Alessandra Bajec is a journalist based in Cairo since 2013. From 2010 to 2011, she lived Palestine where she made her first steps as a freelance journalist. She has experience in writing for print, online media along with some radio experience. Her work has appeared in UN's IRIN, Russia Today's rt....

As Iran doubles down on hijab laws, women fight back

14 Aug 2023  |  www.newarab.com  |  English  |  Iranian Politics

In Iran, women continue to resist mandatory headscarf laws despite the government's intensified crackdown and the proposed introduction of severe penalties for non-compliance. The death of Jina 'Mahsa' Amini in police custody sparked nationwide protests, which have since subsided, but many women persist in defying the hijab laws. Human rights advocates and experts highlight the ongoing struggle for women's liberation in Iran, where discriminatory laws against women prevail. Despite the risks of state reprisals, Iranian women are increasingly showing their hair in public, signaling a quiet but persistent defiance against the clerical establishment.

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Center for Human Rights in Iran Iran Human Rights Documentation Center Iran's Morality Police Amnesty International Stimson Center

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Carmela Caruso is a freelance reporter based in Asheville, North Carolina, United States of America with experience covering human rights, press freedom, and local news. She is a regular contributor for Voice of America and the Mountain Xpress.

Though Marginalized and Exiled, Iranian Journalists Still Report

16 Sept 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Exile

Iranian journalists Asal Abasian and Afra Amid, facing persecution for their identities and work, have been forced into exile. Abasian, nonbinary and a proponent of LGBTQI rights, endured threats, harassment, and interrogations by the IRGC before fleeing to France. Amid, a Baha'i and a journalist, left for Turkey due to the systemic oppression of Baha'is and the risks associated with journalism in Iran. Both continue to report on Iran's human rights issues, despite the dangers of collaborating with foreign media. The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Iran Human Rights highlight the challenges faced by journalists and the severe penalties for same-sex relations in Iran.

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Iran Human Rights Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Coalition For Women In Journalism

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Journalist, reporter working for radio, TV, digital media and print magazines. 
Between France, the UK and Africa.
Writer and podcast producer.

Currently with RFI English.

Since 2006, I've worked with France24, AFP, BBC World Service, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, Think Africa Press, TV5, Le ...

Niger: Three months after the coup

01 Oct 2023  |  melissa-on-the-road.blogspot.com  |  English  |  Economic Sanctions

Three months following a military coup in Niger, the country faces isolation, with human rights groups warning of crises including insecurity, poverty, and loss of freedoms. The junta, led by General Abdourahmane Tiani, has been condemned internationally, with France withdrawing troops and ECOWAS imposing sanctions. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International report arrests and media crackdowns, urging the junta to respect human rights. Economic repercussions are severe, with potential for increased poverty and food insecurity. Internationally, Niger finds limited support, primarily from Russia, while Iran expresses willingness for economic cooperation.

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Iran Human Rights Watch National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland Amnesty International Economic Community of West African States European Union United Nations World Bank World Food Programme African Union

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Una Cilic is a multimedia journalist, currently based in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Pentagon Says Iranian Drone 'Attack' Hit Chemical Tanker Near India

23 Oct 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Gender Apartheid

Iranian authorities executed eight people over the weekend, raising concerns about an increase in death sentences following a recent presidential election. Human rights groups report a significant rise in executions, particularly of Afghan nationals, who face unfair trials. Anti-Afghan sentiment is growing in Iran, exacerbated by social media claims linking Afghan migrants to health issues. Tehran is also pressuring Baghdad to extradite Iranian-Kurdish opposition members, following a security pact. The article highlights the systemic gender apartheid in Iran and Afghanistan, with calls for international recognition and action. The recent election of reformist Masud Pezeshkian is viewed skeptically, with doubts about his ability to implement significant changes.

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Iran Human Rights Iranian Government Amnesty International UNHCR Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan Komala Free Life Party of Kurdistan Taliban United Nations

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I am a London-based writer with extensive experience of writing and editing copy on politics, economics and business. My articles have appeared in many of the world's leading current affairs publications, including The Economist, Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, Foreign Policy and others. 

I work ...

UK Moves Closer To Proscribing Iran’s Revolutionary Guards As A Terrorist Organisation

12 Jan 2023  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Cybersecurity threats

The UK is considering designating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a move already taken by several countries. During a parliamentary debate, MPs across parties urged for this policy adoption, questioning the delay. The debate was prompted by Iran's ongoing protest movement, sparked by Mahsa Amini's death in custody. The UK government is also facing calls to sanction individuals associated with the regime and to protect Iranian journalists in the UK from threats. The article also mentions the case of Alireza Akbari, a UK-Iranian dual national at risk of execution in Iran, and the potential repercussions of his execution on UK-Iran relations. Concerns over Iran's actions in the UK, including threats against journalists and cyberattacks, were also highlighted.

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People’s Mujaheddin Organisation of Iran (MEK) Human Rights Activists News Agency Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee Daily Telegraph MI5

Ali Fathollah-Nejad is a political scientist based in Berlin, Germany.

Islamic Republic crackdown on popular protests sees spike in execution rate

01 Jan 2024  |  Qantara.de - Dialog mit der islamischen Welt  |  English  |  Political Repression

Iran executed at least 834 people in the past year, the highest since 2015, with a 43% increase from 2022. Human rights groups Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty report the executions as a tactic to suppress protests following Mahsa Amini's death in custody. The rise includes drug-related charges, with the Baluch minority disproportionately affected. Public hangings tripled, and the number of women executed was the highest in a decade. International response has been limited, potentially leading to more executions.

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Iran Human Rights (IHR) Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

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I am an Iranian-American Journalist and Iran Analyst.
 When I was 14 I was lucky enough to get a work experience placement at newspaper in Iran. That was begining, From 1997 through today and I have worked with such as great Media inside and outside of Iran. 
I worked as a beat reporter for many ...

Iranian Woman Expresses 'Regret' In Video Supporters Say Was Made Under Duress

15 Sept 2024  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Women's Rights

The article discusses the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in police custody, which sparked nationwide protests in Iran. Security forces surrounded Amini's family home, preventing them from leaving. The article highlights the ongoing repression by Iranian authorities, including arrests of activists and family members of those killed in protests. It also covers the hunger strike by 34 female political prisoners in solidarity with the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement. The piece underscores the enduring impact of Amini's death on Iranian society, fostering a sense of defiance and camaraderie among citizens.

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Human Rights Watch Iran Human Rights Iran's Intelligence Ministry Morality Police Narges Mohammadi Foundation

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Journalist in Kathmandu, often with BBC Travel, der Spiegel, Stern, the Scotsman and other German and British media. 
Former senior foreign correspondent in Brussels covering EU affairs. Worked in broadcast, but still prefer print and photography. 
I usually write in English and German, but can ...

Nothing compensates for the stolen years: the Afghan women rebuilding shattered dreams in Iran

04 Jul 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Afghan Refugees in Iran

Afghan women, barred from education by the Taliban, are seeking opportunities in Iran, where universities have opened their doors to them. Despite challenges, including high tuition fees and cultural adjustments, many Afghan women are determined to pursue their studies in Iran. The influx of Afghan students is seen as beneficial to Iran's economy, though there are concerns about discrimination. The article highlights the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Afghanistan and the hope for a better future through education.

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Human Rights Watch Iran University of Medical Sciences Taliban Norwegian Refugee Council

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Matt Haines is a journalist based in New Orleans, United States of America.

Americans Overwhelmingly Support Protesters in Iran

07 Nov 2022  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  International Relations

The death of Mahsa Amini has ignited widespread protests in Iran, with significant support from Americans. The protests, driven by opposition to the Iranian regime's oppressive actions, have seen participation from both Iranian Americans and other U.S. citizens. Organizations like the Organization of Iranian American Communities and Iran Human Rights highlight the regime's brutal crackdown, including the killing of 234 people and the planned public trials for detained protesters. Despite some criticism of limited media coverage, there is a strong sentiment among Americans to support the Iranian people's fight for democracy and human rights.

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Iran Human Rights Organization of Iranian American Communities Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans

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Mouloud Hajizadeh is an Iranian journalist living in Norway.
Journalist on political economy. Also women's rights activist.
Education: Bachelor of Economics and Master of International Relations (from Iranian universities). Currently a master's student in Middle East Studies at the University of ...

A new wave of sexual scandals in the clergy

30 Sept 2023  |  Østlands-Posten  |  Norwegian  |  Human Rights

Over the past year, amid democratic movements and violent crackdowns in Iran, a series of sexual scandals involving government and religious officials have come to light. These scandals reveal the hypocrisy of officials who publicly condemn certain behaviors while engaging in them privately. High-profile cases include a director involved in homosexual acts and a cleric with a long-term same-sex relationship, both of which contradict the regime's strict Islamic laws. Despite severe punishments for ordinary citizens, these officials often escape consequences due to their regime connections. The article underscores the regime's failure to uphold basic human rights and its ideological inconsistencies.

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Human Rights Organizations National Security Council of Iran Iranian Regime

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Valerie Hopkins is currently the South-East Europe Correspondent for the Financial Times, where she covers the region out of Budapest. She has more than ten years of experience working in South-Eastern Europe. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian The Atlantic, The Washington ...

Syria’s Rebels Struck When Assad’s Allies Were Weakened and Distracted

01 Dec 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Middle East Conflict

Rebel forces in Syria have capitalized on the weakened state of President Bashar al-Assad's allies, including Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, to make significant territorial gains. The rebels have captured most of Aleppo and control large areas in the west and northwest of Syria. The success of the offensive highlights the vulnerabilities of Assad's coalition, which has been strained by various conflicts and crises affecting its key supporters. Iran faces challenges from Israeli airstrikes and economic issues, Hezbollah has been weakened by prolonged conflict with Israel, and Russia is preoccupied with its ongoing war in Ukraine.

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Iran Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Hezbollah Russia

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A Vancouver-based freelance journalist, covering the Iranian community in Canada, as well as topics related to art, culture, and the latest social media trends.

Saeid Jafari is an Iranian journalist and an analyst on Middle Eastern affairs. He is a contributor to various media outlets such as Al-Monitor, Foreign Policy, Atlantic Council, National Interest, Middle East Eye, and Euronews. He has also worked for many Iranian media outlets including Aseman, ...

Iran Hands Down Prison Terms To Two Journalists Over Amini Coverage

22 Apr 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Politics

Two Iranian journalists, Niloofar Hamedi and Elahah Mohammadi, were sentenced to prison for their coverage of Mahsa Amini's death in custody, sparking national protests. They were accused of collaborating with the U.S. and acting against national security. The sentences can be appealed. The article also discusses the militant group Jaish al-Adl's attacks in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province, the group's background, funding, and recent escalation in violence. Additionally, it covers the sentencing of political activist Hossein Razzagh and the detention of Turkmen pop star Nazir Habibov in Iran for narcotics possession. The EU removed sanctions on Iranian tech startup ArvanCloud, and a group of female students faced legal threats for dancing at a graduation event. Lastly, four Iranian environmental activists were pardoned, and the high suicide rate among Iranian resident doctors was highlighted.

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Global Campaign Against the Death Penalty in Iran Iran Human Rights Organization Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Jaish al-Adl Committee to Protect Journalists Ham Mihan newspaper Sharq newspaper United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Amnesty International International Committee Against the Death Penalty

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Lucinda Jordaan is a professional freelance journalist, researcher and Copy Editor based in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa,with extensive experience on all publishing platforms and within a variety of genres and specialities.

How Iranian journalists master expression within deadly oppression

28 Jun 2023  |  wan-ifra.org  |  English  |  Protests

Iranian authorities are intensifying their efforts to suppress dissent, particularly targeting journalists and media professionals. The death of Mahsa Jina Amini in detention sparked nationwide protests, leading to increased arrests, executions, and new laws aimed at silencing women. Human rights organizations report a dramatic rise in executions and call for international pressure on Iran. Despite the regime's efforts, women continue to protest daily. The article highlights the severe oppression faced by journalists, especially women, and the brutal tactics used by the Iranian government to control dissent.

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UN Human Rights Council Center for Human Rights in Iran Iran Human Rights Human Rights Watch Committee to Protect Journalists BRICS Reporters Without Borders Iran's Revolutionary Guards CPJ RSF HRANA NCRI Women’s Committee

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Shenaz Kermalli is a freelance journalist based in Toronto, Canada. She currently teaches journalism at Humber College in Toronto.
 
Shenaz is a former producer and writer with Al Jazeera English, BBC News, and CBC Television. Her writing has appeared in The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The ...

Protesters across Iran driven by deep-rooted frustration with clerical establishment

14 Nov 2022  |  The Globe and Mail  |  English  |  Human Rights

Protests across Iran, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, reflect deep-rooted frustration with the clerical establishment and economic hardships exacerbated by U.S. sanctions. Students and citizens are calling for freedom and reform, with women leading the movement. The Iranian government faces criticism for its oppressive actions and failure to address citizens' needs. Despite potential suppression, the protests signify a revolutionary movement among Iran's younger generation, demanding change and accountability.

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Human Rights Activists in Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Iranian Government

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Soraya Lennie is a roving journalist and Middle East analyst based in Melbourne, Australia.

Primary speciality: Iran.

Iran: Authorities 'stole' body of teenage protester, report says

04 Oct 2022  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

Iranian security forces allegedly stole and secretly buried the body of 16-year-old protester Nika Shakarami, who disappeared after joining protests in Tehran. Her family found her body in a morgue, but it was later taken by authorities and buried in a different village. The incident has sparked further anti-government protests. The crackdown on protests has intensified, with reports of numerous deaths and arrests, including the detention of journalist Niloofar Hamedi. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed support for the security forces' actions.

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Iran Human Rights Iranian Security Forces Morality Police

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Freelance journalist interested in conflict and international law; the Middle East and Africa. Currently based in Iraqi Kurdistan covering ISIS conflict, IDP and refugee crisis, energy news. Bylines in Daily Telegraph, Foreign Policy, Al Jazeera, Maclean's magazine, National Post, The Daily Beast, ...

Executions surge by 75pc in Iran after anti-government protests

13 Apr 2023  |  www.telegraph.co.uk  |  English  |  Capital Punishment

Iran saw a 75% increase in executions in 2022, with at least 582 prisoners executed, the highest since 2015. This surge is linked to efforts to suppress an anti-government protest movement that began after Mahsa Amini's death in police custody. Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty reported that executions were used to instill fear and maintain power. International pressure has made executing protesters politically costly, leading to an increase in executions for non-political charges. The report highlights a lack of transparency, with fewer than 12% of executions announced by the government, and concerns over forced confessions, lack of fair trials, and an independent judiciary.

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Iran Human Rights (IHR) Together Against the Death Penalty

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Ammar Maleki is assistant professor of political science at Tilburg University (NL) and the director of GAMAAN research institute, based in The Hague, Netherlands.

Iran's secular shift: new survey reveals huge changes in religious beliefs

05 Oct 2023  |  malaysia.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Iran

A new survey by GAMAAN reveals significant secularization in Iran, with only 40% identifying as Muslim compared to the state's claim of 99.5%. The survey, conducted online to ensure anonymity, shows a diverse range of beliefs and a decline in traditional religious practices. The findings indicate a growing disillusionment with institutional religion and a critical view of religious governance, with 68% of respondents favoring the exclusion of religious prescriptions from legislation. The study highlights the complex interplay between religious and secular forces in Iran, suggesting fundamental societal changes.

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Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran GAMAAN

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Joe Sandler Clarke is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Questions for Shell over Iran links

14 May 2023  |  Unearthed  |  English  |  Energy Sector

Shell's joint venture in Iraq, the Basra Gas Company, signed an agreement with Shamara, an Iraqi company, to receive electricity from the Rumaila power plant, built by the Iranian Mapna Group. Despite US sanctions on Mapna, the company benefits from carve-outs due to Iran-Iraq ties. Shell and Basra Gas deny direct relations with Mapna, emphasizing compliance with international laws. Concerns arise over Mapna's links to Iran's regime, which is under scrutiny for human rights abuses. The article highlights the geopolitical complexities and energy dependencies between Iran and Iraq.

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Centre for Human Rights in Iran Basra Gas Company Iraqi Government US Government UK Government Foundation for Defense of Democracies

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Pirzada Shakir is a journalist based in Jammu and Kashmir, India. He extensively writes on defense, conflict, identity conflict, human rights, gender, social issues, environment and politics. His work has been published in different international and Indian media outlets including Press Trust of ...

Iranian forces open fire, beat women as anti-hijab protests swell

17 Nov 2022  |  www.newsbytesapp.com  |  English  |  Women's Rights

The death of Mahsa Amini has sparked widespread anti-hijab protests in Iran, leading to violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The protests, which have been ongoing for two months, have resulted in over 300 deaths and nearly 15,000 arrests. The Iranian government has faced significant criticism for its harsh laws and violent enforcement measures. Recent demonstrations commemorated the 2019 'Bloody November' protests, with police opening fire on crowds and beating women not wearing headscarves. The government is also working on implementing face recognition technology to identify women violating dress codes.

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Iran Human Rights (IHR) Iranian Government Iran's Morality Police

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Will Tizard is a travel and business journalist and documentarian based in Prague, Czech Republic. He covers the film sector in Central and Eastern Europe for Variety and writes about the arts and culture for Time Out, National Geographic guides and Louis Vuitton.
With more than 20 years' ...

Winning Director Asghar Farhadi Cleared Of Plagiarism By Iranian Court

20 Mar 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  International Relations

Iran has faced significant human rights challenges, particularly regarding women's rights and the government's response to protests. The death of Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked nationwide protests, leading to a brutal crackdown by authorities. Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi and other activists have called for international action against Iran's gender apartheid. The UN has implicated the Iranian government in Amini's death and subsequent human rights violations. Meanwhile, economic hardships are exacerbated by rising prices ahead of the Persian New Year, and the judiciary has ordered Iranian-German national Jamshid Sharmahd and the U.S. government to pay compensation for a 2008 bombing. The government has also arrested individuals for acts of 'social defiance,' such as dancing in public without a hijab.

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Iran Human Rights Council United Nations Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Tehran International Claims Court Tehran's City Council Iran's Intelligence Ministry Iran's judiciary

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Legu Zhang is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Iran’s Embassy in China Misrepresents Case Against Footballer

13 Dec 2022  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Death Penalty

The Iranian Embassy in Beijing misrepresented the case against former Iranian footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani, who was arrested during anti-government protests and faces potential execution. Nasr-Azadani has been charged with assisting in 'moharebeh' or 'waging war against God,' a capital crime in Iran. The embassy falsely claimed he committed murder, while his trial and sentencing remain pending. The article highlights the broader context of Iran's crackdown on protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, with numerous death sentences and executions reported. International organizations and prominent figures have expressed outrage and support for Nasr-Azadani.

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Human Rights Watch Human Rights Activists News Agency Iran Human Rights Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Iranian Embassy in Beijing Islamic Republic News Agency Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Basij IranWire Amnesty International FIFPRO

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