Five women suspiciously die in Varamin Prison

According to reports, in the past two nights, five women suspiciously died in the Qarchak Prison in Varamin. This prison is used to detain female prisoners in Tehran.

During the nights of January 5 and 6, five prisoners suspiciously died in cellblock 4 and 5 in Qarchak Prison. These women’s physical condition deteriorated during the night and despite their cellmates’ efforts in transferring them to the prison infirmary, the infirmary refused to accept and treat them which resulted in their deaths.

The prison infirmary refuses to treat female prisoners who commit suicide, due to pressure from the intolerable prison conditions, which usually leads to their deaths.

The women who passed away in the past two nights are:

1- Fatemeh Mohammadnia, 28, detained in Hall 4

2- Shadi Nikkho, 22, Hall 5

3- Fataneh Abdali, 40, Hall 5

4- Sahar Soleimani, 21, Hall 5

5- Maryam Qods, 30, Hall 5 (Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran – Jan. 7, 2012)

http://www.freedomessenger.com/archives/45372

Baha’i student expelled from the University of Zahedan

Shokoufeh Moeddi, a Baha’i and a first semester student of information technology at Payam Nur University in Zahedan, was expelled from the university because of her belief in the Baha’i Faith.

According to the ” Human Rights House of Iran” website, Shokoufeh Moeddi receives a letter from the university on December 31 to the effect that she has been expelled from the university. She goes to the university the next day and asks for the reason for her expulsion.

University officials send her to go to the office of “Protection”. Shokoufeh Moeddi goes to the office of “Protection” and asks them about the reason for her expulsion. At first, the office of “Protection” tells her that she has to go to the Payam Nur University in Tehran to find out about the reason. But after her insistence, they tell her verbally that the reason for her expulsion is her belief in the Baha’I Faith and that the order came from Tehran.

Shokoufeh Moeddi has asked the university for a tuition refund and the university officials requested for her bank account number to deposit the refund. But she has not yet been refunded.

http://www.freedomessenger.com/archives/45382

UN Relenting to Bullying by Iraq on Camp Ashraf

HUPP POST - By: Firouz Mahvi January 10, 2012

For many who during last year followed the developments of Camp Ashraf in Iraq, home to 3400 Iranian dissidents, the 31 December 2011 was deemed a horrific date.

On that day, Iraq had imposed an "irreversible" deadline to close the Camp, situated 60 miles north east of Baghdad, and force the residents out. A worldwide campaign turned Ashraf into a top priority with international dimensions. Both EU and US assigned special envoys to deal with the specific issue of Ashraf. It was twice brought before the UN Security Council and finally Iraq had to give in to the pressure. On December 21, the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki announced a six-month extension of the deadline to close down Ashraf.

So the much feared year's end attack on Camp Ashraf, planned by the mullahs in Tehran long in advance, was foiled.

There were two reasons for that: 1) The international campaign in Europe and USA which made policy makers aware of the dire situation in Ashraf. b) The skilful handling of Iranian Resistance's leader Maryam Rajavi, whom while persisting on Ashraf's obvious rights, convinced the residents to show ultimate flexibility and forego their rights in favour of a peaceful solution.

Despite this great achievement, the situation of Ashraf residents remains uncertain as many issues remain unresolved and they must be dealt with quickly to avoid another tragedy.

On December 25 UN Secretary General's Special Envoy to Iraq, Martin Kobler, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iraq. The MoU suffered from essential shortcomings. The security of the residents was "exclusively" abandoned to the very same Iraqi forces that in July 2009 and April 2011 had attacked and killed 47 of them and wounded more than a thousand.

In his meetings in Ashraf and in Europe with the residents' representatives, Ambassador Kobler had promised that he will not sign anything without their approval. Indeed the UN Secretary General had previously specifically stressed the need for a mutually acceptable solution. In his report to the Security Council on 7 July 2011, Ban Ki Moon urged Member States "to support and facilitate the implementation of any arrangement that is acceptable to the Government of Iraq and the camp residents."

So Ashraf residents were quite shocked being informed via the press that the MoU was signed without their knowledge or agreement. That was a serious blow to Ashraf residents' confidence and trust in the UN.

To help advance the international peaceful plan, Mrs Rajavi on December 28 issued a statement that 400 Ashraf residents were ready to relocate with their vehicles and moveable belongings to a former US camp near Baghdad, "Camp Liberty", to be interviewed by the UNHCR on their refugee status in order to be able to resettle in third countries.

It has now become clear that the area allocated to Ashraf residents is less than one square km of the 40 sq km area of Camp Liberty that the US left to the Iraqis. Some 150 Iraqi policemen would be permanently present inside the camp. The area is comprised of a collection of dilapidated trailers. Following the departure of the U.S. forces most of the equipment, facilities and amenities have been looted. Electricity, water and sewage systems are dysfunctional and the Camp's only dining hall is a long distance away from the trailers. Those who are sick, physically impaired, and the elderly cannot use it. Newly installed concrete walls, three to four meters tall, will encircle the area.

Iraqi government has opposed the residents taking their vehicles and moveable belongings from Ashraf to Liberty. The officials also reject the idea of sending a group of 5-10 engineers from Ashraf in advance to visit Camp Liberty to appraise the facilities and accommodations.

Taking vehicles and assets with you to your new home and visiting it in advance could hardly endanger a country's sovereignty. Far from it, the sovereignty right here has degenerated into an excuse to further the evil intention of the religious regime in power in Iran.

What is happening right now is forced relocation and a flagrant violation of the rights of the residents.

Although UNHCR has recognized the residents of Ashraf as "asylum-seekers" under international law who must be able to "benefit from basic protection of their security and well-being", the process of verification and interviews with the residents of Ashraf and the reconfirmation of their refugee status has not yet begun. The Iraqi Government incomprehensible bullying, to which UNAMI relented, deferred the UNHCR process to the relocation of the residents to another site. As a result, the refugee determination process is in limbo.

The role played so far by the USA and the EU has been quite disappointing. The EU in general has so far not even accepted people in Ashraf who used to be EU residents - around 900 people who do not need to go through the full process of UNHCR - or those who are critically ill. Baroness Ashton just issues statements in support of the UN representative in Iraq (not a clever way to put pressure on Ashraf residents) without using her influence on Iraq to stop imposing restrictions and exerting pressure on the residents. The EU has been so lean with Baghdad that its envoy for Ashraf was not granted visa to visit Iraq last month!

USA could have exerted pressure on Iraq to stop it from hurdling the resettlement plan. The USA could have removed the PMOI/MEK from its blacklist as competent courts have seen no evidence to support that designation. Such a move would have had enormous positive political implications and would have opened the way for the resettlement of Ashraf residents in third countries.

The USA, EU and UN are de facto endorsing Iraq's unlawful conditions by exerting pressure on the people in Ashraf to accept the terms dictated by Maliki. The real concern of the residents is neither their cars, nor other facilities at that camp; the real concern is that all indications point to turning Camp Liberty into a prison.

"Ambassador Kobler is acting more Catholic than the Pope as he seems keener than the Government (Iraq) to evacuate Ashraf," an Iraqi friend told me last week.

Firouz Mahvi Iranian Human Rights Activist .

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/ashraf/11611-un-relenting-to-bullying-by-iraq-on-camp-ashraf

Philippe Douste-Blazy: Camp Ashraf Residents Doubly Persecuted in Iran and in Exile

NCRI - In an international conference held in Paris on Friday, January 6, at the invitation of the CFID (French Committee for Democracy and Human Rights in Iran), dozens of distinguished American and European dignitaries warned of obstructions and non-cooperation by the Iranian regime and Government of Iraq in guaranteeing a peaceful solution for Camp Ashraf, where members of the Iranian opposition reside in Iraq.

The conference speakers were Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance; Gov. Howard Dean, former Governor Vermont, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (2005-2009) and US presidential candidate (2004); Gov. Tom Ridge, former Governor of Pennsylvania and the first US Homeland Security Secretary (2003-2005); Louis Freeh, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1993-2001); Gov. Ed Rendell, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (1999-2001) and Governor of Pennsylvania (2002-2011); Judge Michael Mukasey, US Attorney General in the Bush Administration (2007-2009); Ambassador Mitchell Reiss, former Director of Policy Planning at the US Department of State; General James Conway, Commandant of the US Marine Corps (2006-2010); Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Member of US House of Representatives (1995-2011); Gen. Chuck Wald, former Deputy Commander of US European Command; Gen. David Phillips, Commander of U.S. Military Police (2008-2011); Prof. Alan Dershowitz, one of the most prominent advocates of individual rights and the most well-known lawyer in criminal cases in the world; Ambassador Dell Dailey, Head of the State Department's counterterrorism office (2007-09); Col. Wesley Martin, former Senior Anti-terrorism Force Protection Officer for all Coalition Forces in Iraq and Commander of Forward Operation Base in Ashraf; Prof. Ruth Wedgwood, Chair of International Law and Diplomacy at Johns Hopkins University; Philippe Douste-Blazy, Former French Foreign Minister and to the UN Secretary General; Alain Vivien, former French Minister of State for European Affairs; Rita Süssmuth, former President of German Bundestag; Günter Verheugen, European Commissioner (1999-2010) and former Advisory Minister in German Foreign Ministry; and Sen. Lucio Malan, Member of Italian Senate.

Below is speech by Hon. Philippe Douste-Blazy:

Dear Mrs. Rajavi, Governors, Ladies and gentlemen, today we all have mixed feelings. On the one hand, of course, a sense of relief, but also a tremendous sense of anxiety. On the one hand we found that together we could form a force capable of preventing a massacre announced a long time ago, because our powers of persuasion made it clear that the Maliki government had no benifit in maintaining its December 31 deadline for the closure of Camp Ashraf.

On the other hand, we still feel this concern, since the danger continues to loom over the residents of Ashraf.

Yes, I am against an unjustified relocation of the residents of Ashraf to another location in Iraq. Yes, I denounced the waste of time that the Iraqi government has imposed on the High Commission for Refugees, as it was prepared to start the status determination of every resident of Ashraf since September to prepare for transfer to a third country. And finally, yes, I have called the insistence of the Iraqi government unintelligent.

But now, I cannot hide my surprise when I learned that Mrs. Rajavi and representatives of the residents of Ashraf had accepted to move to Camp Liberty in order to make way for a peaceful solution to this serious humanitarian crisis. I admit, I was amazed. This reflects the deep trust the Iranian Resistance has in the United Nations agencies and the commitments given by countries, starting with the U.S. about the safety of the residents of Ashraf.

This responsible attitude of Mrs. Rajavi also increases the responsibility of the UN in seeking a peaceful solution. I wish, dear Mrs. Rajavi, pay tribute to your courage, your determination, and tell you that I join you in calling for a major international conference on this painful subject. As Assistant Secretary of the United Nations, I certainly feel a certain pride, I thank you.

I can only rejoice at the progress and the efforts of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. And especially his special representative in Iraq, Martin Kobler. We are all aware that the terms of the MoU signed with the Iraqi government did not meet the minimum requirements of safety for the residents of Ashraf. It is only as a result of commitments made by the Special Representative to Ashraf which was stated in his letter to the residents that they could finally agree to leave the place that was, let us not forget, for 25 years, their homes and where they made their lives.

But I would say to Ambassador Bolton, if the United Nations has a responsibility, and I will return this subject, the United States also has a responsibility. And Mr. Ambassador, you know that my country has not always shared the same positions as your country on Iraq. And for being a member of the Security Council of the United Nations as foreign minister of my country, I know the Secretary General of the United Nations’ positions is only the result of what countries want. So, ask your ambassador and ask our French ambassador to pressure the Security Council that the UN should exert even more pressure on the Iraqi government.

This evening I want to focus on what happened after the agreement. I note that since December 30, 400 residents of Ashraf said they were willing to travel with their vehicles, with their property, to Camp Liberty. We are on January 6, and to date, the Iraqi government is still an obstacle to the move.

So the international community has only one question to ask: Why? Why do we require of the residents of Ashraf not to take their vehicles? Why do we require of the residents of Ashraf not to use their right to take facilities related to infrastructure of the new camp? Why are they not even allowed to go to visit the new camp and to assess the priority needs? Why? Let us ask ourselves this question. And we should, if there is no answer, be wondering if this does not look like a forced displacement to a prison camp.

Is the Iraqi government trying to divert the world attention and shirk commitments given to the UN? In any case the suspicion remains on those who have violated their words and commitments in the past and have never treated residents of Ashraf humanely and have even committed terrible massacres in July 2009 and April 2011. Do not forget; do not allow the Iraqi government to exploit the UN agencies.

And then, dear friends, one word more personal. As a physician, I am outraged by the fact that on January 2, the transfer of three patients in a hospital was prevented by the Iraqi authorities, while the hospitalization of three patients was accepted at first. It was denied in the final minutes. It has been three years since the Iraqi government prevents, impedes the resident-patients of Ashraf from seeking treatment. That to me is an arbitrary attitude, an inhuman attitude, which has also killed twelve people in recent months. That's something for me absolutely unacceptable. These are rights, essential to seek treatment.

I am here tonight with you, with you, Madam President, along with Ashraf, who I am sure, hear me. Alongside these prominent personalities who fought against the slowness of their administration and sometimes against their comfort to save these lives. So I say to you tonight that you were right to fight, we will never abandon even one of the residents of Ashraf.

I am also with you tonight, because I do not want the agreement signed by the UN to be misused by the Iraqi government as yet another instrument of repression of Ashraf, as a justification for forced displacement. For this, history will never forgive us. So if I'm here tonight to say that if we, collectively, want to avoid such a disaster, it is necessary that the international community made it clear to the authorities in Baghdad to make them understand that we cannot ignore the minimum security required by these refugees. The Iraqi government must understand that, by imposing draconian restrictions on Ashraf residents, it takes personal responsibility in derailing the agreement and will be in international pariah.

Ashraf residents have suffered too much, they have made enormous concessions. We say firmly: that is enough. In the 21st century, we cannot accept to see so much injustice. So if I'm here tonight with you is to help open the eyes of the world on all these risks, and I thank the journalists who came because they were much more numerous at the beginning of this fight.

Finally, I would say the time has come to say four things:

- First, that the United Nations and Special Representative, as he is engaged in his letter to the residents of Ashraf, will do everything to ensure the safety and welfare of the residents. It goes without saying that the UN could support a plan that does not take into account the basic rights of these refugees.

- Second, it is with the guarantees of the United States, and I am very happy to find here the Governor Dean and Patrick Kennedy. But with the guarantees of the European Union and the United Nations, that the residents of Ashraf agreed the move to Camp Liberty. They accepted the move. This is because they had faith So we are all responsible for ensuring their safety and their situation during transfer to the camp Liberty. There is no question of condoning leaving for a camp turned into a kind of prison.

- Third, we must recognize the right of refugees to have their private space and to avoid interference and police actions, and harassment in their everyday life, especially in the new camp. The area must be at least five square kilometers for it to be respected.

- Fourth, there must be no interference with their right to property. They have the right to transfer their vehicles, their assets to Camp Liberty. That is what we are asking tonight.

So yes, I am more than ever on the side of brave heroes in Ashraf who have suffered so much in the quest for democracy, in the pursuit of liberty and pursuit of peace. You have suffered too much, you were doubly persecuted in your country and in exile, and you have been so maligned in your courageous fight. Know that we are here today to put an end to your suffering and support your legitimate demands. I say this to Secretary General of the United Nations in whom I have great confidence.

Now, the UN has a great responsibility too. Do not doubt our determination. Tonight, the Iraqi government must understand that there is an end to its excessive demands and illegitimate actions.

Dear Mrs. Rajavi, we are at your side, we stand with these women, these children of those men who suffer. I want to tell them they are not alone. And those who terrorize them let them know that we will not let go.

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/ashraf/11609-philippe-douste-blazy-camp-ashraf-residents-doubly-persecuted-in-iran-and-in-exile

Camp Ashraf: Iraqi forces prevent transfer of critically ill residents to hospital

Camp Ashraf- breach of commitments, No. 10

NCRI - Upon the order of the Iraqi committee tasked with suppression of residents of Camp Ashraf, Iraqi forces on Monday prevented the transfer of eight critically ill residents who are in urgent need of surgery and medical treatment to be transferred to the hospital in city of Baqoba.

Iraqi physicians had prescribed the transfer of the patients to the Baquba and Baghdad hospitals for medical treatments, examinations and surgical operations. Four of the patients are in critical condition and any delay in their treatment would endanger their lives.

Since three month ago, Iraqi forces have limited the transfer ill residents to one patient a week. Aslo, since November 1, 201, the Iraqi forces have canceled the medical appointments for 51 patients.

The limitations are enforced as more than 100 residents are suffering fromr kidney, heart, internal, nerve, eye, thyroids, ear, throat and orthopedic diseases and a number of them are in critical condition
The patients have been waiting for few months to receive the prearranged medical treatments in Baquba and Baghdad hospitals, but Iraqi forces have prevented them from receiving the medical services.

Due to the medical siege imposed on Camp Ashraf, during the past year 12 wounded and ill residents have lost their lives.

Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
January 11, 2012

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/ashraf/11612-camp-ashraf-iraqi-forces-prevent-transfer-of-critically-ill-residents-to-hospital-

Iraqi forces wage a new psychological warfare against Camp Ashraf residents

Ashraf – Breach of Obligations – N° 6

Reconnaissance by Iranian intelligence agents in various parts of the camp

NCRI - On Wednesday (4 January) at 11:30 pm, Captain Ahmad Khozeir engaged in threatening the lives of the residents of Camp Ashraf. He then directed six armored Humvee vehicles to enter the southern part of the camp to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidate the residents.

Simultaneously at Laleh Square, Ashraf’s main street which is occupied by the Iraqi forces, Iraq’s rapid deployment forces using their sirens for over an hour deprived the residents of their sleep waging a new psychological war against the residents. Agents of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), with the full support of the Iraqi forces, have engaged in reconnaissance by photographing and filming different parts of the camp setting the stage for future terrorist acts. Frequent complaints by the residents to the Iraqi officers at the scene have been futile (photos attached).

Following reconnaissance operations conducted by the agents of the clerical regime assisted by Iraqi forces, on December 27, 28 and 29 Katyusha rockets were fired at the residence quarters of the camp. In another development on Wednesday the Iraqi forces looted the buildings which were occupied during the April 8 attack in the northern section of the camp.

These acts are in clear violation of the assurances given to the United Nations by the Iraqi government concerning the residents.

Secretariat of the national Council of Resistance of Iran
January 4 2012

Patrik Kennedy: If you care about the security of the United States, which you’re sworn to uphold, then take this sham of this terrorist listing and t

NCRI - In an international conference held in Paris on Friday, January 6, at the invitation of the CFID (French Committee for Democracy and Human Rights in Iran), dozens of distinguished American and European dignitaries warned of obstructions and non-cooperation by the Iranian regime and Government of Iraq in guaranteeing a peaceful solution for Camp Ashraf, where members of the Iranian opposition reside in Iraq.

The conference speakers were Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance; Gov. Howard Dean, former Governor Vermont, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (2005-2009) and US presidential candidate (2004); Gov. Tom Ridge, former Governor of Pennsylvania and the first US Homeland Security Secretary (2003-2005); Louis Freeh, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1993-2001); Gov. Ed Rendell, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (1999-2001) and Governor of Pennsylvania (2002-2011); Judge Michael Mukasey, US Attorney General in the Bush Administration (2007-2009); Ambassador Mitchell Reiss, former Director of Policy Planning at the US Department of State; General James Conway, Commandant of the US Marine Corps (2006-2010); Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Member of US House of Representatives (1995-2011); Gen. Chuck Wald, former Deputy Commander of US European Command; Gen. David Phillips, Commander of U.S. Military Police (2008-2011); Prof. Alan Dershowitz, one of the most prominent advocates of individual rights and the most well-known lawyer in criminal cases in the world; Ambassador Dell Dailey, Head of the State Department's counterterrorism office (2007-09); Col. Wesley Martin, former Senior Anti-terrorism Force Protection Officer for all Coalition Forces in Iraq and Commander of Forward Operation Base in Ashraf; Prof. Ruth Wedgwood, Chair of International Law and Diplomacy at Johns Hopkins University; Philippe Douste-Blazy, Former French Foreign Minister and to the UN Secretary General; Alain Vivien, former French Minister of State for European Affairs; Rita Süssmuth, former President of German Bundestag; Günter Verheugen, European Commissioner (1999-2010) and former Advisory Minister in German Foreign Ministry; and Sen. Lucio Malan, Member of Italian Senate.

Below is speech by Hon. Patrik Kennedy:

Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. I salute you. I want to salute you. And I want to salute your family members in Camp Ashraf because they’re putting their lives on the line for another set of hostages, for another people that are prisoners and that’s their compatriots in Iran who are prisoners to the Mullah’s theocracy and brutal dictatorship in Tehran.

Let there be no mistake about it that the fight for Camp Ashraf is a fight to free Iran from this tyrannical regime. We need to have relocation, not only of the residents of Camp Ashraf, but relocation of the Mullahs in Tehran.

Let’s be honest and now I want to speak to my friends in the United States. Let’s understand what this terrorist listing means. For all of you, you know what it means. It’s an execution order for your family members. But it is also a mortal threat to the national security of the United States of America. After 9/11, no American can stand by while we honor false and hypocritical and political lists like this. We cannot afford, as the United States, to play games, to play political games with national security. So I say to the State Department, I say to my colleagues in Congress, former colleagues in Congress, understand this: if you care about the security of the United States, which you’re sworn to uphold, then take this sham of a list and tear it up.

And I want to have actions because I agree with my colleagues on the stage that words are not enough. Do you realize right now that there are 13 billion dollars in American military sales that are going to Iraq? Do you want to get the attention of the American public? Do you want to get the attention of the Congress and the President of the United States? Then introduce a resolution in Congress that says that the moment there is a violation of international law and a crime against humanity by using the training and weapons provided by the United States of America, we are going to suspend any future military sales to the people of Iraq. You want to get the attention of the American public? That’s what you do.

Finally, let me just say, as Madame Rajavi so eloquently said, everyone here is part of the answer. Each of you has a responsibility. All people of goodwill have a responsibility to do the right thing. And when my uncle Robert Kennedy spoke in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966 when no one ever thought they’d see the end of an apartheid because it took another generation before apartheid ended, he said, “Each time a person stands up against injustice or acts to improve the lot of others, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope.” And coming from the million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples can create a current that can knock down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. Each of us, each one of us has an opportunity to make a difference and in the totality of all these acts will be written the history of this cause when we are able to see the peaceful relocation of your friends and family members and of human beings who are disarmed and all that they want is freedom and all they want is to be with their families. And if you stick to this, I’m confident that we’ll ultimately see the day where they will truly be free. Thank you very much.

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/ashraf/11608-patrik-kennedy-if-you-care-about-the-security-of-the-united-states-which-youre-sworn-to-uphold-then-take-this-sham-of-this-terrorist-listing-and-tear-it-up-