THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 8:30 PM CEST
US Unveils Sanctions Targeting Hezbollah Funding
The Biden administration announced new sanctions Wednesday against three individuals and four companies with alleged ties to revenue streams for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
A press release, issued by the Department of Treasury, said the individuals and companies were involved in a Lebanon-based sanctions evasion network that “generated millions of dollars in revenue” for Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. The department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is also targeting three others for the illegal production and trafficking of Captagon, “a dangerous, highly addictive amphetamine” that benefits the Syrian regime, the release said.
UPDATE: 7:30 AM CEST
Critical Shortage of Medical Equipment in Iran Endangers Lives Amid Economic Crisis
The ongoing shortage of medical equipment in Iran has escalated to a life-threatening crisis, causing numerous preventable deaths. The situation is becoming increasingly dire as the Iranian Ministry of Health cites severe financial shortfalls and foreign currency shortages as the primary factors.
In May 2024, the government shifted its currency allocation priorities due to budgetary constraints and a steep rise in exchange rates. As a result, the prices of essential medical supplies—such as stents, dialysis catheters (Shaldons), and knee prostheses—have skyrocketed, with some increasing tenfold. This surge in prices has made these critical items scarce, putting immense pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
Ongoing Restrictions on Phone Calls and Visits in Evin Prison’s Women’s Ward
Evin Prison officials, in a bid to intensify pressure on inmates, have carried out unusual body searches. Consequently, some prisoners in the women’s ward have been denied in-person and booth visits over the past few days.
Political prisoner Elaheh Fouladi has been deprived of contact and visits with her family since July 6, 2024.
Political prisoner Maryam Yahyavi has been deprived of phone contact with her family since August 6.
On August 3, the Evin Prison authorities announced that dozens of these female prisoners would be deprived of in-person visits with their families for an indefinite period.
Mahsa Jalal Badii: 3.5 Years of Imprisonment for Reading Books
Mahsa Jalal Badii was transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht, a northern city in Iran, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, after being summoned to the Enforcement Branch of the Revolutionary Court in Rasht to begin her sentence of three years and six months in prison.
Born in 1985, Mahsa Jalal Badii resides in Rasht and is the mother of a teenager. She has been sentenced to imprisonment for engaging in reading and sharing scientific content. This single mother was originally arrested on May 13, 2024, by security forces in Rasht and released on bail after six days of detention.
Later, the Third Branch of the Revolutionary Court in Rasht sentenced Mahsa Jalal Badii on charges of “propaganda against the regime” to seven months and sixteen days in prison, and additionally, three years and six months for “educational and promotional activities deemed contrary to Islamic law.” Her sentence also includes a ten-year ban on social rights.
Iran: 36 Executions in Past 7 Days, Including 2 Child Offenders
The “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign, which consists of hunger-striking prisoners from over 22 prisons across Iran, issued a statement on October 15 during its 38th week. The statement said, “Simultaneously with the World Day Against the Death Penalty, the execution-driven regime in Iran executed seven individuals in various prisons.”
According to the campaign’s statement, on October 9 alone, 19 people were hanged, bringing the total number of executions last week to over 36.
Two children, identified as Mehdi Barahouyi and Ali Shirvani, who were 17 and 15 years old at the time of their arrest, were among those executed, in clear violation of the “Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
Germany, October 12, 2024: MEK Supporters Rally Across German Cities in Support of the ‘No to Executions’ Campaign Against Iran’s Regime
Germany—October 12, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians, and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), rally across German cities in Support of the “No to Executions” campaign against the mullahs’ regime. The cities included Berlin, Bremen, Cologne, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Göttingen, Hamburg, Heidelberg, Munich, Münster, Stuttgart, Freiburg, and Bonn.
Sydney, Australia—October 12, 2024: MEK Supporters Rally in Support of the ‘No to Executions’ Campaign Against Iran’s Regime
Sydney, Australia—October 12, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians, and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), organized a rally and exhibition in Support of the “No to Executions” campaign against the mullahs’ regime. They protested against the ongoing brutal executions across Iran. The participants urged support for the Iranian people and their resistance in the struggle to establish freedom, democracy, human rights, and justice in Iran.
