Report on Iran - Dec. 13, 2010

Report on Student protests on national Student Day in Iran

On December 7, Student Day, universities across Iran commemorated the memory of slain students by holding demonstrations and ceremonies and showed with their anti-government slogans and chanting that the university, which is the bastion of freedom, is unbeatable and will not bow down to any dictator. Protests and gatherings in Tehran were held in the Technical Department of Tehran University, Polytechnic (Amir Kabir) University, Sharif Industrial University, Beheshti University, Arts University, Science and Industry University, Tehran Scientific Research University, Abbaspour University, Tehran Free University Eastern Unit, Parand Free University, and Tehran Free Sahand University, while in other Iranian cities gatherings were held in the Free Qazvin University, International Qazvin University, Mashhad Free University, Engineering College in Mashhad, Industrial Shiraz University, Medical Science Shiraz University, Shiraz University, Isfahan University, Kermanshah’s Razi University, Gilan Technical College, Tabriz Sahand University, Tabriz Payame Nour University, Shahre Kurd University, Hamedan Bu-Ali Sina University, Free University Firouz Kouh Unit, Yasouj University, and the Sistan and Baluchestan University.

19 Universities in ten different cities hold gatherings and protests on Student Day

Tehran University Technical Department students started their protest on December 6 by chanting death to dictator.
On December 7 in Tehran University students chanted ‘death to dictator’ in strict security measures and sang the student song to show their solidarity with other students. Students booed Bassij forces who intended to disperse them. More than 300 students participated in the gathering.
Amir Kabir University students gathered in the university campus and chanted ‘students will die but will never surrender’.
In the Sharif Industrial University, students gathered in the central campus of this university despite the heavy presence of security forces outside the university and marched towards the university entrance chanting ‘death to dictator’ and ‘the coup government has to resign’. These students also cried ‘Allah O Akbar’ (God is Great) in Tardasht Dormitory number 3.
In the Beheshti University, about 400 students gathered outside the Computer and Electric Departments at 12 pm and marched towards the Literature Department.
Students of the Arts University gathered outside the central building of this university and sang the student song to commemorate this day.
In the Science and Industrial University, more than 300 students held a ‘silent gathering’ in protest to the suppressive atmosphere in this university. Hundreds of people gathered outside the university in support of the students.
In the Scientific Research University in Tehran, despite heavy security measures, students held a half hour gathering and chanted ‘death to dictator’ and sang the student song.
In Abbaspour University, about 400 students gathered and held a free tribune which ended with students chanting ‘political prisoners must be freed’ and the student song.
In the Free Tehran University Eastern Unit, about 200 students gathered and chanted slogans.
In the Islamshahr Free University, despite strict measures by the Protection Department in this university, students held a gathering outside the entrance of this university on December 6.
In the Free Parand University in Tehran students also held a protest gathering.
In the Firouz Kouh Free University, students gathered to commemorate Student Day and hundreds of students sang the student song together. This ceremony lasted about 30 minutes.
Two thousand students in the Free Qazvin University held a gathering and chanted ‘death to dictator’. This demonstration started when a student cried out Allah O Akbar when a Bassij agent tried to put his over the student’s mouth which led to protests from other students and triggered a demo.
In the International Free Qazvin University, students held a protest gathering. Security forces attacked the students and arrested 6 of them.
In the Zanjan University, dozens of students gathered and put up a banner in commemoration of Student Day.
In Arak University, about 150-200 students gathered chanting ‘death to dictator’. Students tried to enter the hall where pro-regime forces were holding a ceremony to disrupt the ceremony but they were not allowed to talk and about 80 percent of the students left the ceremony in protest.
Students in the Mashhad Free University started their 500 strong gathering at about 12 pm.
In the Engineering College in Mashhad, about 50 students gathered outside this college.
In Mashhad University, about 500 students gathered to commemorate Student Day.
In the Industrial University in Shiraz, the gathering started at 1:45 am. This gathering went on for about 30 minutes outside the administration building with the participation of about 100 students who all sang the student song together.
Students of the Razi University in Kermanshah chanted death to dictator when former Guidance Minister Safar Harandi came to their university on December 6. These students chanted ‘death to dictator’ in the middle of his speech and walked out on him.
In the Gilan Technical University, more than 200 students gathered in the afternoon and chanted ‘students will die but will never surrender’ and sang the student song.
Students in the Sahand University in Tabriz also gathered to commemorate Student Day.
Payame Nour University students in Tabriz went on a strike on Student Day and refused to go to their classes.
In the Shahre Kord University, despite severe security measures around the university, a number of students held a ceremony to commemorate this day. Students also cried out ‘Allah O Akbar’ on the night of December 6 in their dormitories.
Students in the Isfahan University had a number of gatherings and the main gathering was held outside the Physics Department in this university.
In Yasuj University, students went on a strike in protest to the presence of Ahmadinejad’s brother, Davoud Ahmadinejad. Protection Department agents attacked the protesters. Female students in this university also attempted to hold a ceremony in their dormitory but Protection Department forces opened the gas valves in the building to counter their protests.
In the Bu-Ali Sina University in Hamedan, despite numerous limitations, students held a large gathering and commemorated Student Day. These students sang the student song.
In the Sistan and Baluchetan University, students gathered outside the Engineering Department cafeteria and lit candles in memory of students who were slain in post-election protests.

December 7, 2010 Students' Day - Bu-Ali University students in Hamedan hold

Strict security measures being enforced outside and near Tehran University.

UPDATE ON IRAN - Dec. 2, 2010

The Beginning of the End of the Clerical Rule in Iran

No. 733

Student’s Day, December 7 

in Iran

Student's Day in Iran
The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran also called for Student’s Day protests in Iran on December 7.

Political graffiti in in Psychology College in Tehran Free University
Nov. 30, 2010 
In the Psychology College in the Tehran Free University, students have increased their activities for Student’s Day and wrote slogans on the walls, doors and chairs in this university. They wrote, “We will stand up together for Student’s Day”, “Unite with us in defending the rights of the slain”.

Distribution of leaflets for student day in the residential department of Tehran University 
Nov. 30, 2010
These days students are trying to get ready for the 7th of December the student day and in this way is using every ways to notify the people.

Students of Isfahan University reply to the publications of University security department
Nov. 30, 2010
The security department of Isfahan University declared that on 7th December there should not be any gathering in the university.  But the students of Isfahan University did not consider this statement.
One of the students said: as one of imprisoned student named, Majid Dorri, the student movement is not a snap which can be swallowed by any kind of dictatorship. The vanguard will not drop his gun and will fight alongside with the people who fight against suppression. Statements can not stop student’s anger.

More news on universities in Iran on verge of 'Student Day'
Tabriz- Nov. 30, 2010 
According to reports in the Tabriz University, the Iranian regime has installed security cameras in the shops of a number of students to prevent any kind of protests for Student’s Day December 7. Security forces have gone up to these families and threaten them to prevent the activities of their children.

Tehran- Nov. 30, 2010 
In the past few days, metal rails were put in front of Tehran University parallel to Enqelab Street which made it impossible to go from the sidewalk into the street and vice versa.

Tehran- Nov. 30, 2010 
A statement by the Tehran University management was put up in Tehran University board which said that no demonstrations and gathering will be held inside and outside of Tehran University.


Tehran- Nov. 30, 2010 
The Iranian regime has changed all the security cameras in front of Tehran University and has installed smaller more powerful cameras. These cameras can zoom into faces 500 meters away. According to this report, on Saturday at about 10:30 am, there was a joint session between the Tehran University Protection Department and the intelligence agency.

Tehran- Nov. 30, 2010 
A statement by a pro-regime committee has been put up everywhere in Tehran University which threatens those who participate in the gatherings of ‘the head of the seditions’ will be severely dealt with.

Tehran – Nov. 30, 2010 
In fear of protests because of subsidy cuts in Iran and Student’s Day, the Iranian regime carries out new security measures everyday and in one of these new measures, two person security force foot patrols have been stationed in the lobby of the Khomeini Airport.

Tehran- Nov. 30, 2010 
A female Amir Kabir University student of by the name of Yasaman Navayi sprayed (something) into the eyes of a Protection Department agent who was harassing her under the pretext that she was properly veiled. Protection Department forces attacked her batons and she passed out after she was hit on the head. These forces then kidnapped her and she has not returned to university as yet.

Tehran – Nov. 30, 2010 
 Intelligence agents equipped with cameras, laptops and other intelligence equipment for recording information and street interrogations have been stationed in special black cars in Keshavarz Blvd, Baharestan Metro, Imam Hossein Metro, Vanak Square, Mosadeq Street between Jomhouri and Vali Asr Square, Tehran University dormitories and outside of the Arts, and Amir Kabir universities. These agents stop passersby under false excuses and interrogate and search them.

Tehran – Nov. 30, 2010 
After the Struxnet worm attack against the Iranian regime, all computer graduates from Iranian universities are asked to sign a written commitment while receiving their degrees that they will not enter any government, intelligence or bank systems. If they do, their degrees will become void.

Tehran – Nov. 30, 2010 
 In addition to severe measures taken against those who come from foreign countries to Iran, those who intend to leave Iran are also harassed and their passports are carefully scrutinized.

New security measures in Tehran
Nov. 30, 2010 
On the morning of November 30, two bikers who were riding on motorcycles without license plates were patrolling the streets and maneuvered around cars in the Sadr Highway and stopped cars they deemed suspicious to search the car and its passengers. In the past few days, security forces patrols have started patrols in Tehran Pars and a large number of them have been stationed on streets.
According to other reports, the Iranian regime has promised Bassijis that they will be officially hired to counter Student’s Day and Ashura protests. Since a large number of Bassij forces have no specialty or experience and some are uneducated, the government has promised to hire them officially to use them to suppress protests.

Fear of regime from public protests in the days near to 7th of December, the day of students
Nov. 30, 2010
Tehran- according to the news, in streets of Enghelab, Mosadegh, ValiAsr, Tehran University, Imam Hossein sq. and Azadi Sq., Security and intelligence forces have been organized and settled.
At nights in the Karaj Highway entrance where they receive the duty, detection stations have been setup. Cars and passengers are being searched.
Recently because of increase in slogan writings in metro stations, presences of guards are being observed.
According to news on Saturday night 35 of police forces gathered in middle of Vanak sq.

Presence of Police guards around the University of Shahr Rey
Nov. 30, 2010
From Saturday the presence of police tours around the University of Shar Rey increased and there are two permanent officers in the entrance. This matter has caused discontent among the students. Majority of the students say that instead of creating security in the university area and acting against the robbers of students’ cars, they are after controlling students.


Downfall 

The reason behind Khamenei’s constant trips to Qom
Nov. 30, 2010 
A website affiliated with the minority faction of the Iranian regime wrote: “One of the main reasons behind the many trips by Khamenei to Qom is to seek advice on how he could make his residence there in the future. Politically, Khamenei’s office in Tehran which is under the supervision of his son Mojtaba Khamenei will practice political issues in the absence of his father until the right time comes”.

Khamenei says naval forces are strategic
Nov. 30, 2010
On November 28, Khamenei met with the commanders and heads of the naval forces and said in a part of his speech, “The naval is a strategic force and in light of the current issues in the world, and the geopolitical condition in today’s world, we have to fortify ourselves as much as we can in the sea and shore”.

Bassij forces used in soft war against satellite channels and internet
Nov. 30, 2010
Ali Ismaili, the assistant minister of Culture and Guidance said, “currently, 32 million internet users, 5 million and 500,000 bloggers and 23 million satellite channel users exist in the county and there are more than 3,000 clear satellite TV channels and all these channels are against the rule of the Supreme Leadership”.
He stipulated that in light of the current situation, the main duty of the Bassij is to counter these threats.

Dotek Internet Company affiliated with the RGC
Nov. 30, 2010
According to reports, the Dotek Internet Company in Yamin Street in Tehran is affiliated with the RGC and all people who work or go to this company are under the control of the Intelligence Agency or the RGC. The RGC censors the internet to control internet users in this way.

Secret purchase of iron melting factory of Isfahan productions
Nov. 30, 2010
According to the news from this factory, some of the productions of this factory, have been sold secretly by robber officials of this factory.






Examples of the theft of RGC
Nov. 30, 2010
According to reports, an RGC agents identified as Reza Taqipour who is an official in the ‘Intelligence and Communications Technology’ institution in the Communications Department which is under the control of the RGC has pocketed a large sum of money by pre-selling new SIM cards which was to come to market in the first six months of the year but has still not been put on the market. This is only one example of how the Iranian regime steals from the people.

Presence of oppressive forces in central areas of Tabriz
Nov. 30, 2010
According to news from Regime, in Tabriz, the mayor of this city is going to build kiosks for oppressive forces to be used in Central areas of Tabriz.






Sounds of gun shots from the Eshrat Abad Base 
Tehran – Nov. 30, 2010 
According to eyewitness reports, on November 26 at 10 am, the sounds of gun shots were heard from the Eshrat Abad Base. According to soldiers and other witnesses, there was an armed clash between people in the army and Revolutionary Guards Corps forces.

RGC forces on 100 percent alert on Ashura and Tasua
Tehran- Nov. 30, 2010 
According to reports from inside the RGC, it has been announced to all RGC forces that they should be on 100 percent alert on Ashura and Tasua (religious Shiite ceremonies) and should wear civilian clothing and be present in all mosques and mourning groups in Tehran.


Effect of sanction

People angry over the improper transfer of subsidies to bank accounts
Nov. 30, 2010 
Most people are dissatisfied over the incorrect transfer of subsidies to their bank accounts which has led to confusion.
“I have 6 members in my family and we registered 6 people for the subsidies but unfortunately subsidies were only transferred to our account for 3 people and after we followed up this issue, we did not get any answers”, a dissatisfied citizen said.
Notably, singles (unmarried people) are not given subsidies.

Sharp drop of tea sales in Iran 
Nov. 30, 2010 
According to reports from tea manufacturing sources in Iran, in the past 6 months there has been sharp drop in tea sales in the country. The reason behind this is because bad quality cheap tea is imported from Pakistan and India and high quality Iranian tea has lost the contest.

Prices rise in fabric market
Nov. 30, 2010 
According to reports from a fabric merchant in the Tehran Bazaar, the price of threat and fabric has increased in the past month.
“The thread that we bought was 1,300 tomans which we buy for 1,750 tomans now. Ahmadinejad says that goods will not become more expensive but prices have increased even while the subsidy plan has not been implemented as yet. The people cannot afford to buy anything”, this merchant said.
“The money was supposed to be used for water and electricity but it is not even enough for that and these are only empty words by the government and everything is getting worst”.

Medicine to become more expensive
Nov. 30, 2010 
There are rumors in Tehran that medicine will soon become more expensive and people have gone to drug stores to stock pile on general medicine. All drug stores have become crowded since yesterday. A medical source in the government has confirmed that prices would rise.


Suppression

Ailing death row political prisoner denied medical attention on orders of Intelligence Agency
Nov. 30, 2010
According to reports, death row political prisoner Jafar Kazemi is in critical condition but interrogators of the Intelligence Agency and the Tehran Prosecutor prevent him from receiving serious treatment.
Kazemi is suffering from critical sciatica and has constant severe pain to the point that he loses his ability to move or go about his routine activities. He first developed this ailment while in cellblock 209 but it deteriorated with time.
When he was in cellblock 209, a head intelligence interrogator who was a cleric nicknamed Alavi severely mentally and physically tortured him to force him to give false confessions on television. As a result of being struck in the face and head, a number of his teeth broke and his other teeth were severely damaged.
This political prisoner is mistreated when he goes to the prison infirmary and he is not given serious treatment. The infirmary only gives him sedatives and sleeping pills. This is while he has to receive treatment for sciatica in a hospital outside of prison under the care of a specialist. The prison infirmary has also asked for a large sum of money to pull his teeth out and not treat his problem.
The intelligence agency interrogators and Tehran Prosecutor Jafari Dolat Abadi are the main elements behind his lack of treatment. These measures are aimed at increasing the intolerable pressures on this political prisoner.
Notably, Jafar Kazemi was arrested by intelligence agents on December 18, 2009 after being violently beaten and was taken to a solitary cell in cellblock 209 in Evin Prison. He was under torture for 74 days in solitary. His interrogator, Alavi, referred his case to the 28th branch of the Revolutionary Court and he was sentenced to death by Mohammad Moqiseh who was a members of the committee in charge of the massacre of political prisoners in 1988. His death sentence was upheld by Ahmad Zargar, who was an interrogator for political prisoners in the 80’s. Jafar Kazemi was witness to the massacre of political prisoners in 1987 and was spared from being executed. He was jailed from 1981 to 1990 and was under severe physical and mental torture.


Iran arrests Baluch blogger 
Nov. 30, 2010
Ibrahim Hossein Bar, a Baluch blogger was arrested by security forces in Baluchistan yesterday.
This blogger was arrested for unknown reasons and was taken to an unknown location.
According to reports, Hossein Bar was in charge of the ‘Stone’ weblog and blogged about issued in Baluchistan.

Kurd civil rights and political activists sentenced to heavy prison terms
Nov. 30, 2010
A number of Kurd civil rights and political activists were sentenced to heavy jail terms by the Revolutionary Court.
According to reports, Dalir Rouzgerd, a Kurd student from Saqez studied at Tehran University and was arrested on July 27 in Hafte Tir Square by security forces. He was under severe mental and physical torture for 75 days in the Sanandaj Intelligence Detention Center and was sentenced to 10 years of prison and 4 years of exile to the town of Sirjan in Kerman by the Revolutionary Court in Saqez on charges of cooperating with Kurd dissident parties.
Aria Moradi is another student from Saqez who studied at the Razi University in Kermanshah and was arrested in post-election events. He was later released on bail and was sentenced to 6 months of prison by the Kermanshah court of review.
Rozgar Moradi, a jurist from Saqez who was arrested about 2 months ago on charges of cooperating with Kurd parties was sentenced to 5 years of prison in a court session which only lasted 5 minutes. This Kurd civil rights activist was under severe pressure and interrogations for 35 days in the Intelligence Detention Center.
Abdolqader Shiri, a Kurd poet from Saqez who is also a cultural activist in this town’s literary associations was arrested by security forces and put under pressure for 75 days to make false confessions. He was sentenced to 5 years of prison by the Revolutionary Court in Saqez on charges of cooperating with Kurd parties.



Students Committee in Iran (Supporters of PMOI)

'Student's Day' in Iran on Dec. 7, 2010