Two Weeks Before Mahsa's Anniversary Storm Clouds are Gathering in Iran
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Khamenei’s Plan for an Ideal University
Rightly and inevitably, last week’s news of a US-Iran prisoner swap – or as the Islamic Republic prefers to regard it, a hostage exchange – has drawn attention to the other faultless foreign nationals who’ve been thrown behind bars in Iran. One of them is Kamran Ghaderi, a recently released detainee of Iranian-Austrian nationality, who unbelievably after seven years told us he still doesn’t know what he was arrested and tortured for. “Acting against national security” and “collaboration with a hostile government” were on the charge sheet, but in Iran humming the wrong tune in public will get you done for these “crimes” and it genuinely seems the authorities couldn’t be bothered to build a coherent case against him, so sure were they that they could use him to extract concessions from Europe. It’s a wonderful interview, however; Ghaderi’s tribute to his wife the “lioness” is something we were proud to publish. Now he’s a free man again, we wish them both a great deal of joy.
Inside Iran the stormclouds are gathering; in just over two weeks’ time it will be the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s killing, and of the historic protest movement birthed by that tragedy. Thousands of student and civil rights activists have been arrested, summoned and threatened in recent weeks as the government struggles vainly to keep a lid on any dissent. In a singularly contemptible gesture, they are also going after the justice-seeking relatives of young people murdered by security forces in the last year. The ridiculous Ali Khamenei, who still has the stomach to call himself “Supreme Leader”, has again warned IRGC commanders against complacency –as much against corruption in their own ranks as against the general public. Grift and sleaze are more than a drain on resources to the Islamic Republic; they pose an existential threat. (See also: Solmaz Eikdar’s rather brilliant piece on sex scandals in the corridors of power). One presumes that if only Iran’s democratically-minded populace could find the right member of the top brass to bribe, the movement for change could continue uninhibited.
For now, though, that isn’t the case and not a day goes by for observers that isn’t riven with anxiety and horror on behalf of Iran’s young. There are still fears for the whereabouts of Parmida Shahbazi, a brave woman who was filmed in Karaj telling an accosting officer: “Don’t attempt to intimidate me. I’m a woman, resolute in my beliefs.” We have covered the awful story of Farzin Marofi, who was murdered by government agents on November 30 as he, like thousands of other Iranians, celebrated Team Melli being knocked out of the World Cup. The names come so thick and fast, it’s hard to bear. But humbling too. We spoke this week to some of the many Iranian-origin MPs in foreign countries who’ve been watching these events unfold from afar, and detailed how they’re trying to support their countryfolk in the spirit of true patriotism that the Islamic Republic will never understand. Darya Safai, a Belgian lawmaker, hit the nail on the head: “Iranians are at the forefront of the global fight against totalitarianism… The courage of the Iranian people has opened a window of hope for the West itself, hope for a secure future for the region and the whole world.”
Our top stories from this week:
After Over Seven Years behind Bars, Kamran Ghaderi still Doesn’t Know Why He Was Arrested
Kamran Ghaderi, a dual Austrian-Iranian national, was arrested at Tehran Airport in 2015 on vague "national security" charges. With talks of a US-Iran prisoner swap ahead, he recounts his horrific ordeal in Evin Prison and the support he received from afar.
Khamenei Warns Revolutionary Guards Against Complacency
The 84-year-old Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, warned that “multiple crises” could lie ahead and told the commanders of the Revolutionary Guards that they must not be conceited over their achievements.
Students, Activists Threatened, Summoned, Arrested ahead of Mahsa Amini Anniversary
With the first anniversary of the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini approaches, the Iranian government is intensifying its crackdown on university students and activists across the country.
Iranian Government Detains Relatives of Crackdown Victims Who Seek Justice
Mashallah Karami is the father of Mohammed Mehdi, a young man executed last year. The walls of his bedroom are still adorned with the karate medals and trophies he won. On August 22, security forces executed a raid on the family home.
Where is Parmida, Who Said "I’m a Woman, Don't Intimidate Me with Anything"?
A social media campaign aims to uncover the whereabouts of Parmida Shahbazi, a brave young woman who was filmed facing down an official who accosted her over her clothing choices.
Farzin Marofi: Killed for Celebrating National Football Team’s Loss
In response to street celebrations after the national football team's defeat against the US in the World Cup, the Islamic Republic swiftly resorted to brutal suppression. Farzin Marofi was among the victims of the crackdown.
The Western Lawmakers of Iranian Descent Who Supported Protests
During nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, Swedish lawmaker Alireza Akhundi read the names of Iranian teenagers killed by Iranian authorities and burst into tears — and he was not alone.
The Islamic Republic of Sex Scandals
Fresh revelations spotlighting the moral and sexual transgressions of high-ranking officials within the Islamic Republic continue to threaten or even topple yet another leader or pillar of Iran’s ruling system.
Twelve Days in Detention Without Charge for 90-Year-Old Baha’i
Twelve days have passed since the arrest of Jamaloddin Khanjani, a 90-year-old Baha'i man in Tehran, still with no clear charges from the authorities against him.
Iran’s Baluchistan Hit by Anti-Government Protests
Thousands of protesters took to the streets across the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchistan, chanting against the Islamic Republic's oppressive policies, as Iran’s top Sunni cleric called for an end to the country’s "religious government."
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