Coordinated attacks against the universality of human rights threaten to turn the UN Human Rights Council into “Human Rights Incompatible Council” if it does not react. The Council has become the target of an offensive launched by a coalition of conservative states led by Egypt, Russia and Saudi Arabia to undermine its ability to uphold and defend international human rights standards. The 29th session of the Council, which closed today, could be a turning point unless Council members and the international community as a whole urgently react by strongly reaffirming the principle “all human rights for all” and committing to a progressive agenda.
Jun 27
More than 23 Years of Imprisonment for 6 Protesters to the Raid in Ward 350
By the verdict of judge Salavati, the head of branch number 15 of the revolutionary court, 6 protesters who gathered in front of the presidential office during April 2014, to show their remonstration to beating the prisoners of ward 350 of Evin prison, known as Black Thursday, have been sentenced to a total of 23 years and 9 months.
Jun 23
Rouhani Minister Expresses Outrage that Women Were Banned from Attending Iran-US Volleyball Match
Hours after women were denied entry to the volleyball game between Iran’s and the United States’ national teams on June 19, 2015 at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, Rouhani’s Vice President for Women’s and Family Affairs, Shahindokht Molaverdi, criticized those in power who have worked to ban women’s presence in sports stadiums, particularly volleyball games, in a direct and forceful statement posted on her Facebook page.
Jun 19
Child Rights Activist’s Mother Pleas for Help for Son’s Ten-Year Prison Sentence
Ten months after his arrest, children’s rights activist Omid Alishenas has been sentenced to ten years in prison for “assembly and collusion and propaganda against the state,” and “insulting the Supreme Leader.”
Jun 18
Lawyer and Client Accused of “Illegitimate Relations” for a Handshake in Prison
Update: Mohammad Moghimi was released from Rajaee Shahr Prison on bail of 20 million toman (approximately $60,000) on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 17, 2015.
Jun 17
Three Concerts Cancelled by Police and Judiciary despite Protests by Rouhani
In his latest reaction to consecutive cancellations by the Iranian Police and the Judiciary of music concerts, President Hassan Rouhani condemned the cancellations and said such actions violate the people’s rights.
Jun 16
4 Social Media Activists and 2 Underground Musicians Arrested
4 social media activists and 2 members of underground music bands have been arrested in Tehran and Kerman.
Jun 16
Abbas Lesani’s Imprisonment Sentence Confirmed by the Court of Appeal
Abbas Lesani’s one year in prison sentence has been confirmed by the court of appeal of Ardebil.
Jun 15
A New Round of Intimidation, Arrests, and Prosecution of Social Media Users in Iran
Iranian Cyber Police and Judiciary officials reported a new wave of arrests of Internet users this week. Colonel Gholamreza Kazemzadeh, Chief of Iran’s Cyber Police, told reporters on June 8 that an individual he claimed managed 23 groups on the WhatsApp and Line social media networks had been arrested.
Jun 13
The Images of Court Verdicts of 4 Civil Rights Activists
The images below are the verdict against four civil right activists, Omid Alishenas, Atena Daeimi, Asou Rostami and Ali Noori, who have been sentenced in to 38 years in prison.