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IFEX-
News from the international freedom of expression community
ACTION ALERT
- IRAN
1 September
2000
ARTICLE 19 urges
UK government to seek freedom o f expression
guarantees in Iran
SOURCE: ARTICLE
19, London
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX)
- The following is an ARTICLE 19 letter to Minister of State Peter
Hain urging the UK government to use its influence to
seekfreedom of expression guarantees in Iran:
Peter Hain MP
Minister of State
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London SW1
By fax: 020
7270 3731
1 September
2000
Dear Minister
ARTICLE 19 is
aware of the UK Government's support for democratic
development in Iran, and as you know, we have worked closely on
this issue with successive UK administrations over a long period.
I am therefore writing to ask you most urgently to use your influence
in seeking from the Iranian authorities an undertaking to guarantee
freedom of expression and intaking action, with other members of
the EU, to support the implementation of internationally recognised
human rights standards in Iran.
The jailing
of lawyer Mohammed Ali Jedari Foroughi, reported on 30
August, is the latest in a series of grave violations of individuals'
basic rights, including the right to freedom of expression, by the
Iranian authorities.
Such actions are in violation of Iran's obligations as a state party
to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore,
the sharp
escalation in such activities since April indicates a serious
reversal of the improvements in Iran's performance noted in a resolution
at the UN Commission on Human Rights in that month.
Arrests and
prosecutions
ARTICLE 19 is
very concerned about the crackdown on the reformist
press and others advocating debate and discussion of matters of
public interest, as well as attacks on peaceful protesters. We would
ask you to expressthe UK Government's concern either directly or
through the EU, if you feel this would be more effective. Our contacts
in Iran have made it clear that such external pressure is an important
support to the internal struggle for democracy.
Among the human
rights violations ARTICLE 19 has been made aware of are the pre-trial
detention of those accused of crimes related to freedom of expression
and association, as well as the custodial sentences imposed on those
found guilty. The closure or suspension of many publications advocating
political reform or expressing political criticism is also contrary
to Iran's guarantees of fundamental rights, and the new Press Law,
as you are aware, falls far short of international standards.
Specific examples
of measures taken by the authorities to repress
Free expression are:
* Action taken
on grounds of national security against Hassan
Youssefi Eshkevari, Hamid Reza Jalaeipour, Khalil Rostamkhani, Ezatollah
Sahabi, Ali Reza Alavi Tabar and Shahla Lahiji for having taken
part in a conference
hosted by the Green Party in Berlin in April 2000.
* The trial,
begun in July, of lawyers Mohsen Rahami and Sherine
Ebadi, who stand accused of producing and distributing a faked video
tape defaming a number of conservative figures and officials.
* The many journalists
and editors (at least 16) who have been
detained, summoned to court, imprisoned, or handed down other sentences
since April 2000.
* Publications
being targeted for measures including banning and
suspension. According to our information the number now stands at
28. They are: Aban, Aftab-e-Emrouze, Akhbar Eghtesad, Arya, Arzech,
Asr-e-Azadegan, Azad, Bahar, Bamdad-e-Emrouze, Bamdad-e-No, Bayan,
Danestaniha, Faht, Gozarech-e-Rouze,
Gunagoun, Ham-Mihan, Iran-e Farda, Javanan-e Qorveh, Mellat, Moscharekat,
Neshat, Peyam Hajar, Peyam-e-Azadi, Qesse-ye Zendegi, Ruzdara, Sobh-e-Emrouz,
Tavana and Techmeh-e-Ardebil.
We urge that
your support for Iran's reform process includes, as a
Central element, the support of key human rights, including the
right to peaceful assembly, media freedom and freedom of association.
We hope that the opening provided by the desire of the Iranian authorities
for improved relations with the EU (as stated by the Foreign Ministry's
spokesman on 29 August)
will enhance the opportunities for critical engagement in a
multi-lateral context. However, we hope that you will also take
up these matters with the Iranian authorities as part of UK-Iranian
bilateral relations.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Puddephatt
Executive Director
Note on media-related
cases
ARTICLE 19 is particularly concerned that international law and
Standards have been breached in the following media-related cases,
where information we have received indicates that individuals face
charges and/or sentences for peaceful expression of their opinion.
We are aware that there are a
number of others for which we do not have information at present.
Emmadedin Baghi, (journalist and member of editorial board of daily
Fath) sentenced to five and a half years for a series of charges.
His
book, "The Tragedy of Democracy in Iran" was banned on
12 August 2000. His case was referred to the appeal court on 27
August.
Massoud Behnoud (journalist) detained since 9/8/00 without being
charged.
Faraneh Behzadi (publisher of bi-weekly Danestaniha) found guilty
of insulting Islamic sanctities and propaganda against the state
after court appearance on 21/08/00.
Fatemeh Farahmandpour, (publisher of weekly Gounagoun) found guilty
of anti-state propaganda after court appearance on 21/08/00.
Akbar Ganji (investigative reporter) jailed in April on charges
of
endangering national security. Mohammed Gouchani (journalist with
Asr-e Azadegan) detained since 13/8/00,
awaiting charges.
Mostafa Izadi, (managing editor of daily Ava) reported on 17/8/00
that his licence to publish was withdrawn, he was banned from journalism
and fined an unspecified amount.
Nasser Jafari, (director of provincial weekly Techmeh-e-Ardebil)
Sentenced on 5 August to one month in prison and a million rials
for insulting top-ranking officials.
Ibrahim Nabavi (satirical journalist) detained since 13/8/00,
Awaiting charges.
Taghi Rahmani (journalist with monthly Iran-e Farda) was arrested
in July 2000 for insulting the supreme leader in a speech to Shahr-e-Kord
University. The case will come to court on 24 September 2000.
Latif Safari, (director of daily Neshat) found guilty of questioning
Islamic values, verdict being appealed.
Mashallah Shamsolvaezine, (editor in chief of Asr-e-Azadegan)
sentenced in April to two and a half years and fined US$4000.
Ahmand Zeid-Abadi, (journalist for Hamshahri and other publications)
detained 7/8/00, awaiting charges.
Mohammed Reza Zohdi (managing director of Aryah) sentenced on 31
July to four months imprisonment, banned for two years from press
activities and fined two million rials in cash.
Morteza Alviri, (managing director of daily Hamshahri) and Ali Afsahi
(managing editor of weekly Cinema-Varzesh) were also served with
summonses in late August.
Send similar appeals to the UK government.
APPEALS TO:
Peter Hain MP
Minister of State
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London SW1
Fax: +44 207 270 3731
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