THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 8:00 PM
Tuesday Protests in Iran
A wave of protests swept across multiple cities in Iran today, as retired government employees and residents voiced their grievances and demands.
In Yazd, central Iran, retired government employees gathered in front of the provincial governorate, demanding higher pensions and basic rights in line with the soaring costs of living and the regime’s laws.
In Sanandaj, western Iran, retired government employees held a protest rally in front of the Kurdistan provincial governorate, echoing similar demands for higher pensions and basic rights.
January 9—Hamedan, western #Iran
Retired government employees rally in front of the provincial governorate, demanding higher pensions and basic rights according to the regime's own laws.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/uqwfpJKibS— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 9, 2024
Kermanshah, also in western Iran, witnessed retired government employees rallying in front of the office of the government retirement fund, advocating for increased pensions and basic rights as stipulated by the regime’s laws.
Ilam, another western Iranian city, saw retired government employees organizing a protest rally with similar demands for higher pensions and basic rights.
Qazvin, in the northern part of the country, witnessed retired government employees rallying in front of the offices of the government retirement fund. They demanded higher pensions and basic rights, aligning with the regime’s laws and considering the rising costs of living.
In the capital city, Tehran, retired government employees staged a protest in front of the government retirement fund offices, echoing the nationwide call for higher pensions and basic rights by the regime’s laws and economic conditions.
January 9—Arak, central #Iran
Residents rally to protest air pollution caused by destructive government policies allowing the burning of mazut fuel in a local power plant, which is causing serious health problems for the locals.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/wBtGe1c8Bg— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 9, 2024
In Deyr, southern Iran, farmers from Abdan and Bord Khun protested in front of the governorate, expressing their discontent with high tariffs on tomatoes.
Hamedan, in western Iran, experienced retired government employees rallying in front of the provincial governorate, demanding higher pensions and basic rights according to the regime’s laws.
Finally, in Ahvaz, southwest Iran, retired government employees organized a protest rally, demanding higher pensions in line with the costs of living and based on the regime’s own laws.
January 9—Ilam, western #Iran
Retired government employees hold protest rally, demanding higher pensions and basic rights according to the regime's own laws.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/C01bNGkd3u— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 9, 2024
Additionally, in Arak, central Iran, residents gathered to protest air pollution caused by the burning of mazut fuel in a local power plant, highlighting serious health problems faced by the community.
Meanwhile, in Qareh Qeshlagh, northwest Iran, residents expressed their opposition to the regime’s plans to establish a salt factory in their area, gathering in protest against the construction.
More footage of today's rally in Qareh Qeshlagh village, protesting the building of a salt factory in their area.
The regime dispatched security forces to quell the protests.pic.twitter.com/zpNMiWU3Hx— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 9, 2024
UPDATE: 11:30 AM
Khamenei Warns Against Election Boycott
In the face of impending sham elections in Iran, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has once again issued a warning regarding the impact of a popular boycott. According to the state-run news agency KhabarOnline, Ali Khamenei addressed an audience in Qom today concerning the February 2024 parliamentary elections and the need for increased public participation.
He said, “The strategic approach involves actively engaging the people in political matters, whereas the enemy’s strategy aims to sideline them. Avoiding participation in elections aligns with the enemy’s strategic objectives. The creation of polarization within society serves as a goal for Iran’s adversaries and those opposing the Iranian nation.”
Khamenei revealed his true objective of showcasing legitimacy through sham elections, stating, “The reason for Iran’s progress, dignity, and recognition as a significant power in the region, the reason for finding so much strategic depth for the country, these resilient forces throughout the region, the strategic depth of the Islamic Republic system – the reason for all these is the presence of the Iranian people on the scene.”
Trudeau Says Canada Could List IRGC as a Terrorist Organization
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday responded to calls for Canada to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity, saying this could happen if done “responsibly.”
The comment was made at a memorial for the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, which was shot down by the IRGC over Tehran on Jan. 8, 2020.
“We will continue our work, including continuing to look for ways to responsibly list the IRGC as a terrorist organization,” the prime minister announced to applause from grieving families.
US Warning Triggers Currency Restrictions, Escalates Economic Tensions in Iraq
Following a stern warning from the United States to Iraq, the Iranian regime is grappling with heightened currency restrictions, impacting its economic dealings with the neighboring country.
According to the state-run Entekhab website, Ali Shariati, a member of the regime’s Chamber of Commerce, revealed that Iraqi bank presidents were summoned recently by American authorities, emphasizing the need to address the issue of Iranian semi-governmental traders circumventing sanctions.
He said, “Our currency restrictions in Iraq have intensified to the extent that even dollar transactions have become challenging for the state. Iranian merchants now bear an additional 20% of the expenses, and this trend could significantly reduce our share in the Iraqi economy.”
He further added, “The second incident is related to the early days of the Persian New Year. Iraq sells four million barrels of oil during this period, and all oil revenues flow into Iraq’s central accounts under American supervision. A few months ago, as this process began, the US felt that the freely circulating dollars in Iraqi hands might be used for purposes other than originally intended. One of the primary concerns was related to Iran, as Iran had not accepted the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) terms. Most discussions in Iraqi media circles were about Iranian semi-governmental traders allegedly circumventing sanctions in the transfer of Iraqi bitumen.”
Canada, Partners Take Iran to UN Council Over Downed Ukrainian Jet
OTTAWA, Jan 8 (Reuters) – Canada, Britain, Sweden, and Ukraine on Monday formally complained to the U.N. Aviation Council in their bid to hold Iran accountable for the downing of a passenger airliner in January 2020 that killed 176 people, they said on Monday.
Most of the dead were citizens from the four nations, which created a coordination group that seeks to hold Iran to account.
“Today we have jointly initiated dispute-settlement proceedings before the International Civil Aviation Organization against the Islamic Republic of Iran for using weapons against a civil aircraft in flight,” they said in a statement.
Disturbing Rise in Executions Despite Claims of Decrease – Former IRGC Member
In a report published on Monday, January 8, the state-run Didar News website quoted Emad al-Din Baqi, a former member of the Revolutionary Guards, who admitted to the ongoing trend of executions in Iran.
Baqi stated, “Based on information from prisoners, their families, and various sources, I can see that the number of executions has not decreased at all. In fact, in the past two or three months, after the Gaza incident, the number of executions has increased significantly.”
“When the Supreme Leader forcefully manipulates the security apparatus to consolidate power, it contradicts the true essence of being a religious figure,” Baqi added. “In essence, the existing laws, grounded in religious and legal principles, categorize executions under the age of 18 not only as murder but as a crime. I assert with certainty that certain cases that were addressed during the Mahsa protests, resulting in death sentences, would unquestionably have received different verdicts if tried in branches other than these specific ones. Without a doubt, no one would have been executed.”
He further said, “Individuals facing execution should have their cases publicized in newspapers for general awareness. Surprisingly, even news of executions is not disclosed. Previously, each province’s judiciary website used to share this information. However, this practice has ceased, and now the prison organization’s website provides updates on prison statistics weekly.”
Jordanian Jets Strike Iran-Linked Drug Dealers Inside Syria -Intelligence Sources
AMMAN, Jan 9 (Reuters) – Jordanian jets conducted four strikes inside Syria on Tuesday in the second such raid within a week against suspected farms and hideouts of Iran-linked drug smugglers, regional intelligence sources said.
Jordan’s army has stepped up a campaign against drug dealers after clashes last month with dozens of people suspected of links to pro-Iranian militias, who were carrying large hauls over its border with Syria along with weapons and explosives.
New Airstrikes Targets Positions of Iranian-Backed Groups in Eastern Deir Ezzor
Deir Ezzor province: SOHR activists have reported hearing at least two explosions in areas dominated by Iranian-backed militias this dawn, which were caused by airstrikes believed to be executed by US aircraft on positions of Iranian-backed groups in Al-Mazare area near Al-Mayadeen city in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor. Smoke was seen rising from the targeted sites, but no casualties have been reported so far.
This comes after intensive rocket fire by Iranian-backed groups, which targeted the US’ largest base in Syria in the Al-Ommar oil field in the Deir Ezzor countryside in the early hours of Monday morning.
The World Needs To Wake Up to the Evils of the Regime in Iran
The world would be a better place without the regime in Iran. That’s the thought that ran through my head as the fourth anniversary of the take-down of Flight PS 752 was marked on Monday.
The Ukrainian International Airlines flight from Tehran to Kyiv was shot down by missiles fired by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps minutes after take-off. All 176 people on board were killed, including 55 Canadians, and 30 permanent residents.
It’s an act of aggression, of terrorism that should outrage every Canadian and never be forgotten, but it’s sadly only one of many reasons the world would be better off if the mullahs in Tehran were taken out of power.
UPDATE: 7:30 AM
Iran’s Regime Ramps up Executions to Prevent Uprisings
In a statement on January 5, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) reported the shocking figure of 864 executions by Iran’s regime in 2023.
This figure, which was gathered by reports obtained by the sources of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), demonstrates the extent of barbarism, oppression, and crimes of the regime. This statement portrays the criminal policy of the regime to suppress the uprising of the Iranian people and avoid its inevitable overthrow.
According to the statement, this is the highest figure of executions in the past eight years.
Considering the secret executions, the actual number of executions is much higher. The number of recorded executions in 2023 is approximately 34% higher than in 2022, which was 646 cases.
Iran’s Former Minister of Intelligence Disqualified from Running for Parliamentary Elections
Two days after the spokesperson of the Guardian Council announced the finalization of the candidate list for the Iranian regime’s upcoming Majlis (parliament) elections, Iranian media published the names of some disqualified candidates.
The regime’s semiofficial ISNA news agency reported on January 6 the names of 26 current parliament members who have been disqualified.
According to the report, many former political activists and officials have also been disqualified. Among them, the disqualification of former intelligence minister Mahmoud Alavi and former MP Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh has attracted media attention.
Iranian Women Stay Strong Despite Harsh Crackdown
In this episode, we’re going to discuss the escalation of crackdown on Iranian women, and of course, the people of Iran in general, and their resilient struggle to fight back. Let’s start with a brief roundup of the events.
- The Iranian regime carried out a massive 850-plus executions in 2023, that included 25 women and 20 political prisoners.
- Hundreds of rights activists and opposition members, including dozens of women, faced arrests, and heavy sentences.
- Female prisoners associated with the opposition group PMOI/MEK faced severe charges, which could lead to the death penalty.
Iran: Executions, Arrests, and Arbitrary Murders Surge in 2023
In 2023, the Iranian regime continued its brutal campaign of torture, executions, and killings in an attempt to suppress any potential uprising by the people. Despite this, the regime’s repression has only intensified, leading to an increase in executions, arbitrary arrests, and deaths in detention centers.
In 2023, the number of executions carried out by the Iranian regime reached 864, a significant increase from the 646 executions in 2022. Of these executions, 801 were men, 26 were women, and eight were juvenile offenders. Additionally, 22 political prisoners were executed, compared to 14 in 2022.
More Than 850 Executions in Iran in 2023
Iran has put behind one of its worst years in terms of executions, with at least 864 prisoners put to death, according to to reports from the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). This marks a 34% increase from the previous year and the highest in the past eight years.
Indeed, the death penalty is considered one of the most severe forms of punishment, and it has been abolished or significantly restricted in over 170 countries worldwide. Only around 30 countries still actively use the death penalty. Unfortunately, the Iranian regime consistently remains at the forefront of these countries that continue to implement capital punishment. Julia Duchrow, the Deputy Secretary General, Amnesty International (Germany), has stated regarding executions in Iran, “The leader of Iran is responsible for 65% of the executions carried out worldwide last year.”
Vancouver, Canada—January 6, 2024: MEK Supporters Rally in Solidarity With the Iran Revolution
Vancouver, Canada—January 6, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized a rally to express support for the Iranian Revolution.
Winchester, England—January 6, 2024: MEK Supporters Organize an Exhibition in Solidarity With the Iran Revolution
Winchester, England—January 6, 2024: Winchester, England—January 6, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians, and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized a photo exhibition and book table in solidarity with the Iranian Revolution.
Stuttgart—January 6, 2024: MEK Supporters Invite Their Compatriots to Support of the 28th #FreeIranTelethon on January 12-14, 2024
Stuttgart, Germany—January 6, 2024: The Iranian community and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) in Stuttgart are extending invitations to their compatriots through video messages and pictures, urging them to join the 28th #FreeIranTelethon in support of Simay-e-Azadi (INTV) scheduled for January 12-14, 2024.
Berlin—January 6, 2024: MEK Supporters Invite Their Compatriots to Support the 28th #FreeIranTelethon on January 12-14, 2024
Berlin, Germany—January 6, 2024: The Iranian community and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) in Berlin are extending invitations to their compatriots through video messages and pictures, urging them to join the 28th #FreeIranTelethon in support of Simay-e-Azadi (INTV) scheduled for January 12-14, 2024.
Also, read Iran News in Brief – January 8, 2023