Iranian Alert -- DAY 39 -- LIVE THREAD PING LIST

The Iranian Student Movement Up To The Minute Reports ^ | 7.18.2003 | DoctorZin

[DoctorZIn]

The regime is working hard to keep the news about the protest movment in Iran from being reported.

From jamming satellite broadcasts, to prohibiting news reporters from covering any demonstrations to shutting down all cell phones and even hiring foreign security to control the population, the regime is doing everything in its power to keep the popular movement from expressing its demand for an end of the regime.

These efforts by the regime, while successful in the short term, do not resolve the fundamental reasons why this regime is crumbling from within.

Iran is a country ready for a regime change. If you follow this thread you will witness, I believe, the transformation of a nation. This daily thread provides a central place where those interested in the events in Iran can find the best news and commentary.

Please continue to join us here, post your news stories and comments to this thread.

Thanks for all the help.

DoctorZin

[Eala]

Why a shoe?

My wife made comment some months ago, something to the effect that this is a special insult. Perhaps others here could enlighten us more.

[DoctorZIn]

Militiamen beat Iranian youngsters in harrasement campaign

SMCCDI (Information Service)
Jul 18, 2003

Several Iranian youngsters were beaten, yesterday evening, in a new campaign of harrasement launched by the Islamic republic regime and intending to fuel the existing policy of fear and terror.

The 3 youngsters were seen pulled out of their car and beaten by members of the regime Bassidj in the Vali-Asr square of Tehran as apparently they protested against the confiscation of their music tapes.

Several residents who rushed to the support of the youngsters were beaten as well by militiamen send from the neighboring Bassidj center in order to avoid a new riot to take place. The youngsters and at least 2 supporters were arrested and brought to the center.

Several other reports are stating about the increase of brutal actions and insults made, by members of the security forces, against residents of the Capital and main provincila cities.

http://www.daneshjoo.org/generalnews/article/publish/article_1225.shtml

"If you want on or off this Iran ping list, Freepmail me”

[DoctorZIn]

Iran Samples Show Enriched Uranium - Diplomats

Fri July 18, 2003 10:09 AM ET
By Louis Charbonneau
VIENNA (Reuters)

U.N. inspectors have found enriched uranium in environmental samples taken in Iran, which could mean Tehran has been purifying uranium without informing the U.N. nuclear watchdog, diplomats said.

The diplomats, who asked not to be named, said initial analysis showed enrichment levels possibly consistent with an attempt to make weapons-grade material and high enough to cause concern at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

If Iran, dubbed part of an "axis of evil" by Washington, has been enriching uranium without telling the IAEA, this would deepen U.S. suspicions that its nuclear ambitions go beyond its stated aim of using nuclear energy only to generate electricity.

However, the diplomats said the mere presence of enriched uranium in the samples was not solid proof Iran had done the enrichment itself. Contamination was another possibility, though how it had arisen would have to be explained to the IAEA.

Iranian officials were not immediately available for comment on Friday, the Muslim holiday.

The IAEA declined to confirm or deny the statements of the diplomats, though an agency spokeswoman said IAEA inspectors have been taking samples in Iran.

"The results of environmental sample analyzes are being reviewed at the agency and we expect to take more samples over the next few weeks," Melissa Fleming said. "Only the IAEA will be in a position to judge the significance of the analysis results.

"At this point, we are still in the middle of a complex inspection process in Iran, in which we are investigating a number of unresolved issues," she added.

Iran insists it has no interest in building nuclear weapons, as Washington charges, but has resisted international calls for it to accept tougher inspections of its nuclear program.

It was not clear at which of Iran's nuclear facilities the samples had been taken, nor was it clear whether the IAEA had informed the Iranian government of its initial findings.

CENTRIFUGE TESTS?

At least one senior Western diplomat predicted in June that environmental samples taken by the IAEA would confirm suspicions that Iran continues to hide aspects of its nuclear program -- including live tests of enrichment centrifuges.

Iran has repeatedly denied that it has tested its centrifuges with nuclear material without informing the IAEA,

But diplomats say it makes no sense for Iran to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to build big uranium enrichment facilities in Natanz without having tested their centrifuges.

Enrichment is a process which purifies uranium to make it useable in nuclear fuel -- or nuclear weapons.

The nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which Iran has signed, permits uranium enrichment for civilian purposes. However, the United Nations must be informed and the process must be subject to IAEA safeguards inspections.

In June, the IAEA board of governors chided Iran for failing to report many aspects of its nuclear program and asked for more information on research and development in Iran's uranium enrichment program.

The IAEA is expected to report on the results of its most recent inspections in Iran when the board meets on September 8.

http://asia.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3116043

"If you want on or off this Iran ping list, Freepmail me”

[dixiechick2000]

"The IAEA declined to confirm or deny the statements of the diplomats, though an agency spokeswoman said IAEA inspectors have been taking samples in Iran."

If this isn't true, why wouldn't they issue a denial?

[DoctorZIn]

High rank clerics accuses arrested demonstrators to be linked to US
SMCCDI (Information Service)
Jul 18, 2003


Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati said, during the today's governmental organized prayers, that 300 to 400 individuals linked to "US conspiracy" and "Having received funds in order to overthrown the Islamic state" have been arrested in connection to the events of July 9th, 2003, in Iran.

The high rank cleric blasted as well the abroad based Iranian opposition Satellite TV networks and qualified them as tools in service of America.

The baseless accusations made against some of those arrested show the firm intention of the Islamic regime to push for public trials of arrested demonstrators and opponents.

Several of them have been placed under duress in order to make false statements on their "collaboration with US and Israeli agencies" and such "confessions" can lead to their executions while taking off pressures from their families.

At least 2 have been executed in the last days in the southern city of Behbahan for their opposition to the regime and active participation in last June's riots.

http://www.daneshjoo.org/generalnews/article/publish/article_1226.shtml

"If you want on or off this Iran ping list, Freepmail me”

[MoJo2001]

Just a thought!

As you are sitting at your computer complaining about the hot weather, someone in Iran is desperately trying to find their loved ones. Someone has disappeared that they love and they fear that the government has taken them into to custody. The likelihood they will survive is minimal.

As you are contemplating your plans for tonight, Iranian students are gearing up for another night of clashes.

As you are contemplating your plans for the weekend, many of those students will be taken into custody because of their protest from Friday night.

As another day falls away and the sun sets, Iranian students and their families are left wondering if the rest of the world is hearing them.

As our politicians set out to get themselves re-elected next year, another Iranian student will be "lost to the cause" because of the government's crackdown.

As dangers gather around the world, the group of people that can really help them are already in Iraq helping a freed country.

As you wonder why nobody cares about Iran in the media, imagine how the Iranian students feel each and every night.

If the most you can do is pray, than do it. Pray for the safety of these students and their families. Say a praise to God for the courage and bravery of this generation.

[DoctorZIn]

BBC graphic of How Cuban is jamming the satellite signals of the broadcasts into Iran.

"If you want on or off this Iran ping list, Freepmail me”

[DoctorZIn]

This just in....

Fox News is giving a great report on the jamming by Cuba.

DoctorZin

"If you want on or off this Iran ping list, Freepmail me”

[DoctorZIn]

There have been so many great posts today, I can't personally respond to them all. Keep up the great work. The media is beginning to notice what is happening in Iran. Keep it up.

DoctorZin

[DoctorZIn]

A Public Letter to Senator E.M. Kennedy
SMCCDI (Public Statement)
Jul 16, 2003

Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran (SMCCDI)

The Honorable Senator Edward M. Kennedy
317 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Fax: (202) 224-2417
senator@kennedy.senate.gov


Dear Senator Kennedy:

For decades, the name Kennedy has stood for freedom, liberty, and justice throughout the world. You, Sir, are the sole bearer of the legacy of two of the most beloved fallen heroes of America and those who value human dignity and honor throughout the world. You have continued President John F. Kennedy’s ideals, passion and eloquence; you have retraced Senator Robert Kennedy’s journey to places of hurt and hunger; and you, yourself, Senator, stand, and have been dubbed, as the “Lion” protector and defender of the voiceless and the downtrodden!

Senator Kennedy, why and how would you permit a terrorist, barbaric and brutal regime such as the Islamic Republic, that is occupying Iran at the present time, to associate itself with you and your name?

Regrettably, we have been informed that since the previous lobby group of the Islamic Republic, called American Iranian Council (AIC), has been exposed and discredited, new proxies have filled in and have formed a new group under the title of: Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC). This group has indicated that you would be participating as a keynote guest in the reception that will mark their official launching!

The founding member of this group is Mr. Hassan Nemazee, an American of Iranian origin and one discredited, and well-known agent of the Islamic Republic, within the Iranian community in the United States. Their agenda in their own words is: “…how relations between the Islamic Republic and the United States can be restored in support of the Islamic Republic and the revolution.”

We find this extremely disturbing and rather baffling! Senator Kennedy, your own Department of State lists the Islamic Republic as the most active “State Sponsor of Terrorism.” Iranian nation stands as a testimony to that; we were the first victims of these terrorists! Since any association with a terrorist regime like the Islamic Regime of Iran is in direct defiance of the “U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act,” and the “Homeland Security Act,” how could the formation of such a lobby group be permitted in the first place, and why would it be allowed so brazenly to pursue and further its illegal activities in the United States? Moreover, how could a man of your honor and a Senator of your stature agree to participate and cooperate with such a regime?

We, sincerely, hope that their claim of your association with such a lobby group, for a terrorist regime, is baseless. Nevertheless, Senator, we feel compelled to inform you that this group is already exploiting your good name to generate support for their nefarious objectives and activities.

They intend to prey on the unsuspecting Iranian community in the United States to collect campaign contributions in support for the members of the Congress and other organs of the United States government that they deem suitable and would back the terrorist regime of the Islamic Republic. Although, Mr. Nemazee and his associates are well known to the Iranian community; nonetheless, we will expose the group and a massive drive has been undertaken to inform the Iranians residing in the United States.

Banking on the greed of the American business and, out of sheer ignorance, counting on differences of ideology and Party affiliation within the United States, this is one more desperate attempt by this corrupt and bankrupt regime, in its dying days, to hang on to power.

For two decades, the greed and hypocrisy of the European countries and others, at the expense of the Iranian nation, have supported and sustained this regime. Evidently, the Islamic Republic hopes to be able and intends to manipulate the internal politics of the United States and does not understand the efforts of the Founding Fathers, the core values of this great nation, and the famous axiom of “politics stops at the water’s edge” that have been the backbone of the foreign policy of the United States!

Senator Kennedy, twenty-four years ago, a gang of corrupt and illiterate Mullahs hijacked a nation and took its population hostage under the sham of religion and their perverted brand of Islam. Rule of law was replaced by reign of terror and what has been imposed upon the people of Iran is utterly against centuries of their civilization, culture, heritage and every fiber and grain of their being. Sir, people of Iran have been silenced by sheer terror and are suffering in silent captivity for over two decades!

Today, 700,000 Iranians are languishing in Regime’s secret prisons, and in a nation rich with abundance of natural recourses, 57 percent of the population lives under the line of poverty. This regime has decimated and defiled everything it has touched! This is the shameful legacy of this corrupt theocracy!

Senator, just within the last twenty days, with the new wave of demonstrations against the theocracy, in Regime’s effort to crush the freedom movement, numerous young students were murdered and 4,000 of our compatriots were brutally attacked, imprisoned, tortured and still remain in the clutches of the regime. Sir, they were merely demanding their God-given rights as human beings! And, only last week the regime murdered another foreign journalist of Canadian nationality; she was beaten to death! Senator, this is the true barbaric face of the Islamic Republic that Mr. Nemazee and his ilk hide from you!

According to their own words, this regime, at the expense of the Iranian people, has amassed and has at its disposal eight million armed paramilitary groups, comprised of paid domestic and foreign terrorist, to unleash on the nation. We are facing them with our bare hands but steeled resolve. On a daily basis, we are being crushed under the galloping greed and viciousness of this Islamic Republic and all we are striving for is our freedom. Senator, those with fresh memory of tyranny know the value of freedom!

With your permission, and to paraphrase the words of President Kennedy, we believe, America stands as symbol of freedom, “and no one has enriched that freedom more than you. Senator!” Sir, all we ask is the moral support of the United States. All we expect is that the United States will remain true to its principles of liberty and justice and its ideals of democracy.

Senator Kennedy, everything this regime stands for is anathema to your own sacred values. On the other hand, we are confident that you identify with our cause, you understand our mission, you sense our determination, and you recognize the steel of our resolve. Sir, we have long admired and respected you for your commitment and dedication.

We believe, our cause is just; for it is the cause of freedom. Our mission is clear and sacred; for it is to regain our blessed land, Sir, our determination is strong and our resolve is steeled as well.

The irony is that, Senator, for who you are, for what you stand, and what you have fought for your entire life, one would imagine that you would have taken up our cause rather than supporting a demented terrorist regime! But, alas!

Senator Kennedy, any support that would in any way sustain and prolong the life of this regime would protract our suffering. Indeed, any relations or associations with the present regime that would extend its despicable survival and its hold on power could bear crucial consequences for relations with the future generations of Iran!

Bearing in mind that almost 70 percent of the populace is under the age of 30; outraged by incessant terror and torture, and what has been done onto us and our nation, we are risking our lives challenging the corrupt regime and its terrorist’s apparatus; for us, it is only a matter of time. We will prevail! Senator, we are the future of Iran!

Sir, throughout ages, some men, their ideals, and their passion transcend cultures, ideologies, national boundaries and even time; they belong not to one nation but mankind! Their names are etched in the memories and inspire generations past, present, and generations yet to be born; the name Kennedy is one such name!

Senator, as students, as freedom fighters, and as a nation under siege we have been inspired by your ideals and have respected and admired your unbending stance in your beliefs. We implore you, do not permit this odious regime to exploit and desecrate the much-admired Kennedy name!

We, as students, as the entire Iranian nation, are struggling and striving to reclaim our land, our freedom, national identity, pride, heritage, and centuries of our proud history and civilization.

Senator, we feel confident that our plight resonates with this nation and you, Sir, above all; for, this country is held as the shining beacon of hope for all the freedom-loving people, and you, Senator, are regarded as one of the true icons, guardians, and advocates of human rights, liberties, justice, and democratic ideals.


Respectfully,

On behalf of SMCCDI,

Aryo B. Pirouznia (for the Committee)

DoctorZin Note: We posted information about the IAPAC the other day. That post incorrectly stated that Darrell Issa would be attending the event. Apparently SMCCDI wants Senator Kennedy to withdraw his support as well. More needs to be written on the IAPAC and Iran's Washington DC lobby. If any of you have more information on this group or other US based supporters of the Islamic regime, please email the information. I would like to produce a detailed analysis of their efforts.

[firewalk]

bttt

[SauronOfMordor]

Why a shoe?

Being smacked with a shoe is a high form of insult in the Arab world. Recall the footage of the Iraqi man taking off his shoe and smacking Sadaam's portrait with it.

I guess it comes from the days when shoes could be expected to be encrusted with camel and goat dung.

[F14 Pilot]

http://www.liberation.fr/page.php?Article=125101

A French story in French Newspaper " Liberation " which proves that Ms. Kazemi was beaten by a shoe.
That shoe belonged to the Attorney General of the district of Tehran, Mr. Mortazavi.

(((( Is it possible to see such people in a criminal court one day ?))))............Amen!

[AdmSmith]

Perhaps an esoteric question: Is a left shoe worse than a right shoe?

[firewalk]

Thanks for the ping
& welcome

[DoctorZIn]

Iran keeps an eye on the bloggers

World News
Jul 18, 2003

Iranian authorities are keeping a close eye on the Internet amid growing online access and the popularity of weblogs.

Government officials say they are only cracking down on pornography, but some weblogs have been blocked by Internet service providers (ISPs) who work closely with the government, a source told CNN.

The number of people in Iran with Internet access ranges from less than 1 million to as many as 5 million out of a population of nearly 70 million, according to various reports.

But the proportion is growing, and with it has come a rise in the number of Iranian bloggers.

One weblog under the name Hossein Derakhshan received 6,000 hits a day before the government blocked it, the Canadian-based author said in an e-mail to CNN.

The site contains musings with titles like "Five Things to Help Non-Iranians Know More About Iran," political observations and links to news stories.

"In absence of free papers, (weblogs) are performing an important role for spreading internal news that is very risky to publish in Iran," said Derakhshan.

He added that weblogs help young people in Iran socialize, date and keep in touch with exiled friends, help emerging writers publish their work, produce Persian content on search engines, introduce surfers to new technology -- and allow access to pornography.

The authorities are taking note.

Access was blocked to all blogs hosted on PersianBlog and Blogspot for 24 hours last week, a result of a technical glitch, a source from Parsonline, one of the 12 major certified ISPs in Tehran, told CNN.

'Not that tough'
But the Internet in Iran remains largely unregulated, and blocking is "not that invasive," said the source, who wished to remain anonymous. He said the government censored pornographic sites and sites it deemed anti-Islamic or anti-regime.

"I don't think it's very bad. If they filter porno sites I don't think it's going to kill anyone."

The source said that Parsonline and other ISPs worked closely with the government, which did not provide clear content guidelines, adding: "All the access lines and infrastructure belongs to the government."

When an official orders an ISP to block access to a site, the ISP does not tell the site author.

Mohamed Saeed Al Nu'mani, a spokesman for Iran's culture ministry, told CNN that while porn sites were blocked, he was not aware that other sites expressing religious or political opinions, including "sites that are against the general Iranian policy," had been hit.

He added: "If any political sites were blocked, then the reason would be that what they are offering is harming the national security or the unity of the country. But still things are not that tough."

Meanwhile, bloggers continue to promote freedom of speech in cyberspace.

Referring to the deaths of Iranian conjoined twins Ladan and Laleh Bijani, Ladysun, an English teacher in Tehran, wrote on July 9: "I see a big irony comparing the sad death of these most-ever-loved-in-Iran twins with the current events of Iran.

"Some people are ready to die for having their individuality back; some people are ready to kill, to take some others' individuality away."

-- CNN Arabic editor Caroline Faraj contributed to this report.

http://www.daneshjoo.org/generalnews/article/publish/article_1228.shtml

[F14 Pilot]

The left or right is not important, The owner of the Shoe is our matter.

[AdmSmith]

Yes in this case, but one should never give a handshake with the left hand to Arabs, as they (at least the Wahhabis still?) use this hand for something else.

Another thing I learned was that you should never sit with your leg in such a way as you showed the bottom of a shoe as if it pointed to someone you showed him disrespect as the sole is najis (unclean). But the question is: What is worse the left or the right shoe?

[DoctorZIn]

Canadian-Iranian journalist was arrested by "Evin Guards"

SMCCDI
Jul 18, 2003

The murdered Canadian-Iranian Journalist was last time seen alive as she had to follow the guards of the Evin's Political jail toward the doors of this infamous prison.

She was arrested as the well known "Commander Mohamad-Hossein Bahrami" in charge of the special unit of Evin came out of the facilities along with several guards and asked from Zahra Kazemi about her ID card. Kazemi was requested, then, to follow the guards and the commander and this was the last time that she was seen alive.

Her arrest followed her indentification by several guards who had gathered around the prison's top placed mirador and who saw her taking pictures of the crowd of protesters who were getting beaten, by the plainclothes men, as they were requesting the release of their arrested relatives. Kazemi was seen taking pictures while hidding behind trees which it was making very difficult for the plainclothes men, busy by beating anyone on their way, to see her.

She had stated, few minutes before her identification and to several mothers crying for their children: " I promise you to show the pictures of what they are doing to you to the World".

http://www.daneshjoo.org/generalnews/article/publish/article_1229.shtml

[DoctorZIn]

Islamic regime can not be toppled, top Iranian cleric tells US

World News
Jul 18, 2003

TEHRAN - A top Iranian cleric said it would be impossible for the United States to topple the nearly 25-year-old Islamic republic, accusing Washington of fomenting unrest but saying it had only served to strengthen the regime.

"The July demonstration was a scandal for the Americans," Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati said in a Friday prayers sermon.

He was referring to July 9, the fourth anniversary of bloody pro-democracy student riots when tens of thousands of people in Tehran protested against the regime but remained largely confined to their cars.

"Thinking this regime will be toppled with one move is stupid and short-sighted," said Jannati, an Islamic conservative and secretary general of the powerful Guardians Council, a legislative vetting body.

"This regime is stable. If the regime could be overthrown, it would have been toppled during the first days of the revolution," he added. "Whatever plots and conspiracies you have come up with, the power of the regime has increased."

His comments were greeted by the habitual chants of "Death to America!", "Death to Israel!" and also "Death to England!.

The cleric alleged the demonstrators who took to the streets in July and for 10 days in June for protests marked by virulent anti-regime slogans and violent clashes had been paid to do so by the United States.

"Do you believe that you can topple the regime with a bunch of dollars? If you do believe that, then you are stupid," he argued, describing opponents of the Islamic regime set up in 1979 as "politically bankrupt".

Following the June and July protests, thousands of people were arrested, while the judiciary has also launched a fresh crackdown on the reformist press.

Embattled reformist President Mohammad Khatami, who defended the right to peaceful protest but wields little or no authority over conservative-run institutions, has ordered the justice and intelligence ministers to probe the crackdown.

http://www.daneshjoo.org/generalnews/article/publish/article_1231.shtml