In the Media: 2008

Iran : Pour une réouverture de l’organisation de Shirin Ebadi
News Press, 23 December 2008, 892 words, (French)

Human Rights Watch Le raid illégal mené le 21 décembre 2008 à Téhéran par les forces de sécurité iraniennes contre le Cercle des défenseurs des droits humains dirigé par Shirin Ebadi, prix Nobel de la Paix, pourrait présager selon International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran…

Rights groups blast Iran raid on Nobel laureate’s office
Daily Times (Pakistan), 21:01, 21 December 2008, 408 words, (English)

Human rights groups on Sunday blasted the Iranian police raid of Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi’s office in Tehran, calling it an “unlawful” act and an attempt to silence activists…. “The unlawful raid by Iranian security forces on the Tehran rights group run by Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi on December 21, 2008, raises concerns of a broader attempt to silence Iran’s human rights community,” the New York-based Human Rights Watch and the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said in a joint statement.

Fermeture des bureaux de Shirin Ebadi en Iran: 2 ONG américaines protestent
Le Figaro, 09:19, 22 December 2008, 342 words, (French)

Les ONG Human Rights Watch (HRW) et International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran ont dénoncé la fermeture par les autorités iraniennes des bureaux de la prix Nobel de la Paix Shirin Ebadi à Téhéran, qualifiant l’opération d'”illégale”.

Iran detains Iranian-Canadian blogger who traveled to Israel, family friend says
Fox News, 14:35, 11 December 2008, 663 words, (English)

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) – A well-known Iranian-Canadian blogger who made trips to Israel in the past has been detained in Iran only weeks after he returned to his Persian homeland, according to a family friend…. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran urged authorities to either release Derakhshan or charge him and provide him a fair trail.

Family confirms blogger’s arrest
Guardian , 10 December 2008, 268 words, (English)

Brian Whitaker: Blogger and Cif contributor Hossein Derakhshan disappeared in Iran on November 1. His family say he was arrested The controversial blogger and occasional Cif contributor, Hossein Derakhshan, is under arrest in Iran…. In a statement issued today, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran called on the authorities to release Derakhshan immediately or to charge him with a recognisable offence under the law and provide for due process and a fair trial.

U.S.: DIPLOMATIC CORP ADVISES OBAMA TO HUSH ON THREATS TO IRAN
Asia Times Online, 17 November 2008, 1237 words, (English)

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2008 (IPS/GIN) — A strategy of threats and “provocations” against Iran by the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama is likely to be counter-productive, according to a new report…. Besides the three co-chairs, the group’s members included Emile Nakhleh, a retired senior Central Intelligence Agency officer who served as director of the Political Islam Strategic Analysis Program; Hadi Ghaemi, coordinator of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran; and academic specialists on Iran, Shi’a Islam, and nuclear proliferation and technology.

A Torchbearer, Then and Now
The New York Times, 26 October 2008, 813 words, (English)

THE urge, at times, can be almost overwhelming: Ahmad Batebi will be walking down a New York street, engrossed in some serious business, and he will spot a basketball game. In that moment, he wants more than anything to join in…. This manifested itself in a subtle wince at questions about his long ordeal in an interview at the Brooklyn Heights office of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. He leaned forward and then, lowering his voice, spoke in Farsi to Hadi Ghaemi, the group’s coordinator, who interpreted.

M’sia cancels Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi’s speech
TODAY (Singapore), 23 October 2008, 254 words, (English)

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has scrapped an invitation for Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi (picture) to deliver a speech about Islam because of pressure from Iranian diplomats who warned the event could hurt bilateral ties, an official said…. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran denounced the decision to cancel Ebadi’s speech, accusing Tehran of using “all its might to muzzle Dr. Ebadi and her human rights advocacy inside Iran.”

UPDATE 1-Malaysia bars Nobel laureate Ebadi amid protests
Reuters News, 05:36, 23 October 2008, 331 words, (English)

(Adds Ebadi comments) KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Reuters) – Malaysia has revoked an invitation to Iranian Nobel laureate and rights advocate Shirin Ebadi to give a speech following protests by the Iranian government, officials said on Thursday…. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran and the Asian NGOs Network on National Human Rights Institutions condemned the move.

Malaysia cancels plan to host Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi’s speech for fear of Iran’s ire
Fox News, 05:22, 22 October 2008, 424 words, (English)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) – Malaysia has scrapped an invitation for Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi to deliver a speech about Islam because of pressure from Iranian diplomats who warned the event could hurt bilateral ties, an official said…. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran denounced the decision to cancel Ebadi’s speech, accusing Tehran of using “all its might to muzzle Dr. Ebadi and her human rights advocacy inside Iran.”

RIGHTS: ACTIVISTS CELEBRATE IRAN’S BAN ON JUVENILE EXECUTIONS
Inter Press Service, 17 October 2008, 1027 words, (English)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2008 (IPS/GIN) — International human rights groups welcomed the reports out of Tehran on Thursday that Iranian courts may no longer order the death penalty against juvenile offenders…. The Campaign’s coordinator, Hadi Ghaemi, explained that Iranian officials had previously made a distinction between execution for capital offenses and executions for under the law of “qisas” (“an eye for an eye”), claiming qisas sentences cannot be reduced by judges.

Advocates at U.N. Meeting Protest Jailing of Iranian Physicians 
All Africa, 04:10, 25 September 2008, 2173 words, (English)

Sep 25, 2008 (Kaisernetwork.org/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) — According to Hadi Ghaemi of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, a main focus of Ahmadinejad’s administration is a “broad crackdown on dissidents of all kinds” and a refusal “to acknowledge that anything of the sort is happening.”

At U.N., Protesters Target Iran On Rights; Jailed Doctors’ Case Is a Major Concern
The Washington Post, 24 September 2008, 817 words, (English)

Hadi Ghaemi of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said that “a broad crackdown on dissidents of all kinds” was one of the main features of Ahmadinejad’s administration, along with a refusal “to acknowledge that anything of the sort is happening.”

Itzik tells rally Teheran’s weapons will threaten Riyadh, Paris, London and New York
The Jerusalem Post, 23 September 2008, 1529 words, (English)

NEW YORK – Ganji and Hadi Ghaemi, head of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, also said they oppose taking military action against Iran – an option that has gained traction as an issue in the American presidential campaign.

U.N.-IRAN: ACTIVISTS SAY LEADER NEEDS PUSH TO BETTER HUMAN RIGHTS
Inter Press Service, 23 September 2008, 1043 words, (English)

UNITED NATIONS, Sep. 22, 2008 (IPS/GIN) — A day before Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was to address world leaders at the United Nations, human rights activists criticized his government’s record…. At a news conference Monday held by Human Rights Watch and the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, activists stressed that basic human rights protections in Iran have deteriorated to new lows.

Activists blast Iran, note rights abuses elsewhere
Washington Times, 14:23, 22 September 2008, 366 words, (English)

NEW YORK (AP) – Human rights groups and activists denounced Iran’s government Monday for executing teenagers and discriminating against women…. “One of the main aspects of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s administration is a broad crackdown on dissidents of all kinds (while) denying to acknowledge that anything of the sort is happening,” said Hadi Ghaemi of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

UN: Hold Ahmadinejad Accountable for Iran Rights Crisis
Targeted News Service, 18 September 2008, 554 words, (English)

NEW YORK, Sept. 18 — Human Rights Watch issued the following news release: Under the administration of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, basic human rights protection in Iran has deteriorated to new lows…. “Iran’s determination to execute juvenile offenders in such large numbers is cruel, barbaric, and earns it a medal of shame,” said Hadi Ghaemi, coordinator of the International Campaign for Human Rights.

Campaign Gains Momentum Against Child Executions In Iran
Radio Free Europ, 18 September 2008, 283 words, (English)

News Stories and Documents Human rights groups have singled out Iran as the world’s front-runner in executing minors, and are circulating an international petition to force Tehran to stop the practice.

Iranian Activist Sentenced To Prison Over Internet Writings
Radio Free Europe, 7 August 2008, 159 words, (English)

News Stories and Documents An eight-year sentence handed down to political activist Abbas Khorsandi has been confirmed by an appeals court. He was charged with setting up an “illegal political group.” According to the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, the only evidence against him is apparently based on his political beliefs and articles published on the Internet.

IRAN; Journalist is put to death
Los Angeles Times, 6 August 2008, 102 words, (English)

An Iranian journalist sentenced to death on terrorism charges has been executed in what a human rights group called a “state-sanctioned murder” carried out after a secret trial…. The New York-based International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said prosecutors held a secret trial and provided no evidence of Mirnehad’s links with Jundallah, a Sunni group.

Iran hangs two on rebel charges – state TV
Reuters News, 09:50, 5 August 2008, 354 words, (English)

TEHRAN, Aug 5 (Reuters) – Iran has executed two men who it said belonged to a Sunni Muslim rebel group in the country’s southeast, state television said on Tuesday…. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, a non-governmental organization run by activists outside Iran, said the judiciary gave no evidence to link Mehrnahad to Jundollah.

Irán.- Dos iraníes ahorcados por su supuesta pertenencia a un grupo rebelde suní que opera en el sureste del país
Europa Press – Servicio Internacional, 10:47, 5 August 2008, 365 words, (Spanish)

TEHERÁN, 5 (Reuters/EP) Dos hombres fueron ahorcados el pasado domingo por su supuesta pertenencia a un grupo rebelde suní que opera en el sureste de Irán, según informó hoy la televisión estatal iraní…. La ONG International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, aseguró que en el juicio contra Mehrnahad no se presentaron pruebas que demostrasen su pertenencia a Jundollá.

Iran executes journalist convicted of terrorism
USA Today, 14:43, 5 August 2008, 454 words, (English)

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) – An Iranian journalist sentenced to death on terrorism charges has been executed in what a human rights group on Tuesday called a “state-sanctioned murder” carried out after a secret trial.

Iran executes journalist convicted of terrorism
Sri Lanka Source, 14:43, 5 August 2008, 454 words, (English)

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) – An Iranian journalist sentenced to death on terrorism charges has been executed in what a human rights group on Tuesday called a “state-sanctioned murder” carried out after a secret trial.

Iran executes journalist convicted of terrorism
The China Post, 11:50, 5 August 2008, 475 words, (English)

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) – An Iranian journalist sentenced to death on terrorism charges has been executed in what a human rights group on Tuesday called “state-sanctioned murder” after a secret trial.

IRAN: INTERNATIONAL GROUPS CALL FOR END TO JUVENILE EXECUTIONS
Inter Press Service, 30 July 2008, 1151 words, (English)

UNITED NATIONS, Jul. 29, 2008 (IPS/GIN) — An international coalition of human rights organizations is urging the Iranian parliament to move swiftly to ban the execution of juvenile offenders. . . . “Iran’s continued execution of child offenders is very worrisome, as it shows a determined will to ignore international law and Iran’s obligations,” said Hadi Ghaemi, coordinator of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, in a telephone interview.

Iran: Rights Group Condemns Tehran For Juveniles On Death Row
Radio Free Europe, 19 June 2008, 416 words, (English)

News Stories and Documents Iran has sentenced 177 juvenile offenders to death in the last decade, and 34 of them have been executed for crimes committed before they were 18, according to an international rights group.

z WORLD REPORT Castro makes video appearance
New Zealand Herald, 19 June 2008, 363 words, (English)

Iran has sentenced 177 minors under the age of 18 to death over the past decade, and has executed more than two dozen of them, with the rest still in prison awaiting execution. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran published on its website a list of the 114 sentenced minors in prison, some of whom are now older than 18.

IRAN: RIGHTS GROUP PUBLISHES LIST OF CHILDREN ON DEATH ROW
Inter Press Service, 19 June 2008, 983 words, (English)

UNITED NATIONS, Jun. 18, 2008 (IPS/GIN) — At least 114 children and teenagers are on death row in Iran, according to a new report. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran just published the first detailed list of juvenile …

THE WORLD / DAILY BRIEFING
The Boston Globe, 18 June 2008, 487 words, (English)

CAIRO – Iran has sentenced 177 people under the age of 18 to death in the past decade and has executed nearly three dozen of them, a human rights group said yesterday. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran published on its website a list of the 114 who remain in prison awaiting execution, some of whom are now older than 18.

Iran recordhouder in executie minderjarigen
Reformatorisch Dagblad, 18 June 2008, 362 words, (Dutch)

CAIRO (AP) – Iran heeft de afgelopen tien jaar 177 minderjarigen onder de leeftijd van 18 ter dood veroordeeld en 34 van hen geëxecuteerd; 114 zitten in de dodencel in afwachting van de uitvoering van hun vonnis, de overigen kregen gratie. De International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran (ICHRI) heeft dit gisteren bekendgemaakt.

WORLD DIGEST [http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2008-06-18/news/0806170344_1_abu-qatada-human-rights-iran]

South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 18 June 2008, 224 words, (English)

Report: Iran minors sentenced to death CAIRO, Egypt Iran has sentenced 177 people under the age of 18 to death over the past decade and has executed nearly three dozen of them, a human rights group said Tuesday. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran published on its Web site a list of the 114 minors who still remain in prison awaiting execution, some of whom are now older than 18.

World datelines [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700235642/World-datelines.html?pg=all]

Deseret Morning News, 18 June 2008, 498 words, (English)

China: Habitat quake-damaged BEIJING — A Chinese forestry official said Tuesday that giant panda habitat in China’s Sichuan province, the endangered animal’s main preserve, was devastated by last month’s massive earthquake.

NATIONAL Briefs [http://charleston-gazette.vlex.com/vid/national-briefs-64394167]

Charleston Gazette, 18 June 2008, 1002 words, (English)

Obama answers GOP critics on terrorism WASHINGTON – Democrat Barack Obama said he’ll take no lectures from Republicans on who will keep America safer after GOP rival John McCain’s campaign criticized him Tuesday for speaking …

Report: Iran minors sentenced to death
Fox News, 17 June 2008

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran published on its Web site a list of the 114 minors who still remain in prison awaiting …

Skal henrettes for forbrytelser begått som barn
Norsk Telegrambyrå, 15:45, 17 June 2008, 176 words, (Norwegian)

Kairo (NTB-AP): Iran har dømt 177 unge under 18 år til døden og henrettet over to dusin av dem, ifølge en kampanje for menneskerettigheter i Iran.

Report: Iran minors sentenced to death
Associated Press, 18:51, 17 June 2008, 558 words, (English)

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) – Iran has sentenced 177 people under the age of 18 to death over the past decade and has executed nearly three dozen of them, a human rights group said Tuesday.

Rights group says 114 on death row in Iran for crimes committed as minors
Associated Press, 12:50, 17 June 2008, 728 words, (English)

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) – Iran has sentenced 177 minors under the age of 18 to death over the past decade, and has executed more than two dozen of them, with the rest still in prison awaiting execution, a rights group reported Tuesday.

Iran recordhouder in executeren van minderjarigen
AP Dutch Worldstream, 14:12, 17 June 2008, 376 words, (Dutch)

CAÏRO, 17 juni (AP) – Iran heeft in het afgelopen decennium 177 minderjarigen onder de leeftijd van 18 ter dood veroordeeld en 34 van hen geëxecuteerd; 114 zitten in de dodencel in afwachting van de uitvoering van hun vonnis, de overigen …

Iran: Rights workers say repression in Iran getting worse
Thai News Service, 11 June 2008, 565 words, (English)

Section: Regional News – Human rights advocates say repression of civil society in Iran has dramatically worsened over the past year. They blame much of the increase in systematic violations of human rights on the international fixation on ..

US human rights activists press OMV to delay 22 billion Euro oil deal with Iran
Austria Today, 16 April 2008, 383 words, (English)

Human rights activists pressed Austria’s largest oil company, OMV to delay a 22bn Euro deal with Iran until Iranian authorities agree to stop executing children on Wednesday. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said that the Austrian petroleum giant should use its influence to pressure the Islamic republic to change the way it applies the death penalty.

Human rights activists press Austria’s OMV to delay euro22 billion oil deal with Iran
International Herald Tribune, 05:18, 16 April 2008, 397 words, (English)

VIENNA, Austria (AP) – Human rights activists pressed Austria’s largest oil company Wednesday to delay a euro22 billion (US$35 billion) deal with Iran until Iranian authorities agree to stop executing children.

Human rights group calls on OMV to rethink Iran investment plans
AFX Asia, 09:09, 16 April 2008, 220 words, (English)

VIENNA (Thomson Financial) – A human rights group has called on the Austrian oil and gas group OMV AG. to hold off from its planned investments in Iran until the country abolishes the death penalty for minors.

Rights group calls on OMV to re-think Iran investment
Agence France Presse, 08:42, 16 April 2008, 315 words, (English)

VIENNA, April 16, 2008 (AFP) – A human rights group called on the Austrian oil and gas giant OMV on Wednesday to hold off from its planned investments in Iran until the Islamic Republic abolishes death penalties for minors.

Author jailed for writing ethnic romance as Iran’s censors crack down on dissent
Belfast Telegraph, 15 March 2008, 669 words, (English)

The limits on freedom of speech are not confined to the election period though, but part of a censorial onslaught being felt across Iran’s cultural

Author jailed for writing ethnic romance as Iran’s censors crack down on dissent
The Independent, 15 March 2008, 711 words, (English)

World While much of the world responded with scepticism and confusion to yesterday’s parliamentary elections in Iran, inside the country coverage has been crippled by the tightening of an already oppressive regime.