on Iran to drop what it called politically motivated charges against the prisoner.
Baghi, who heads the Committee for the Defence of Prisoners’ Rights and has already served several jail terms in Iran, was arrested Sunday in Iran and charged with spreading propaganda and publishing secret documents, his lawyer said.
According to the charges, Baghi obtained secret information from prisoners detained in security prisons and then disseminated this information during seminars organized by his group, the lawyer said.
A former journalist, Baghi over the last months has publicly protested against the wave of hangings, many in public, that have swept Iran as part of a campaign by the authorities they say is aimed at improving security in society.
“The Iranian government should applaud Baghi for his efforts on behalf of prisoners’ rights, not arrest him,” said a statement by Joe Stork, Middle East and North Africa deputy director at Human Rights Watch.
In 2005 Baghi was awarded a prize for human rights by France for his work campaigning against the death penalty.
link: khaleej times
US calls for release of Iranian rights activist
WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States called Wednesday for the immediate release of Iranian human rights activist Emadeddin Baghi and other jailed freedom campaigners in the Islamic republic.
Washington also urged arch rival Iran "to treat its prisoners humanely."
Baghi, who heads the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights and has already served several jail terms, was arrested Sunday in Iran and charged with spreading propaganda and publishing secret documents, his lawyer said.
According to the charges, Baghi obtained secret information from prisoners detained in security prisons and then disseminated this information during seminars organized by his group, the lawyer said.
"We stand with those defending the rights of the Iranian people and call upon the government of Iran to treat its prisoners humanely and release Baghi and other human rights activists, including Mansour Osanloo and Mohammed Salehi, immediately," said Tom Casey, a State Department spokesman.
Baghi's arrest demonstrates Tehran's "disregard for Iranian citizens campaigning for their basic rights," he said.
He said Baghi's efforts to expose mistreatment of prisoners and highlight the recent increase in executions in Iran "should be lauded, not condemned" by the Iranian government.
A former journalist, Baghi over the last months has publicly protested against the wave of hangings, many in public, that have swept Iran as part of a campaign that authorities say is aimed at improving security in society.
In 2005 France awarded Baghi a human rights prize for his work campaigning against the death penalty.
link: AFP
Washington also urged arch rival Iran "to treat its prisoners humanely."
Baghi, who heads the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights and has already served several jail terms, was arrested Sunday in Iran and charged with spreading propaganda and publishing secret documents, his lawyer said.
According to the charges, Baghi obtained secret information from prisoners detained in security prisons and then disseminated this information during seminars organized by his group, the lawyer said.
"We stand with those defending the rights of the Iranian people and call upon the government of Iran to treat its prisoners humanely and release Baghi and other human rights activists, including Mansour Osanloo and Mohammed Salehi, immediately," said Tom Casey, a State Department spokesman.
Baghi's arrest demonstrates Tehran's "disregard for Iranian citizens campaigning for their basic rights," he said.
He said Baghi's efforts to expose mistreatment of prisoners and highlight the recent increase in executions in Iran "should be lauded, not condemned" by the Iranian government.
A former journalist, Baghi over the last months has publicly protested against the wave of hangings, many in public, that have swept Iran as part of a campaign that authorities say is aimed at improving security in society.
In 2005 France awarded Baghi a human rights prize for his work campaigning against the death penalty.
link: AFP
Human Rights Defender Detained in Iran
US Department of State
Press Statement
Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 17, 2007
The Iranian regime’s arrest of Emadeddin Baghi, head of the Organization for the Defense of Prisoners’ Rights, demonstrates its disregard for Iranian citizens campaigning for their basic rights. The regime accuses him of being a threat to national security for condemning its ongoing mistreatment of prisoners. Baghi has already served time in Iran’s prisons and been subject to travel bans – all for drawing attention to the recent increase in executions in Iran, and for calling for humane treatment of prisoners. His work to protect the rights of others should be lauded not condemned.
We stand with those defending the rights of the Iranian people and call upon the Government of Iran to treat its prisoners humanely and release Baghi and other human rights activists, including Mansour Osanloo and Mohammed Salehi, immediately.
link: u.s. department of state
Press Statement
Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 17, 2007
The Iranian regime’s arrest of Emadeddin Baghi, head of the Organization for the Defense of Prisoners’ Rights, demonstrates its disregard for Iranian citizens campaigning for their basic rights. The regime accuses him of being a threat to national security for condemning its ongoing mistreatment of prisoners. Baghi has already served time in Iran’s prisons and been subject to travel bans – all for drawing attention to the recent increase in executions in Iran, and for calling for humane treatment of prisoners. His work to protect the rights of others should be lauded not condemned.
We stand with those defending the rights of the Iranian people and call upon the Government of Iran to treat its prisoners humanely and release Baghi and other human rights activists, including Mansour Osanloo and Mohammed Salehi, immediately.
link: u.s. department of state
Iran: Release Leading Defender of Prisoners' Rights
Emadeddin Baghi Jailed Under Politically Motivated Charges
By: Human Rights Watch
Published: Oct 17, 2007 at 07:54
Iranian authorities should immediately release prominent human rights defender Emadeddin Baghi and drop the politically motivated charges against him, Human Rights Watch said today.
On October 14, Baghi responded to a summons to appear before an interrogator at Branch 1 of the Security Unit of the General and Revolutionary Public Prosecutor's Office. The court charged him with "propaganda against the system" and "publishing secret government documents" for his activities as president of the Society for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights, a nongovernmental organization that he founded in 2003.
"The Iranian government should applaud Baghi for his efforts on behalf of prisoners' rights, not arrest him," said Joe Stork, Middle East and North Africa deputy director at Human Rights Watch.
After Baghi's arrest, court officials set a bail of 500 million rials (approximately US$50,000). While Baghi's family was in the process of posting bail, Evin prison authorities arrived at the courthouse and announced that Baghi had to serve a 2003 suspended sentence. The court authorities revoked the bail, and prison officials immediately transferred Baghi back into detention.
In 2003, Judge Babayee of Branch 6 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced Baghi to a one-year suspended term for "endangering national security" and "printing lies" in his book, The Tragedy of Democracy in Iran.
In 2000, a Revolutionary Court sentenced Baghi to a three-year prison term on charges of "endangering national security" for his writings about the serial murder of dissident intellectuals in Iran in the late 1990s. He served two years of that sentence, and one year was suspended.
Baghi's family and lawyers report that since his release in 2003, the authorities have summoned Baghi to court 23 times.
In July, Branch 6 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced Baghi, as well as his wife and daughter, to suspended three-year sentences for their work documenting and publicizing human rights violations in Iran's court systems and prisons.
Emadeddin Baghi also founded the Society of Right to Life Guardians in 2005, an organization that aims to abolish the death penalty in Iran. His two organizations produce reports on the situation of Iranian prisoners and gather data about death penalty cases in Iran.
link: yuba net
By: Human Rights Watch
Published: Oct 17, 2007 at 07:54
Iranian authorities should immediately release prominent human rights defender Emadeddin Baghi and drop the politically motivated charges against him, Human Rights Watch said today.
On October 14, Baghi responded to a summons to appear before an interrogator at Branch 1 of the Security Unit of the General and Revolutionary Public Prosecutor's Office. The court charged him with "propaganda against the system" and "publishing secret government documents" for his activities as president of the Society for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights, a nongovernmental organization that he founded in 2003.
"The Iranian government should applaud Baghi for his efforts on behalf of prisoners' rights, not arrest him," said Joe Stork, Middle East and North Africa deputy director at Human Rights Watch.
After Baghi's arrest, court officials set a bail of 500 million rials (approximately US$50,000). While Baghi's family was in the process of posting bail, Evin prison authorities arrived at the courthouse and announced that Baghi had to serve a 2003 suspended sentence. The court authorities revoked the bail, and prison officials immediately transferred Baghi back into detention.
In 2003, Judge Babayee of Branch 6 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced Baghi to a one-year suspended term for "endangering national security" and "printing lies" in his book, The Tragedy of Democracy in Iran.
In 2000, a Revolutionary Court sentenced Baghi to a three-year prison term on charges of "endangering national security" for his writings about the serial murder of dissident intellectuals in Iran in the late 1990s. He served two years of that sentence, and one year was suspended.
Baghi's family and lawyers report that since his release in 2003, the authorities have summoned Baghi to court 23 times.
In July, Branch 6 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced Baghi, as well as his wife and daughter, to suspended three-year sentences for their work documenting and publicizing human rights violations in Iran's court systems and prisons.
Emadeddin Baghi also founded the Society of Right to Life Guardians in 2005, an organization that aims to abolish the death penalty in Iran. His two organizations produce reports on the situation of Iranian prisoners and gather data about death penalty cases in Iran.
link: yuba net
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Amnesty International condemns continued repression of human rights defenders
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Public Statement
AI Index: MDE 13/117/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 198
16 October 2007
Iran: Amnesty International condemns continued repression of human rights defenders
Amnesty International today again expressed its deep concern at continuing repression of human rights defenders and civil society activists in Iran which has deepened in recent months.
Imprisonment of Emaddedin Baghi
One of Iran's best known human rights defenders, Emaddedin Baghi, the head of the Association for the Defence of Prisoners Rights and leading anti-death penalty campaigner, was detained on 14 October when he attended a session before Branch 14 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. His lawyers were not allowed to attend the session with him. Although bail of 50 million Iranian Touman (USD 53,619) was reportedly set for his release, when his family attempted to meet the bail, the judge apparently refused to accept it.
He was detained on the basis of a suspended sentence of one year's imprisonment handed down in 2002. It is not clear where Emaddedin Baghi is currently being held.
Emaddedin Baghi also faces other politically motivated criminal charges: in July 2007 he was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, two of which related to the charge of meeting and colluding to commit offences against national security, and one year to the charge of propaganda against the system for the benefit of foreign and opposition groups. His lawyer said that the evidence against him included media interviews and letters to the authorities regarding Ahwazi Arabs sentenced to death in connection with lethal bomb explosions in Khuzestan province. Four other people, including Emaddedin Baghi's wife and daughter were sentenced to three years' imprisonment, suspended for five years, in the same case. Their charges were said to relate to their participation in a human rights conference held in the United Arab Emirates. All remained free pending appeal.
Amnesty International considers the charges against Emaddedin Baghi to be politically motivated and aimed at silencing the human rights defender's criticism of the human rights situation in Iran. The organisation considers him a prisoner of conscience and is calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
Women's rights activists
Activists in the Campaign for Equality who are demanding an end to legalised discrimination against women in Iran are also continuing to face harassment and arrest. Most recently, 21 year-old Ronak Safazadeh was arrested in Sanandaj, the capital of Kordestan province, on 9 October 2007. Ronak Safazadeh is a member of the Campaign for Equality, as well as a member of Azar Mehr, an NGO in Sanandaj. On 8 October, she had attended a meeting on the International Day of the Child in Sanandaj, during which she had collected signatures in support of the Campaign for Equality. The following day, security officials reportedly came to her house at 08.20, confiscated her computer, copies of the Campaign's petition and a booklet produced by the Campaign, and then detained Ronak Safazadeh. After six days, her mother was permitted a brief telephone conversation with her daughter. It is not clear where she is being held.
In September, at least 25 people (including five members of the Campaign's Education committee who had travelled from Tehran) were arrested during an educational workshop held by the Campaign in a private house in Khorramabad, Lorestan province. Of these 22 were released later that night, after being questioned about the Campaign's activities; the other three, Reza Dolatshah, Bahman Azadi, and Khosrow Nasimpour, who are social activists in the city of Khorramabad were released the following day, although they were beaten while in custody.
Women's rights activists are also continuing to face trial proceedings in connection with their activities. Shadi Sadr and Mahboubeh Abbasgholizadeh were both recently summoned to court. Both were among 33 women arrested in March 2007during a peaceful gathering outside a court where five other women were on trial. They were released on bail after two weeks in detention. Farideh Ghayrat, a lawyer, told the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) on 14 October that their case was under consideration by the Special section for security of the Tehran General and Revolutionary Prosecutor's Office, and that the charge against her clients was acting against national security, although it had not been confirmed that it was connected to the March gathering outside the courtroom, although she expected this to be the case.
In September, journalist Bahman Ahmadi Amou'i was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, after being convicted of acting against state security. He had been detained for a week following a peaceful demonstration in June 2006 which called for equal rights for women. The evidence against him reportedly included a number of open letters to Iran's parliament, or Majles, that he had signed, including one supporting the June 2006 demonstration.
Trade Unionists
According to the Iranian Teachers' Association, dozens of the hundreds of teachers arrested during peaceful demonstrations earlier in 2007 have been sentenced to dismissal or exile. At least two have received suspended prison sentences: Mohammad Reza Rezai-Gorkani and Rasul Badaqi received two-year and three-year suspended sentences respectively. Their lawyer, Hushang Purbabai, told ISNA on 9 October that both were convicted of acting against national security.
A strike by workers at the Haft Tapeh Sugar Plant in Khuzestan Province, who had reportedly received no wages or benefits for over three months, was forcibly broken up by security forces on 3 October. The workers had staged a series of around 15 strikes over more than a year. In August, they had written an open letter to the International Labour Organization, announcing their determination to continue strike action if their demands, which include the right to participate in the election of their own representatives, were not met. There are unconfirmed reports that at least two workers, Ramazan Alipour and Fereydoun Nikofar, were arrested after being summoned to an Intelligence Ministry facility.
According to the Kurdistan Human Rights Organization, five Kurdish workers' activists have reportedly been sentenced to three months imprisonment and 40 lashes for "disturbing public security". The sentences were suspended for 3 years, during which time they have reportedly been banned from meeting "prominent" political and social figures. They had reportedly been detained for several days earlier in the year during a demonstration protesting at the arrest of another workers' rights activist, Mahmoud Salehi in April 2007.
Kurds
Kurdish human rights defenders have reported a new wave of arrests and sentences of civil society and student activists. For example, Yasser Gholi, the former head of the Kurdish Democratic student's union who had been banned from studying, was reportedly arrested on 10 October in Sanandaj by security forces that also searched his home and confiscated his computer and other personal items. Ako Kordnasab, a journalist with the newspaper Gerefto, has reportedly been sentenced to three years' imprisonment for espionage.
Amnesty International continues to call on he Iranian authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of association and expression and to end its repression of human rights defenders. The organization urges the authorities to implement the measures provided for in the United Nations General Assembly's Declaration on human rights defenders, adopted in 1998. The full name of General Assembly Resolution A/RES/53/144 is the 'Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms' and can be viewed at: http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N99/770/89/PDF/N9977089.pdf?OpenElement
Amnesty International continues to campaign for the release of all prisoners of conscience, for those accused of offences to be tried in full accordance with international fair trial standards and without recourse to the death penalty, and for all reports of torture or other ill-treatment of prisoners to be rapidly, thoroughly and independently investigated and for any officials responsible for torturing or abusing prisoners to be brought to justice.
link: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Public Statement
AI Index: MDE 13/117/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 198
16 October 2007
Iran: Amnesty International condemns continued repression of human rights defenders
Amnesty International today again expressed its deep concern at continuing repression of human rights defenders and civil society activists in Iran which has deepened in recent months.
Imprisonment of Emaddedin Baghi
One of Iran's best known human rights defenders, Emaddedin Baghi, the head of the Association for the Defence of Prisoners Rights and leading anti-death penalty campaigner, was detained on 14 October when he attended a session before Branch 14 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. His lawyers were not allowed to attend the session with him. Although bail of 50 million Iranian Touman (USD 53,619) was reportedly set for his release, when his family attempted to meet the bail, the judge apparently refused to accept it.
He was detained on the basis of a suspended sentence of one year's imprisonment handed down in 2002. It is not clear where Emaddedin Baghi is currently being held.
Emaddedin Baghi also faces other politically motivated criminal charges: in July 2007 he was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, two of which related to the charge of meeting and colluding to commit offences against national security, and one year to the charge of propaganda against the system for the benefit of foreign and opposition groups. His lawyer said that the evidence against him included media interviews and letters to the authorities regarding Ahwazi Arabs sentenced to death in connection with lethal bomb explosions in Khuzestan province. Four other people, including Emaddedin Baghi's wife and daughter were sentenced to three years' imprisonment, suspended for five years, in the same case. Their charges were said to relate to their participation in a human rights conference held in the United Arab Emirates. All remained free pending appeal.
Amnesty International considers the charges against Emaddedin Baghi to be politically motivated and aimed at silencing the human rights defender's criticism of the human rights situation in Iran. The organisation considers him a prisoner of conscience and is calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
Women's rights activists
Activists in the Campaign for Equality who are demanding an end to legalised discrimination against women in Iran are also continuing to face harassment and arrest. Most recently, 21 year-old Ronak Safazadeh was arrested in Sanandaj, the capital of Kordestan province, on 9 October 2007. Ronak Safazadeh is a member of the Campaign for Equality, as well as a member of Azar Mehr, an NGO in Sanandaj. On 8 October, she had attended a meeting on the International Day of the Child in Sanandaj, during which she had collected signatures in support of the Campaign for Equality. The following day, security officials reportedly came to her house at 08.20, confiscated her computer, copies of the Campaign's petition and a booklet produced by the Campaign, and then detained Ronak Safazadeh. After six days, her mother was permitted a brief telephone conversation with her daughter. It is not clear where she is being held.
In September, at least 25 people (including five members of the Campaign's Education committee who had travelled from Tehran) were arrested during an educational workshop held by the Campaign in a private house in Khorramabad, Lorestan province. Of these 22 were released later that night, after being questioned about the Campaign's activities; the other three, Reza Dolatshah, Bahman Azadi, and Khosrow Nasimpour, who are social activists in the city of Khorramabad were released the following day, although they were beaten while in custody.
Women's rights activists are also continuing to face trial proceedings in connection with their activities. Shadi Sadr and Mahboubeh Abbasgholizadeh were both recently summoned to court. Both were among 33 women arrested in March 2007during a peaceful gathering outside a court where five other women were on trial. They were released on bail after two weeks in detention. Farideh Ghayrat, a lawyer, told the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) on 14 October that their case was under consideration by the Special section for security of the Tehran General and Revolutionary Prosecutor's Office, and that the charge against her clients was acting against national security, although it had not been confirmed that it was connected to the March gathering outside the courtroom, although she expected this to be the case.
In September, journalist Bahman Ahmadi Amou'i was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, after being convicted of acting against state security. He had been detained for a week following a peaceful demonstration in June 2006 which called for equal rights for women. The evidence against him reportedly included a number of open letters to Iran's parliament, or Majles, that he had signed, including one supporting the June 2006 demonstration.
Trade Unionists
According to the Iranian Teachers' Association, dozens of the hundreds of teachers arrested during peaceful demonstrations earlier in 2007 have been sentenced to dismissal or exile. At least two have received suspended prison sentences: Mohammad Reza Rezai-Gorkani and Rasul Badaqi received two-year and three-year suspended sentences respectively. Their lawyer, Hushang Purbabai, told ISNA on 9 October that both were convicted of acting against national security.
A strike by workers at the Haft Tapeh Sugar Plant in Khuzestan Province, who had reportedly received no wages or benefits for over three months, was forcibly broken up by security forces on 3 October. The workers had staged a series of around 15 strikes over more than a year. In August, they had written an open letter to the International Labour Organization, announcing their determination to continue strike action if their demands, which include the right to participate in the election of their own representatives, were not met. There are unconfirmed reports that at least two workers, Ramazan Alipour and Fereydoun Nikofar, were arrested after being summoned to an Intelligence Ministry facility.
According to the Kurdistan Human Rights Organization, five Kurdish workers' activists have reportedly been sentenced to three months imprisonment and 40 lashes for "disturbing public security". The sentences were suspended for 3 years, during which time they have reportedly been banned from meeting "prominent" political and social figures. They had reportedly been detained for several days earlier in the year during a demonstration protesting at the arrest of another workers' rights activist, Mahmoud Salehi in April 2007.
Kurds
Kurdish human rights defenders have reported a new wave of arrests and sentences of civil society and student activists. For example, Yasser Gholi, the former head of the Kurdish Democratic student's union who had been banned from studying, was reportedly arrested on 10 October in Sanandaj by security forces that also searched his home and confiscated his computer and other personal items. Ako Kordnasab, a journalist with the newspaper Gerefto, has reportedly been sentenced to three years' imprisonment for espionage.
Amnesty International continues to call on he Iranian authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of association and expression and to end its repression of human rights defenders. The organization urges the authorities to implement the measures provided for in the United Nations General Assembly's Declaration on human rights defenders, adopted in 1998. The full name of General Assembly Resolution A/RES/53/144 is the 'Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms' and can be viewed at: http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N99/770/89/PDF/N9977089.pdf?OpenElement
Amnesty International continues to campaign for the release of all prisoners of conscience, for those accused of offences to be tried in full accordance with international fair trial standards and without recourse to the death penalty, and for all reports of torture or other ill-treatment of prisoners to be rapidly, thoroughly and independently investigated and for any officials responsible for torturing or abusing prisoners to be brought to justice.
link: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Iran human rights activist held
Frances Harrison
Human rights groups both inside Iran and abroad have condemned the arrest of one of the country's most outspoken and high profile human rights activists.
Journalist Emadeddin Baghi was arrested on Sunday when he responded to a court summons and has been denied bail.
The watchdog Reporters Without Borders has called for his release.
The state-run Iranian news agency quoted an official saying Mr Baghi's family had taken part in meetings to discuss toppling the government.
The imprisonment of Mr Baghi has raised fears that the Iranian government has decided to take a tougher line with its critics to silence them.
Mr Baghi has been a tireless campaigner for human rights in Iran despite having his passport confiscated, his newspaper closed, suspended prison sentences passed against his wife and daughter and being jailed himself.
He runs the Association for Defending the Rights of Prisoners which monitors allegations of torture and works for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran.
Reports say an earlier suspended sentence against Mr Baghi was converted into imprisonment which meant he could be denied bail.
International appeals
He has also now been accused of publishing secret government documents obtained with the help of prisoners on security charges.
His family have no idea where he is being held but fear he is in solitary confinement, which is routine in political cases.
Reporters Without Borders have issued a statement urging all democratic countries firmly to condemn the arrest and calling for the release of all Iranian prisoners of conscience, whom it says are increasing in number by the month.
Reformist students in Iran, whose colleagues have also been jailed in recent months, have come out in support of Mr Baghi, calling him one of the very few active defenders of human rights there.
Some observers worry this latest incident means the Iranian government is changing its approach towards prominent human rights activists and instead of harassing and intimidating them intends to put them behind bars.
link: BBC News
Human rights groups both inside Iran and abroad have condemned the arrest of one of the country's most outspoken and high profile human rights activists.
Journalist Emadeddin Baghi was arrested on Sunday when he responded to a court summons and has been denied bail.
The watchdog Reporters Without Borders has called for his release.
The state-run Iranian news agency quoted an official saying Mr Baghi's family had taken part in meetings to discuss toppling the government.
The imprisonment of Mr Baghi has raised fears that the Iranian government has decided to take a tougher line with its critics to silence them.
Mr Baghi has been a tireless campaigner for human rights in Iran despite having his passport confiscated, his newspaper closed, suspended prison sentences passed against his wife and daughter and being jailed himself.
He runs the Association for Defending the Rights of Prisoners which monitors allegations of torture and works for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran.
Reports say an earlier suspended sentence against Mr Baghi was converted into imprisonment which meant he could be denied bail.
International appeals
He has also now been accused of publishing secret government documents obtained with the help of prisoners on security charges.
His family have no idea where he is being held but fear he is in solitary confinement, which is routine in political cases.
Reporters Without Borders have issued a statement urging all democratic countries firmly to condemn the arrest and calling for the release of all Iranian prisoners of conscience, whom it says are increasing in number by the month.
Reformist students in Iran, whose colleagues have also been jailed in recent months, have come out in support of Mr Baghi, calling him one of the very few active defenders of human rights there.
Some observers worry this latest incident means the Iranian government is changing its approach towards prominent human rights activists and instead of harassing and intimidating them intends to put them behind bars.
link: BBC News
Iran human rights activist held
Frances Harrison
BBC News
Human rights groups both inside Iran and abroad have condemned the arrest of one of the country's most outspoken and high profile human rights activists.
Journalist Emadeddin Baghi was arrested on Sunday when he responded to a court summons and has been denied bail.
The watchdog Reporters Without Borders has called for his release.
The state-run Iranian news agency quoted an official saying Mr Baghi's family had taken part in meetings to discuss toppling the government.
The imprisonment of Mr Baghi has raised fears that the Iranian government has decided to take a tougher line with its critics to silence them.
Mr Baghi has been a tireless campaigner for human rights in Iran despite having his passport confiscated, his newspaper closed, suspended prison sentences passed against his wife and daughter and being jailed himself.
He runs the Association for Defending the Rights of Prisoners which monitors allegations of torture and works for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran.
Reports say an earlier suspended sentence against Mr Baghi was converted into imprisonment which meant he could be denied bail.
International appeals
He has also now been accused of publishing secret government documents obtained with the help of prisoners on security charges.
His family have no idea where he is being held but fear he is in solitary confinement, which is routine in political cases.
Reporters Without Borders have issued a statement urging all democratic countries firmly to condemn the arrest and calling for the release of all Iranian prisoners of conscience, whom it says are increasing in number by the month.
Reformist students in Iran, whose colleagues have also been jailed in recent months, have come out in support of Mr Baghi, calling him one of the very few active defenders of human rights there.
Some observers worry this latest incident means the Iranian government is changing its approach towards prominent human rights activists and instead of harassing and intimidating them intends to put them behind bars.
BBC News
BBC News
Human rights groups both inside Iran and abroad have condemned the arrest of one of the country's most outspoken and high profile human rights activists.
Journalist Emadeddin Baghi was arrested on Sunday when he responded to a court summons and has been denied bail.
The watchdog Reporters Without Borders has called for his release.
The state-run Iranian news agency quoted an official saying Mr Baghi's family had taken part in meetings to discuss toppling the government.
The imprisonment of Mr Baghi has raised fears that the Iranian government has decided to take a tougher line with its critics to silence them.
Mr Baghi has been a tireless campaigner for human rights in Iran despite having his passport confiscated, his newspaper closed, suspended prison sentences passed against his wife and daughter and being jailed himself.
He runs the Association for Defending the Rights of Prisoners which monitors allegations of torture and works for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran.
Reports say an earlier suspended sentence against Mr Baghi was converted into imprisonment which meant he could be denied bail.
International appeals
He has also now been accused of publishing secret government documents obtained with the help of prisoners on security charges.
His family have no idea where he is being held but fear he is in solitary confinement, which is routine in political cases.
Reporters Without Borders have issued a statement urging all democratic countries firmly to condemn the arrest and calling for the release of all Iranian prisoners of conscience, whom it says are increasing in number by the month.
Reformist students in Iran, whose colleagues have also been jailed in recent months, have come out in support of Mr Baghi, calling him one of the very few active defenders of human rights there.
Some observers worry this latest incident means the Iranian government is changing its approach towards prominent human rights activists and instead of harassing and intimidating them intends to put them behind bars.
BBC News
Prisoners' Rights Activist Arrested and Detained
Niusha Boghrati
Worldpress.org correspondent
October 16, 2007
Prominent Iranian rights activist and leading prisoners' rights advocate Emadeddin Baghi was detained and imprisoned on Sunday, Oct. 15. Baghi, head of the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights and a renowned Iranian investigative journalist, had previously served a three-year term in prison for his writings in the reformist press. He was summoned to Tehran's revolutionary court on the charges of "propaganda against the Islamic Republic" and "divulging state secret information."
According to his lawyer, Saleh Nikbakht, Baghi was then detained on a previously suspended charge of "acting against national security" due to his writings on the chain of murders involving Iranian intellectuals. A sentence of one year in prison, which has now been applied to the Iranian activist, had been dropped after Baghi spent three years in prison in 2002.
Baghi, along with Akbar Ganji, was among the most prominent journalists who began to shed light on the origin and true sources of the chain of murders during the 1990's. The killing of intellectuals in Iran, which involved the stabbing deaths of some prominent writers and political activists, occurred before the reformists took power in Tehran.
link: Worldpress
Worldpress.org correspondent
October 16, 2007
Prominent Iranian rights activist and leading prisoners' rights advocate Emadeddin Baghi was detained and imprisoned on Sunday, Oct. 15. Baghi, head of the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights and a renowned Iranian investigative journalist, had previously served a three-year term in prison for his writings in the reformist press. He was summoned to Tehran's revolutionary court on the charges of "propaganda against the Islamic Republic" and "divulging state secret information."
According to his lawyer, Saleh Nikbakht, Baghi was then detained on a previously suspended charge of "acting against national security" due to his writings on the chain of murders involving Iranian intellectuals. A sentence of one year in prison, which has now been applied to the Iranian activist, had been dropped after Baghi spent three years in prison in 2002.
Baghi, along with Akbar Ganji, was among the most prominent journalists who began to shed light on the origin and true sources of the chain of murders during the 1990's. The killing of intellectuals in Iran, which involved the stabbing deaths of some prominent writers and political activists, occurred before the reformists took power in Tehran.
link: Worldpress
Monday, October 15, 2007
Revolutionary court detains leading human rights advocate and journalist
(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders strongly condemns the arrest of journalist Emadeddin Baghi on a charge of "propaganda against the government." Baghi is a leading advocate of the rights of prisoners of conscience in Iran.
"Baghi’s arrest is an example of the strategy of harassment and pressure being used against journalists by the Iranian authorities, who are trying to silence the growing number of voices who are demanding the legitimate right to a free and independent press," the press freedom organisation said.
Reporters Without Borders added: "We urge all democratic countries to firmly condemn Baghi’s arbitrary arrest and we call for the release of all of Iran’s prisoners of conscience, who are growing in number by the month."
Baghi was arrested on 14 October 2007 when he responded to a summons to report to a Tehran revolutionary court. The summons listed new charges against him. His lawyer said he is now accused of propaganda against the government and "publishing secret government documents obtained with the help of prisoners held for security violations in special centres."
This is by no means the first time Baghi has been arrested. He first went to prison in 2000, when he was given a three-year sentence for "attacking national security." A Tehran revolutionary court sentenced him to another year in prison on 9 November 2004 for writing a book that accused the Iranian authorities of involvement in the murders of intellectuals and journalists in 1998. His newspaper, “Joumhouriat”, was closed by the government in 2003. An anti-death penalty campaigner, he won a French government human rights prize in 2005.
On 31 July, a Tehran revolutionary court sentenced him to three years in prison for “activities against national security” and "publicity in favour of the regime’s opponents" but he was not required to serve the sentence immediately. At the same time, his wife, Fatemeh Kamali Ahmad Sarahi, and his daughter Maryam Baghi, were given three-year suspended prison sentences and five years of probation for taking part in a series of human rights workshops in Dubai in 2004. The charges were "meeting and colluding with the aim of disrupting national security."
He told Reporters Without Borders on the eve of 14 October’s court appearance: "I am convinced they will not let me walk free from the courtroom. They want to ban my activities, although they are legal, and to silence all the independent voices in this country." The court initially decided to release Baghi on bail of 50 million toumen (approx. 40,000 euros), but then reversed its decision. The location of his detention remains unknown.
For further information contact Hajar Smouni, RSF, 5, rue Geoffroy Marie, Paris 75009, France, tel: +33 1 44 83 84 84, fax: +33 1 45 23 11 51, e-mail: [Email], Internet: http://www.rsf.org
link: protectionline
"Baghi’s arrest is an example of the strategy of harassment and pressure being used against journalists by the Iranian authorities, who are trying to silence the growing number of voices who are demanding the legitimate right to a free and independent press," the press freedom organisation said.
Reporters Without Borders added: "We urge all democratic countries to firmly condemn Baghi’s arbitrary arrest and we call for the release of all of Iran’s prisoners of conscience, who are growing in number by the month."
Baghi was arrested on 14 October 2007 when he responded to a summons to report to a Tehran revolutionary court. The summons listed new charges against him. His lawyer said he is now accused of propaganda against the government and "publishing secret government documents obtained with the help of prisoners held for security violations in special centres."
This is by no means the first time Baghi has been arrested. He first went to prison in 2000, when he was given a three-year sentence for "attacking national security." A Tehran revolutionary court sentenced him to another year in prison on 9 November 2004 for writing a book that accused the Iranian authorities of involvement in the murders of intellectuals and journalists in 1998. His newspaper, “Joumhouriat”, was closed by the government in 2003. An anti-death penalty campaigner, he won a French government human rights prize in 2005.
On 31 July, a Tehran revolutionary court sentenced him to three years in prison for “activities against national security” and "publicity in favour of the regime’s opponents" but he was not required to serve the sentence immediately. At the same time, his wife, Fatemeh Kamali Ahmad Sarahi, and his daughter Maryam Baghi, were given three-year suspended prison sentences and five years of probation for taking part in a series of human rights workshops in Dubai in 2004. The charges were "meeting and colluding with the aim of disrupting national security."
He told Reporters Without Borders on the eve of 14 October’s court appearance: "I am convinced they will not let me walk free from the courtroom. They want to ban my activities, although they are legal, and to silence all the independent voices in this country." The court initially decided to release Baghi on bail of 50 million toumen (approx. 40,000 euros), but then reversed its decision. The location of his detention remains unknown.
For further information contact Hajar Smouni, RSF, 5, rue Geoffroy Marie, Paris 75009, France, tel: +33 1 44 83 84 84, fax: +33 1 45 23 11 51, e-mail: [Email], Internet: http://www.rsf.org
link: protectionline
Iran detains human rights activist
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The head of an Iranian human rights group was arrested on charges of violating national security, official media reported on Sunday.
The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency said members of Emadeddin Baghi's family had taken part in meetings that were arranged by the opposition to topple Iran's Islamic regime.
"Baghi was doing his activities against national security under the cover of defending prisoners' rights," IRNA quoted an unnamed official as saying.
Baghi is the head of a prisoners' rights group and has accused authorities of mistreating inmates.
In 2003, he was sentenced to three years in prison on similar charges of violating national security. He served two years and one year was suspended.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Iran | Iran | Tehran | IRNA | Republic | Iranian-Americans | Emadeddin Baghi
"Now, the suspended term will go into force," the official was quoted as saying. IRNA did not provide more details.
Calls to Baghi's office, his family and judicial officials were not immediately returned.
Iran recently released three Iranian-Americans after they spent about four months in prison on accusations of trying to stir up a revolution in the Islamic Republic.
A fourth Iranian-American whose passport had been confiscated also was allowed to leave the country. All four were charged with endangering national security — allegations they and their employers denied.
link: usatoday
The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency said members of Emadeddin Baghi's family had taken part in meetings that were arranged by the opposition to topple Iran's Islamic regime.
"Baghi was doing his activities against national security under the cover of defending prisoners' rights," IRNA quoted an unnamed official as saying.
Baghi is the head of a prisoners' rights group and has accused authorities of mistreating inmates.
In 2003, he was sentenced to three years in prison on similar charges of violating national security. He served two years and one year was suspended.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Iran | Iran | Tehran | IRNA | Republic | Iranian-Americans | Emadeddin Baghi
"Now, the suspended term will go into force," the official was quoted as saying. IRNA did not provide more details.
Calls to Baghi's office, his family and judicial officials were not immediately returned.
Iran recently released three Iranian-Americans after they spent about four months in prison on accusations of trying to stir up a revolution in the Islamic Republic.
A fourth Iranian-American whose passport had been confiscated also was allowed to leave the country. All four were charged with endangering national security — allegations they and their employers denied.
link: usatoday
Tehran imprisons prominent human rights activist
Los Angeles Times-Washington Post
Published: October 15, 2007, 23:03
Tehran: Iranian authorities imprisoned one of their nation's most prominent human rights activists on Sunday after he appeared at a court appointment, said his lawyer.
Emad Al Deen Baghi, a writer who has campaigned vigorously against the death penalty in Iran, was taken into custody during a hearing in Tehran's Revolutionary Court, which tries those charged with political crimes.
Baghi's relatives said the court imposed a previously suspended one-year sentence on state security charges and denied bail. His lawyers said they were barred from the courtroom.
"We were not allowed today to be present during the investigation," said Saleh Nikbakht, one of Baghi's two attorneys.
Nikbakht said Baghi had told him he had been accused of revealing classified information. It was not immediately clear where the dissident was being held.
Authorities were angered recently by his outspoken opposition to the death penalty for Iranians of Arab descent convicted for taking part in a series of bombings in the province of Khuzestan. Baghi opposes capital punishment in all cases.
Baghi was born to a religious family in Karbala in 1962. A former Islamic seminary student, he supported Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. He turned against the regime in the 1980s, writing books critical of the clerical establishment.
His wife, activist and writer Fatemeh Kamali, tried to post bail for her husband on Sunday, but the bid was refused by the court, Nikbakht said.
link: gulf news
Published: October 15, 2007, 23:03
Tehran: Iranian authorities imprisoned one of their nation's most prominent human rights activists on Sunday after he appeared at a court appointment, said his lawyer.
Emad Al Deen Baghi, a writer who has campaigned vigorously against the death penalty in Iran, was taken into custody during a hearing in Tehran's Revolutionary Court, which tries those charged with political crimes.
Baghi's relatives said the court imposed a previously suspended one-year sentence on state security charges and denied bail. His lawyers said they were barred from the courtroom.
"We were not allowed today to be present during the investigation," said Saleh Nikbakht, one of Baghi's two attorneys.
Nikbakht said Baghi had told him he had been accused of revealing classified information. It was not immediately clear where the dissident was being held.
Authorities were angered recently by his outspoken opposition to the death penalty for Iranians of Arab descent convicted for taking part in a series of bombings in the province of Khuzestan. Baghi opposes capital punishment in all cases.
Baghi was born to a religious family in Karbala in 1962. A former Islamic seminary student, he supported Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. He turned against the regime in the 1980s, writing books critical of the clerical establishment.
His wife, activist and writer Fatemeh Kamali, tried to post bail for her husband on Sunday, but the bid was refused by the court, Nikbakht said.
link: gulf news
Emadeddin Baghi’s Arrest
By: Dr. Faride Farhi
Hawaii University
One of Iran’s leading human rights activists, Emadeddin Baghi, was arrested on Sunday after a court summons. His lawyer, Saleh Nikbakht, reported that a previous 2003 one-year suspended sentence was changed into imprisonment, making it possible for the government to deny bail. Baghi also faces a 3-year sentence for action against national security and propaganda against the system. Additionally, there are apparently new charges that have been filed, which include publication of “secret government documents of information gathered from prisoners of security prisons.”
Baghi had been expecting his arrest for a while as the drumbeat of charges against him had intensified in the past few months. But his actual arrest may be a reflection of the extent to which Ahmadinejad’s administration is moved by short-term expediency and paranoia. In the past few months, more prisoners arrested for their thoughts and writings have actually been released than arrested. So Baghi’s arrest, along with the previous arrest of Hadi Qabel, a cleric and head of the Qom Branch of the reformist Islamic Iran’s Participation Party, may be the harbinger of a shift and future arrests to come.
Emad Baghi is a soft-spoken, patient, but persistent man. He was arrested several years ago and spent 2 ½ years in prison for a variety of cooked up charges that essentially revolved around the Iranian government’s distaste for his critical and investigative writings. But he came out of prison determined and with a mission. The result of this determination was the establishment of the Association for Defending Rights of Prisoners in Iran, a human rights organization dedicated to improving the condition of prisons as well as protecting the rights of all prisoners (not merely political ones). Also of deep concern to Baghi was the number of and justification for executions in Iran.
Identifying himself as a human rights activist and not a political player, Baghi has been critical of external attempts to politicize the human rights issue in Iran and turn it into an instrument to be utilized in the US-Iran conflict. Instead, he has consciously engaged various government organs, particularly the Judiciary, to push for prisoners’ rights as well as prevent executions.
His position has been simple: human rights violations are essentially government violations and can only be stopped by the government. Hence, engaging with the government, pointing out violations of Iran’s own constitution, laying out a human rights-based interpretation of Islamic principles and practices, and pushing for new laws that assure the implementation of human rights are the way to go. His take, he once told me sitting in his Tehran office, is that no matter who is or will be in power, “Emad Baghi will be doing the same thing”: pointing out human rights violations, demanding the implementation the already assured human rights guarantees in the Iranian constitution, and pushing for new laws that improve on deficient laws.
Baghi’s patient and persistent approach has meant that more than anyone else in Iran he has been cognizant of violations usually missed by others. He has not only attempted to keep track of every single person imprisoned for political activities but also prison conditions and practice of torture in Iran's provinces, the exact number of people on the death row, the arbitrary manner and justifications for the execution of prisoners with criminal record and so on. Relying on the volunteer work of a cadre of Iran’s most amazing human rights lawyers, the Association for Defending Rights of Prsioners in Iran has engaged with authorities not only on a case by case basis but intellectually, laying out, for instance, the problematic way sentences such as stoning have been meted out in the name of Islam.
Baghi has also been cognizant of traditions and societal practices that have intensified the legal quandaries of the Islamic justice system. On the widespread practice of capital punishment, for instance, Baghi has discussed the extent to which the law of retribution (qessas) is further fueled by the desire to take revenge by the kin of the injured party. He has called for laws that moderate this urge for individual revenge but has also encouraged the media to take on the task of talking about the cultural pitfalls of this retribution-based approach to justice. Baghi has even not shied away from publicly chastising reformist organizations for their silence about the recent executions of a number of people identified by the government as “thugs and hoodlums.”
The arrest of Baghi is obviously sad and outrageous for what it is. But it also suggests a shift of approach by Ahmadinejad’s paranoid government from the harassment of well-known human rights activists to their arrest. In a just publicized private letter written to Ayatollah Seyyed Mahmoud Shahroudi, Iran’s head of the Judiciary, Baghi lays out the variety of hidden tactics the government has used, ranging from physical intimidation to harassment of his family, economic pressures, forced unemployment, passport confiscation, ransacking of his office and so on, to limit his activities. Baghi is very clear that years of listening and documenting human rights violations suggest that these are rather common tactics. But Baghi’s letter is also a testimony to the strength of the human rights movement in Iran. The Baghis of Iran will neither leave nor give up what they consider to be their mission, no matter how hard the government tries.
Ahmadinejad’s administration has made a decision that Baghi’s imprisonment is probably the only way to silence him for now. But knowing Baghi, this very short term expedient approach will neither weaken his resolve nor the resolve of many others who respect his path.
link: Informed Comment: Global Affairs
Hawaii University
One of Iran’s leading human rights activists, Emadeddin Baghi, was arrested on Sunday after a court summons. His lawyer, Saleh Nikbakht, reported that a previous 2003 one-year suspended sentence was changed into imprisonment, making it possible for the government to deny bail. Baghi also faces a 3-year sentence for action against national security and propaganda against the system. Additionally, there are apparently new charges that have been filed, which include publication of “secret government documents of information gathered from prisoners of security prisons.”
Baghi had been expecting his arrest for a while as the drumbeat of charges against him had intensified in the past few months. But his actual arrest may be a reflection of the extent to which Ahmadinejad’s administration is moved by short-term expediency and paranoia. In the past few months, more prisoners arrested for their thoughts and writings have actually been released than arrested. So Baghi’s arrest, along with the previous arrest of Hadi Qabel, a cleric and head of the Qom Branch of the reformist Islamic Iran’s Participation Party, may be the harbinger of a shift and future arrests to come.
Emad Baghi is a soft-spoken, patient, but persistent man. He was arrested several years ago and spent 2 ½ years in prison for a variety of cooked up charges that essentially revolved around the Iranian government’s distaste for his critical and investigative writings. But he came out of prison determined and with a mission. The result of this determination was the establishment of the Association for Defending Rights of Prisoners in Iran, a human rights organization dedicated to improving the condition of prisons as well as protecting the rights of all prisoners (not merely political ones). Also of deep concern to Baghi was the number of and justification for executions in Iran.
Identifying himself as a human rights activist and not a political player, Baghi has been critical of external attempts to politicize the human rights issue in Iran and turn it into an instrument to be utilized in the US-Iran conflict. Instead, he has consciously engaged various government organs, particularly the Judiciary, to push for prisoners’ rights as well as prevent executions.
His position has been simple: human rights violations are essentially government violations and can only be stopped by the government. Hence, engaging with the government, pointing out violations of Iran’s own constitution, laying out a human rights-based interpretation of Islamic principles and practices, and pushing for new laws that assure the implementation of human rights are the way to go. His take, he once told me sitting in his Tehran office, is that no matter who is or will be in power, “Emad Baghi will be doing the same thing”: pointing out human rights violations, demanding the implementation the already assured human rights guarantees in the Iranian constitution, and pushing for new laws that improve on deficient laws.
Baghi’s patient and persistent approach has meant that more than anyone else in Iran he has been cognizant of violations usually missed by others. He has not only attempted to keep track of every single person imprisoned for political activities but also prison conditions and practice of torture in Iran's provinces, the exact number of people on the death row, the arbitrary manner and justifications for the execution of prisoners with criminal record and so on. Relying on the volunteer work of a cadre of Iran’s most amazing human rights lawyers, the Association for Defending Rights of Prsioners in Iran has engaged with authorities not only on a case by case basis but intellectually, laying out, for instance, the problematic way sentences such as stoning have been meted out in the name of Islam.
Baghi has also been cognizant of traditions and societal practices that have intensified the legal quandaries of the Islamic justice system. On the widespread practice of capital punishment, for instance, Baghi has discussed the extent to which the law of retribution (qessas) is further fueled by the desire to take revenge by the kin of the injured party. He has called for laws that moderate this urge for individual revenge but has also encouraged the media to take on the task of talking about the cultural pitfalls of this retribution-based approach to justice. Baghi has even not shied away from publicly chastising reformist organizations for their silence about the recent executions of a number of people identified by the government as “thugs and hoodlums.”
The arrest of Baghi is obviously sad and outrageous for what it is. But it also suggests a shift of approach by Ahmadinejad’s paranoid government from the harassment of well-known human rights activists to their arrest. In a just publicized private letter written to Ayatollah Seyyed Mahmoud Shahroudi, Iran’s head of the Judiciary, Baghi lays out the variety of hidden tactics the government has used, ranging from physical intimidation to harassment of his family, economic pressures, forced unemployment, passport confiscation, ransacking of his office and so on, to limit his activities. Baghi is very clear that years of listening and documenting human rights violations suggest that these are rather common tactics. But Baghi’s letter is also a testimony to the strength of the human rights movement in Iran. The Baghis of Iran will neither leave nor give up what they consider to be their mission, no matter how hard the government tries.
Ahmadinejad’s administration has made a decision that Baghi’s imprisonment is probably the only way to silence him for now. But knowing Baghi, this very short term expedient approach will neither weaken his resolve nor the resolve of many others who respect his path.
link: Informed Comment: Global Affairs
Iran imprisons human rights activist - Los Angeles Times
Iranian authorities imprisoned one of their nation's most prominent human rights activists Sunday after he appeared at a court appointment, said his lawyer. Emadeddin Baghi, a writer who has campaigned vigorously against the death penalty in Iran, was taken during a hearing in Tehran's Revolutionary Court, which tries those charged with political crimes. Baghi's relatives said the court imposed a previously suspended one-year sentence on state security charges and denied bail. His lawyers said they were barred from the courtroom. "We were not allowed today to be present during the investigation," said Saleh Nikbakht, one of Baghi's two attorneys.
link: latimes
link: latimes
Iran detains prisoners' rights advocate on national security charges
Jaime Jansen at 6:58 AM ET
Baghi, who has already been accused of mistreating inmates, was reportedly working "against national security under the cover of defending prisoners' rights." He was arrested in 2003 on different charges of violating national security, and already served two years of a three-year prison sentence. The third year of the sentence was suspended, but Baghi will now begin serving that term. Recently, Baghi has been publicly protesting hangings in Iran [JURIST report] and openly criticized heads of reformist parties for not reacting to the hangings. AP has more. AFP has additional coverage.
link: school of law
Iran Arrests Prisoners' Rights Activist
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The head of an Iranian human rights group was arrested on charges of violating national security, official media reported on Sunday.
The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency said members of Emadeddin Baghi's family had taken part in meetings that were arranged by the opposition to topple Iran's Islamic regime.
"Baghi was doing his activities against national security under the cover of defending prisoners' rights," IRNA quoted an unnamed official as saying.
Baghi is the head of a prisoners' rights group and has accused authorities of mistreating inmates.
In 2003, he was sentenced to three years in prison on similar charges of violating national security. He served two years and one year was suspended.
"Now, the suspended term will go into force," the official was quoted as saying. IRNA did not provide more details.
Calls to Baghi's office, his family and judicial officials were not immediately returned.
Iran recently released three Iranian-Americans after they spent about four months in prison on accusations of trying to stir up a revolution in the Islamic Republic.
A fourth Iranian-American whose passport had been confiscated also was allowed to leave the country. All four were charged with endangering national security — allegations they and their employers denied.
link: Iran
The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency said members of Emadeddin Baghi's family had taken part in meetings that were arranged by the opposition to topple Iran's Islamic regime.
"Baghi was doing his activities against national security under the cover of defending prisoners' rights," IRNA quoted an unnamed official as saying.
Baghi is the head of a prisoners' rights group and has accused authorities of mistreating inmates.
In 2003, he was sentenced to three years in prison on similar charges of violating national security. He served two years and one year was suspended.
"Now, the suspended term will go into force," the official was quoted as saying. IRNA did not provide more details.
Calls to Baghi's office, his family and judicial officials were not immediately returned.
Iran recently released three Iranian-Americans after they spent about four months in prison on accusations of trying to stir up a revolution in the Islamic Republic.
A fourth Iranian-American whose passport had been confiscated also was allowed to leave the country. All four were charged with endangering national security — allegations they and their employers denied.
link: Iran
Iran detains human rights activists on security charges, news agency says
Iran detains human rights activists on security charges, news agency says
The Associated Press
Sunday, October 14, 2007
http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=7884020
TEHRAN, Iran: The head of an Iranian human rights group was arrested on
charges he violated national security, official media reported on Sunday.
The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency quoted an unnamed official as
saying that Emadeddin Baghi, the head of a prisoner rights' group, had been
detained.
IRNA said members of Baghi's family had taken part in meetings that were
arranged by the opposition to topple Iran's Islamic regime.
"Baghi was doing his activities against national security under the cover of
defending prisoners' rights," IRNA quoted the unnamed official as saying.
The report did not elaborate on the meetings.
In 2003, Baghi was sentenced to three years in prison on similar charges. He
served two years and one year was suspended.
"Now, the suspended term will go into force," the official was quoted as
saying. IRNA did not provide more details.
Baghi has criticized authorities for allegedly mistreating prisoners. Calls
to Baghi's office, his family and judicial officials were not immediately
returned.
Iran recently released three Iranian-Americans after they spent about four
months in prison on accusations of trying to stir up a revolution in the
Islamic Republic. A fourth Iranian-American also was allowed to leave the country after authorities confiscated her passport earlier this year. All four were
charged with endangering national security - allegations they and their
employers denied.
link: osint
The Associated Press
Sunday, October 14, 2007
http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=7884020
TEHRAN, Iran: The head of an Iranian human rights group was arrested on
charges he violated national security, official media reported on Sunday.
The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency quoted an unnamed official as
saying that Emadeddin Baghi, the head of a prisoner rights' group, had been
detained.
IRNA said members of Baghi's family had taken part in meetings that were
arranged by the opposition to topple Iran's Islamic regime.
"Baghi was doing his activities against national security under the cover of
defending prisoners' rights," IRNA quoted the unnamed official as saying.
The report did not elaborate on the meetings.
In 2003, Baghi was sentenced to three years in prison on similar charges. He
served two years and one year was suspended.
"Now, the suspended term will go into force," the official was quoted as
saying. IRNA did not provide more details.
Baghi has criticized authorities for allegedly mistreating prisoners. Calls
to Baghi's office, his family and judicial officials were not immediately
returned.
Iran recently released three Iranian-Americans after they spent about four
months in prison on accusations of trying to stir up a revolution in the
Islamic Republic. A fourth Iranian-American also was allowed to leave the country after authorities confiscated her passport earlier this year. All four were
charged with endangering national security - allegations they and their
employers denied.
link: osint
Leading Rights Activist Jailed
Washington Post
Iranian authorities imprisoned one of their nation's most prominent human rights activists Sunday after he appeared at a court appointment, his attorney said.
Emadeddin Baghi, a writer who has campaigned vigorously against the death penalty in Iran, was taken into custody during a hearing in Tehran's Revolutionary Court, which tries those charged with political crimes.
Baghi's relatives said the court imposed a previously suspended one-year sentence on state security charges and denied bail. His lawyers said they were barred from the courtroom.
Authorities were angered recently by Baghi's outspoken opposition to the death penalty for Iranians of Arab descent convicted of taking part in a series of bombings in the southwestern province of Khuzestan.
Washington Post
Iranian authorities imprisoned one of their nation's most prominent human rights activists Sunday after he appeared at a court appointment, his attorney said.
Emadeddin Baghi, a writer who has campaigned vigorously against the death penalty in Iran, was taken into custody during a hearing in Tehran's Revolutionary Court, which tries those charged with political crimes.
Baghi's relatives said the court imposed a previously suspended one-year sentence on state security charges and denied bail. His lawyers said they were barred from the courtroom.
Authorities were angered recently by Baghi's outspoken opposition to the death penalty for Iranians of Arab descent convicted of taking part in a series of bombings in the southwestern province of Khuzestan.
Washington Post
Freed Iran Advocate Recalls His Jailing
TEHRAN, Oct. 15 — A prominent human rights advocate was jailed here on Sunday after an appearance before the Revolutionary Court, which handles political crimes, Iranian news media reported Monday.
The dissident, Emadeddin Baghi, was imprisoned on a previously suspended one-year term on charges of acting against state security. Previously, Mr. Baghi, a journalist who has written for reformist newspapers here, spent three years in jail for pro-democracy articles.
After his release in 2003, Mr. Baghi founded a group called the Organization for the Defense of Prisoners’ Rights and campaigned against capital punishment, which is widely applied in Iran. The daily newspaper Etemad reported Monday that Mr. Baghi had come under increasing pressure recently to end his activities
link: the newyork times
The dissident, Emadeddin Baghi, was imprisoned on a previously suspended one-year term on charges of acting against state security. Previously, Mr. Baghi, a journalist who has written for reformist newspapers here, spent three years in jail for pro-democracy articles.
After his release in 2003, Mr. Baghi founded a group called the Organization for the Defense of Prisoners’ Rights and campaigned against capital punishment, which is widely applied in Iran. The daily newspaper Etemad reported Monday that Mr. Baghi had come under increasing pressure recently to end his activities
link: the newyork times
Iran imprisons leading dissident at court hearing
By Borzou Daragahi and Ramin Mostaghim, Los Angeles Times
TEHRAN - Iranian authorities imprisoned one of the nation's most prominent human-rights activists yesterday after he appeared at a court appointment, his lawyer said.
Emadeddin Baghi, a writer who has campaigned vigorously against the death penalty in Iran, was taken into custody during a hearing in Tehran's Revolutionary Court, which tries those charged with political crimes.
Baghi's relatives said the court imposed a previously suspended one-year sentence on state security charges and denied bail. His lawyers said they were barred from the courtroom.
"We were not allowed . . . to be present during the investigation," said Saleh Nikbakht, one of Baghi's two lawyers.
Nikbakht said Baghi had told him he had been accused of revealing classified information. It was not immediately clear where the dissident was being held.
Authorities were angered recently by his outspoken opposition to the death penalty for Iranians of Arab descent convicted for taking part in a series of bombings in the southwestern Iranian province of Khuzestan.
Baghi opposes capital punishment in all cases.
He is also being accused of insulting Iran's leaders, according to the Iranian Students' News Association .
Baghi was born to a religious family in the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala in 1962. A former Islamic seminary student, he supported Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.
He turned against the regime in the 1980s, writing books critical of the clerical establishment. He has written more than 20, most of them banned in his homeland. He was convicted on charges of apostasy and endangering state security in 2000 and spent nearly three years in prison.
As soon as Baghi got out, he founded the Center for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights, which advocates for the abolition of the death penalty. Several years ago, authorities handed him the one-year suspended sentence, which had been hanging over his head since.
In 2004, he was granted the $50,000 Civil Courage Prize, an international award inspired by Russian author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. However, Baghi was barred by Iranian authorities from leaving the country to collect the award.
His wife, activist and writer Fatemeh Kamali, tried to post bail for her husband yesterday, but the bid was refused by the court, Nikbakht said.
the boston globe
TEHRAN - Iranian authorities imprisoned one of the nation's most prominent human-rights activists yesterday after he appeared at a court appointment, his lawyer said.
Emadeddin Baghi, a writer who has campaigned vigorously against the death penalty in Iran, was taken into custody during a hearing in Tehran's Revolutionary Court, which tries those charged with political crimes.
Baghi's relatives said the court imposed a previously suspended one-year sentence on state security charges and denied bail. His lawyers said they were barred from the courtroom.
"We were not allowed . . . to be present during the investigation," said Saleh Nikbakht, one of Baghi's two lawyers.
Nikbakht said Baghi had told him he had been accused of revealing classified information. It was not immediately clear where the dissident was being held.
Authorities were angered recently by his outspoken opposition to the death penalty for Iranians of Arab descent convicted for taking part in a series of bombings in the southwestern Iranian province of Khuzestan.
Baghi opposes capital punishment in all cases.
He is also being accused of insulting Iran's leaders, according to the Iranian Students' News Association .
Baghi was born to a religious family in the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala in 1962. A former Islamic seminary student, he supported Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.
He turned against the regime in the 1980s, writing books critical of the clerical establishment. He has written more than 20, most of them banned in his homeland. He was convicted on charges of apostasy and endangering state security in 2000 and spent nearly three years in prison.
As soon as Baghi got out, he founded the Center for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights, which advocates for the abolition of the death penalty. Several years ago, authorities handed him the one-year suspended sentence, which had been hanging over his head since.
In 2004, he was granted the $50,000 Civil Courage Prize, an international award inspired by Russian author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. However, Baghi was barred by Iranian authorities from leaving the country to collect the award.
His wife, activist and writer Fatemeh Kamali, tried to post bail for her husband yesterday, but the bid was refused by the court, Nikbakht said.
the boston globe
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Iran Arrests Prisoners' Rights Activist
Associated Press
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The head of an Iranian human rights group was arrested on charges of violating national security, official media reported on Sunday.
The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency said members of Emadeddin Baghi's family had taken part in meetings that were arranged by the opposition to topple Iran's Islamic regime.
"Baghi was doing his activities against national security under the cover of defending prisoners' rights," IRNA quoted an unnamed official as saying.
Baghi is the head of a prisoners' rights group and has accused authorities of mistreating inmates.
In 2003, he was sentenced to three years in prison on similar charges of violating national security. He served two years and one year was suspended.
"Now, the suspended term will go into force," the official was quoted as saying. IRNA did not provide more details.
Calls to Baghi's office, his family and judicial officials were not immediately returned.
Iran recently released three Iranian-Americans after they spent about four months in prison on accusations of trying to stir up a revolution in the Islamic Republic.
A fourth Iranian-American whose passport had been confiscated also was allowed to leave the country. All four were charged with endangering national security — allegations they and their employers denied.
link: Associated Press
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The head of an Iranian human rights group was arrested on charges of violating national security, official media reported on Sunday.
The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency said members of Emadeddin Baghi's family had taken part in meetings that were arranged by the opposition to topple Iran's Islamic regime.
"Baghi was doing his activities against national security under the cover of defending prisoners' rights," IRNA quoted an unnamed official as saying.
Baghi is the head of a prisoners' rights group and has accused authorities of mistreating inmates.
In 2003, he was sentenced to three years in prison on similar charges of violating national security. He served two years and one year was suspended.
"Now, the suspended term will go into force," the official was quoted as saying. IRNA did not provide more details.
Calls to Baghi's office, his family and judicial officials were not immediately returned.
Iran recently released three Iranian-Americans after they spent about four months in prison on accusations of trying to stir up a revolution in the Islamic Republic.
A fourth Iranian-American whose passport had been confiscated also was allowed to leave the country. All four were charged with endangering national security — allegations they and their employers denied.
link: Associated Press
Iran jails journalist on security charge - friend
REUTERS
Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:22pm IST
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran jailed a prominent pro-reform journalist and rights activist, Emadeddin Baghi, on Sunday for acting against national security, a close friend said.
Baghi, the founder of the Society for Defending Prisoners' Rights, was sent to Tehran's Evin prison, where many other dissidents are held, Issa Saharkhiz told Reuters.
"Today Baghi was sent to prison from the court for a one-year term of a previously suspended jail sentence," Saharkhiz said, adding that he was being detained for acting against "national security" and publishing classified documents.
Iranian news agencies also quoted Baghi's lawyer confirming that he had been jailed for violating national security.
A Tehran court found Baghi guilty four years ago of writing critical articles and making speeches about the judiciary's poor treatment of prisoners and cases of defendants being given inadequate access to lawyers, Saharkhiz said.
Rights groups and diplomats say there is a broad crackdown on dissenting voices in the Islamic state, which is under growing Western pressure over its disputed nuclear programme. The authorities deny such moves, saying they allow free speech.
Baghi was previously jailed for insulting Islamic sanctities. He was released after three years in 2002.
Judicial officials were not available to comment on Baghi's arrest.
Baghi's best-selling books about so-called chain killing of intellectuals, during which four activists were murdered by "rogue" Intelligent Ministry agents, have also been banned in the Islamic state. Continued…
(LINK: http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-29989620071014 )
Rights groups often complain that Tehran imprisons pro-reform writers, journalists and intellectuals without due legal process. Iran denies holding political prisoners and routinely dismisses charges of rights abuses.
Reformist politicians said Baghi's arrest was an attempt to intimidate pro-reform activists in Iran ahead of the 2008 parliamentary elections in March.
"The government wants to silence its critics. They will jail more pro-reform activists," said a former government official, who asked not to be named.
Two prominent pro-reform newspapers, Ham Mihan and Sharq, both critical of the government, have been shut down in the past months.
Since 2000, the Press Supervisory Board and judiciary have closed more than 100 publications, accusing many of being "pawns of the West". Many subsequently reopened under different names. A handful of opposition newspapers still publish
link: REUTERS
Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:22pm IST
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran jailed a prominent pro-reform journalist and rights activist, Emadeddin Baghi, on Sunday for acting against national security, a close friend said.
Baghi, the founder of the Society for Defending Prisoners' Rights, was sent to Tehran's Evin prison, where many other dissidents are held, Issa Saharkhiz told Reuters.
"Today Baghi was sent to prison from the court for a one-year term of a previously suspended jail sentence," Saharkhiz said, adding that he was being detained for acting against "national security" and publishing classified documents.
Iranian news agencies also quoted Baghi's lawyer confirming that he had been jailed for violating national security.
A Tehran court found Baghi guilty four years ago of writing critical articles and making speeches about the judiciary's poor treatment of prisoners and cases of defendants being given inadequate access to lawyers, Saharkhiz said.
Rights groups and diplomats say there is a broad crackdown on dissenting voices in the Islamic state, which is under growing Western pressure over its disputed nuclear programme. The authorities deny such moves, saying they allow free speech.
Baghi was previously jailed for insulting Islamic sanctities. He was released after three years in 2002.
Judicial officials were not available to comment on Baghi's arrest.
Baghi's best-selling books about so-called chain killing of intellectuals, during which four activists were murdered by "rogue" Intelligent Ministry agents, have also been banned in the Islamic state. Continued…
(LINK: http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-29989620071014 )
Rights groups often complain that Tehran imprisons pro-reform writers, journalists and intellectuals without due legal process. Iran denies holding political prisoners and routinely dismisses charges of rights abuses.
Reformist politicians said Baghi's arrest was an attempt to intimidate pro-reform activists in Iran ahead of the 2008 parliamentary elections in March.
"The government wants to silence its critics. They will jail more pro-reform activists," said a former government official, who asked not to be named.
Two prominent pro-reform newspapers, Ham Mihan and Sharq, both critical of the government, have been shut down in the past months.
Since 2000, the Press Supervisory Board and judiciary have closed more than 100 publications, accusing many of being "pawns of the West". Many subsequently reopened under different names. A handful of opposition newspapers still publish
link: REUTERS
Saturday, October 13, 2007
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