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11-Jul-2010
Article five of the UN Human Rights Declaration states: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” Yet, sixty- two years after the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, many countries around the world still abuse their population, whether in full daylight or in dark prison cells.
From China and Iran to Somalia, human rights continue to be violated. Christiane Amanpour, the former international correspondent for CNN, highlighted some of the worst abuses in a recent CNN special called: “Scream Bloody Murder.” From the Khmer Rouge in Kampuchea to the Janjawid in Sudan, from Bosnia and Rwanda to Congo to other parts of the globe, we have seen the escalation of such violations in different forms and degrees. Irene Khan of Amnesty International said in an article recently, that “it’s not just the economy, it’s a human rights crisis-the world is sitting on social, political and economic time bomb.”
The story of Neda Aqa Soltan, the young Iranian woman shot to death in front of the cameras in the aftermath of Iran’s elections, made the headlines of major newspapers and was watched around the world on YouTube. Her bloodied face proved that oppressive regimes will do anything to stay in power, reminding us of another killing that took place 30 years ago in El Salvador, where Bishop Oscar Romero was shot to death for voicing his opposition to the rule of the junta. Neda became the symbol of the struggle of the Iranian people for democracy and human rights, just as Father Romero has in El Salvador.
In Iran, long before and since the Revolution of 1979, human rights have never been fully observed. After the fall of the Shah and the creation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), people hoped to see major shift in the observance of human rights but to the contrary, the IRI has been categorized as one of the worst offenders of human rights by both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
Throughout the 1980’s, in order to solidify its base, the IRI, rounded up hundreds of people and imprisoned them. The mass killings in Evin in 1988 represent one of the most heinous crimes committed by the IRI during its 32-year history. Between 4,000 and 5,000 prisoners, many of them teenage girls and boys, were taken to the gallows and executed. Most of them had been tortured and brutalized severely. Khomeini put his stamp of approval on these atrocities: “This class must be eradicated,” as he said. The kangaroo courts of the IRI became infamous all over Iran, especially in the Kurdish area, where the local mullah became the judge, the jury and the executioner.
Iran’s solitary prisons and general wards have seen the coming and going of hundreds of men and women, some famous, many faceless. Their accounts have been documented by various human rights organizations, in Iran and abroad. These have included students, women activists, lawyers, men of the cloth, ethnic and religious minorities such as the Kurds and the Bahais. Abuse and torture have occurred in various degrees under different IRI administrations. Only under President Khatami was the infamous Towhid prison (formerly called the Komite Mosthtarak under the Shah) closed down following horrific accounts of torture. Nevertheless, such abuse never stopped at any time, before, during and after the Khatami administration. To be sure, some of the torture that took place in Iran’s prisons was similar to the methods adopted by SAVAK, the Shah’s secret police.
In fact, according to some prisoners who spent time in jail during the years 1981-1988, many of the torturers were former prison guards of the previous regime who had suddenly become “devout!” Soudabeh Ardavan, a young woman student of architecture in Tabriz University, who spent some six years in Qezel Hesar and Evin prisons, wrote: “From time to time, the head guards would come in. They were two women who were extremely rude. They were pros. I was told they were there from the Shah’s era. They would kick us real hard. One of the women wore a soldier’s outfit and she would constantly curse us and beat us. Most of the time, in our cell, we did not have to wear our scarves or the chador, only when the male guards would come in. I remember the prison warden, a man called Haji Rahmani. He was huge, quite a character, and very vicious. We would be ordered to put on our hejab. Then he would come in and beat us. I believe he now holds a post in the Ministry of Intelligence.”
In his book, “Tortured Confessions,” Dr. Ervand Abrahamian writes of the early days of the Iranian Revolution, recounting some of the prisoners’ accounts. “Some were placed in small cubicles, blindfolded and in absolute silence, for seventeen hour stretches with two fifteen-minute breaks for eating and going to the toilet… Others were forced to join firing squads and removed dead bodies. When they returned to their cells with blood dripping from their hands, their roommates surmised what had transpired. In the summer, newcomers to Evin-including women-had to pass the main courtyard and view rows of hanged prisoners.”
I remember an incident which took place some 20 years ago during a visit to Iran. In north Tehran, near Tajrish square, I saw a young woman in hejab talking in a telephone booth. A revolutionary guard, in his early twenties, approached her, demanding that she finish her conversation. She refused and was defiant. In a matter of a few minutes, he fired at her. She fell to the ground. Rushed to the hospital, she was declared dead a few hours later. This was just one incident in the many cruel acts that have taken place in Iran.
Ten years later, on December 8, 1998, Mohammad Jafar Pouyandeh who had translated the text of the Declaration into Persian, was found dead in Tehran. His death was part of what came to be known as the serial murders of fall 1998 by rogue agents of the Ministry of Intelligence.
Since the June 2009 elections, human rights abuses have taken a different turn. Masses of ordinary citizens who were hoping to see their votes counted, marched peacefully in the streets of the capital, but were met with harsh and bloody reprisal by the Bassij militia and plainclothes men. They beat, shot, and used overwhelming force against the young and the old, against men and women, without discrepancy.
Mass arrest and imprisonment of students, University professors, women activists, and journalists took place. Over a hundred reformists were put on show trials, each receiving short and long sentences. As one woman human rights activist and member of the Million Signature Campaign put it. “I believe that lashing sentences are a source of shame and constitute disparagement for all Iranians who believe in justice and equality. Further, these types of sentences are a sign of the violence which is perpetuated against women in our society.”
The IRI is a signatory to the UN human rights declaration, and continues to pay lip service to human rights. Nevertheless it has often been in violation. Its leaders have denied that torture or abuse takes place. The most brazen instance of such denial occurred when Saeid Mortazavi, Tehran’s former prosecutor who was allegedly involved in the torture and murder of photo journalist Zahra Kazemi, headed the Iranian human rights delegation to Geneva. As recently as February 2010, Mohammad Javad Larijani, the newly appointed Secretary General of the High Council for Human Rights, had the audacity to declare that “torture is against Iran’s policy.” Eyewitness reports from Kahrizak prison (now closed) in the aftermath of the Presidential election gave ample evidence to the contrary. In 2009, according to Amnesty International, in Iran, “at least 346 people [many on political grounds] were known to have been executed, but the actual number was probably higher.”
When we visited the Iranian Interest Section in Washington, D.C. on June 23, 2006, as part of a delegation with spokespersons from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to protest the arrest and illegal imprisonment of the Iranian- Canadian scholar Ramin Jahanbegloo, one of the Iranian officials -- a Khatami supporter -- thanked us for taking on the noble cause of defending political prisoners. As I left the premises, I told him, “God forbid, if you end up in jail one day, we will defend you as well.”
He smiled. I smiled too. But I meant it. In order to bring sanity to any society, the civil and legal rights of everyone including those who violated those rights must be safeguarded. Iran, while boasting about Cyrus the Great’s mark on history as the first monarch who believed and implemented Universal Human Rights, has done very little in this respect. If ever a democratic regime is in place in Iran, it will be imperative to protect the rights of every citizen, regardless of gender, creed or ethnicity. Only a society based on the principles of the Declaration of Human Rights will guarantee a free, just and democratic Iran.
First published in Harry's Place wwww.hurryupharry.org
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fooladi jaan
by AMIR1973 on Mon Jul 12, 2010 03:19 PM PDTI said some leftists (look at my subject line). Elsewhere, I deliberately used the term "leftish" to distinguish it from a leftist. I am by no means opposed to all leftists. In fact, for many years, I considered myself a leftist, but I don't attach that label to my political opinions any more. That being said, there are certainly principled leftists who oppose the lousy right-wing IRI regime. Perhaps, I should have said "self-styled" leftists. Best regards.
Here's an interesting blog from an Iranian leftist that may interest you. Reza Fiyouzat used to have some articles posted on IC, but I haven't seen any in a while:
//revolutionaryflowerpot.blogspot.com/
"leftists' delusions"?
by fooladi on Mon Jul 12, 2010 02:59 PM PDTIslamo fascists, specially of west residing type, have an interesting habit of masqurading themselves as leftists or "marxists". By calling them a "leftist" you are only granting them the ideological credibility they completely lack.
A perfect illustration of (some) leftists' delusions
by AMIR1973 on Mon Jul 12, 2010 02:25 PM PDTiraq has fallen decades behind in development, and i don't wanna imagine where afghanistan has headed to.
Just imagine how developed Iraq would be today if it were still under the enlightened leadership of Saddam and his sons, Uday and Qusay, or where Afghanistan would be if Mullah Omar were still calling the shots and preventing girls from attending school. In contrast to leftish/Islamist propaganda, of course, Iraq has the potential to reap its own oil profits in an unprecedented way. Good for the Iraqis and too bad for IRI (and the Saudis, to boot). Check out the article below:
//www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraq-looks-to-spectacular-oil-boom-to-revive-its-political-fortunes-2015156.html
there used to be a value attached to national sovereignty.
A fact to bear in mind with the IRI's arming and funding of militias and terrorists in Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine.
yes the world is changing, but i am afraid the tide is in the other direction. why encourage a dying empire to escalate conflict in our country?
Khrushchev told VP Nixon, "We (meaning the Commies) will bury you (meaning the U.S. and other capitalists)". Khomeini and his gang have been predicting the imminent collapse of the U.S. since the day they took power. The U.S. has been around a lot longer than the IRI, and it will remain the most powerful country in the world for a very, very long time. If that is a source of pain to Islamists and "leftish" folks, then too bad for them :-)
Niloufar Parsi
by R2-D2 on Mon Jul 12, 2010 02:03 PM PDTI suggest you go to Iran, and ask around our Freedom-Loving Brothers And Sisters what their opinions are on getting freed from the bondage of this Islamic rule!
I promise you that you are going to be very pleasantly surprised ..... I Know That For Fact :) - !
R D - A Patriotic Iranian
demo, rd
by Niloufar Parsi on Mon Jul 12, 2010 01:46 PM PDTi still believe nothing good will come out of outside 'assistance'. you live in a country that does this kind of 'assistance' all the time and may be got used to it. this is not an accusation, just a suggestion on why it is that you can accept it more easily.
i don't think any of them have the interests of iran at heart. iraq has fallen decades behind in development, and i don't wanna imagine where afghanistan has headed to.
there used to be a value attached to national sovereignty. becoming exiles does not give us the right to dishohour that value in my opinion. yes the world is changing, but i am afraid the tide is in the other direction. why encourage a dying empire to escalate conflict in our country? their side would lose the war even if they won a few battles. problem is, some of our seculars have adopted a losing strategy. they emulate the thing they despise. this is why dialogue is superior.
Peace
"Regime Is Not Going To Collapse By Just Wishful Thinking! "
by fooladi on Mon Jul 12, 2010 01:16 PM PDTI am with you on that. Nothing short of a bloody uprising will dislodge these murderers. I was there on Ashura last year and I read later about planes on standbye to take khamenei and his entourage to Damescus. This is how shaken the regime was, when masses departed from the prescribed "peaceful protests"......
I Used To Believe ...
by R2-D2 on Mon Jul 12, 2010 01:06 PM PDTthat any regime change in our Beloved Iran should come about from within .... Meaning from the People of Iran
However, if the event of last year are any indication, the Revolutionary Guards, and their wannabe gofers, the Basijis, will stop at absolutely nothing to preserve their despotic rule!
I believe that any outside help should be welcome by the People Of Iran to topple this brutal regime - As many of you living in U.S. know, during the Revolutionary Wars, the Continental Army was heavily supported by the French in the kicking out of the British from their colony U.S. - Furthermore, had it not been for France's help, it probably would have been impossible for the U.S. to come out of the chains of the British Colonial rule!
What I'm Saying Is This: So Long As The Territorial Integrity Of Our Beloved Iran Is Not Affected, We Should Welcome Any Assistance From Other Freedom-Loving People! This Regime Is Not Going To Collapse By Just Wishful Thinking!
Pure And Simple :) - !
R D
Circus Courts
by Demo on Mon Jul 12, 2010 01:01 PM PDTNothing good ever will come out of the “circus courts” & the “kangaroo trials” of our country’s corrupt justice system based on its 31 years of solid records. Should not forget, for instance, the “chain type killings” trials outcome of the regime opponents some years ago. The so called main accuser was sentenced to commit suicide with the provided “hair remover” in the prison shower!!! And now, who killed the one shown in the above picture??? No more delusions either "Parsi" or "Farsi."
PS: Yes. Mr. Trita Parsi has been trained well enough by his masters to act as an “articulate monkey.” Nobody in his/her right mind wishes to imitate him.
"but the casmii people are more my type"
by AMIR1973 on Mon Jul 12, 2010 12:26 PM PDTno surprise there, that's for sure :-)
""IRI" Is Not Reformable ..."
by fooladi on Mon Jul 12, 2010 12:18 PM PDTBut very much removeable, as we clearly saw on the Red ashura, last year.
"IRI" Is Not Reformable ...
by R2-D2 on Mon Jul 12, 2010 12:12 PM PDTFor those who think that this regime in Iran is reformable, I have to say, respectfully, that they are absolutely and completely deluding themselves ...
If the events of last year, the Fraudulent Presidential Elections, and the attrocities that ensued thereafter, are any indication, this brutal regime is beyond any hope!
As I Have Said Before, I Can Not Understand For The Life Of Me How Any "True Iranian", Man Or Woman, Can Be Supportive Of This Backward Bunch - What They Represent Is Anathema To All The Great Values That We Hold Dear In Our Hearts, Both on Liberty And Democary!
End Of Story .....
demo
by Niloufar Parsi on Mon Jul 12, 2010 11:51 AM PDTi appreciate your points. we have to see how it ends. it is not a closed case yet, so let's not assume that nothing good will come of it.
no connection with trita yet, but who knows. i might run into him one day. seems like quite an articulate guy. but the casmii people are more my type.
Peace
Good point Demo
by Onlyiran on Mon Jul 12, 2010 08:57 AM PDT"punishment meted out to Kahrizak guards" consists of a press release by the IRI. I wrote a blog about this not too long ago:
//iranian.com/main/blog/onlyiran/kahrizak-non-story-iris-latest-dog-and-pony-show
And as far as "Niloufar Parsi", all you need to do in order to figure out who "HE" is, is to look at the editorial staff of PressTV in London. It's actually pretty simple to figure it out, but I will just leave it at that.
Kahrizak Two Guards' Punishments
by Demo on Mon Jul 12, 2010 08:50 AM PDTstory missed in the article is a classic "comedy tragic" & is one of our "no rights" to question such. The trial behind the closed doors, unknown defendents, "Saeed Mortazavi" in charge of the prison, no regime credibility, 31 years of mock trials, and etc is all about that story.
PS: Any connection between "Trita Parsi" & "Nilofar Parsi"??????
excellent
by Niloufar Parsi on Mon Jul 12, 2010 05:31 AM PDTgreat article. would have been good to include mention of the punishment meted out to two guards for the kahrizak deaths.
but fariba's overall approach to human rights is superb.
The Decadence Of The Arabs, And Their Negative Influence ...
by R2-D2 on Sun Jul 11, 2010 09:13 PM PDTIf anyone is a student of history, he/she could very easily study and analyze the Persian (Iranian) Society prior to the invasion of the Arabs over 1,400 years ago, and since then!
The greatness of Persia that we very warmly, and with great pride, remember and celebrate All occurred prior to the invasion! In a comment that I left in a separate blog sometimes back, I outlined very briefly the greatness and contributions of our Beloved Iran (Persia) prior to the invasion:
A Bit Of History (Please be logged in to read the comment)
The invasion of the Arabs, overall, has had a deterimental and negative impact on the Persian (Iranian) Society - Islam may have had a positive and civilizing effect on the Arabs, as they used to bury their daughters alive, and other savage behaviors, however, its positive effect on the Persian (Iranian) Society and Culture is highly questionable!
It also needs to be said that the anti-semitism that is quite evident in many parts of the Iranian Society today is a direct result, and an enduring heritage, of the Arabization and Islamization of our Beloved Iran: when Islam came to Iran (Persia), the prejudices that the Arabs had towards the Jews came with it!
This article points out to a great deal of work that still needs to be done by the Iranian Society regarding improvements and progress on the issue of Human Rights - I have to say that this point is very well taken:
However, I personally believe, that the more we go back and reclaim the great heritage of our very rich Persian Culture, and at the same time, the greater distance that we place between ourselves and this foreign, and inferior Arab Culture, that the sooner we will be able to achieve our great aspirations and ambitions regarding the great issues of Civil and Human Rights!
A great article and a noble cause
by Bavafa on Sun Jul 11, 2010 09:33 AM PDTWith the hopes that one day [real soon] there is an absolute end to all human rights violations in Iran and else where but specially in Iran. With the hopes that those responsible for these crimes and murders in Iran are brought up to a just & credible court and due process take place.
Mehrdad
On being pragmatic
by Raoul1955 on Sun Jul 11, 2010 06:46 AM PDTJust a thought to ponder over:
Do muslims recognize such a 'concept' as 'human rights?' Well, another rhetorical question by Raoul!
I believe that we are applying what we consider as a set of 'social and individual values' to a group of people who have never recognized such, and possibly would laugh at. Just a reminder that they consider us 'corrupt!'
Here is a simple analogy:
Islamic folks believe in a 'concept' that they refer to as the 'family honor.' Using Raoul’s lingo, they believe that there is a 'thingy' that 'resides' in the vaginas of their female family members, hence their strict regulation of how their females may use their vaginas. To us, such a concept is asinine, but to the islamic people such a belief is so sacrosanct that they kill their women over it. We have seen islamic folks here, in Canada, or in the UK killing their daughters, wives, sisters just because those females adopted our value system and decided to live their lives as they pleased.
Now back to the 'thingy' that we refer to as 'human rights.' :-)