THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 6:00 PM CEST
Canada Imposes Further Sanctions Against Iran
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.
Today’s announcement follows the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman, who died while in the custody of Iran’s so-called morality police on September 16, 2022. Iranian authorities had detained her for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code.
The sanctions apply to five Iranian political figures responsible for the design and implementation of repressive policies, including the violent repression of protesters.
UPDATE: 1:30 PM CEST
Chair Cardin Introduces Iran Internet Freedom Act to Support the Iranian People Marking Anniversary of Woman, Life, Freedom Protests
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the Iran Internet Freedom Act, marking the second anniversary of the protests sparked by the murder of Jina Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian woman who was beaten to death by the Iranian regime’s morality police. Her murder ignited demonstrations that flooded Iran’s streets, and was met with brutal force by the regime. Two years later, the crackdown continues with the return of mandatory hijab enforcement, intimidation and arrests, and executions seeking to silence the voices of the brave women and men of all ages and backgrounds who peacefully took to the streets.
UPDATE: 10:00 AM CEST
US Issues Fresh Iran Sanctions over Alleged Human Rights Violations
WASHINGTON, Sept 18 (Reuters) – The United States issued a new round of Iran sanctions on Wednesday targeting 12 individuals who it said were tied to Tehran’s “ongoing, violent repression of the Iranian people,” including its “brutal crackdown on peaceful protests.”
The sanctions, which come two years after the death of Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amin in police custody, target members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iranian prison officials “and those responsible for lethal operations overseas,” the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement.
UPDATE: 7:30 AM CEST
Iran’s Regime Sentences Two PMOI Supporters to Death
The judiciary of Iran’s regime has issued death sentences for two supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani. This sentence, communicated to their lawyer, was issued by the notorious Judge Iman Afshari, head of Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court. These two political prisoners were sentenced to death on charges of “baghi (rebellion), moharebeh (waging war against God), corruption on Earth, membership in the PMOI, collecting classified information, and conspiracy against national security.”
The 69-year-old political prisoner Behrouz Ehsani was arrested on December 6, 2022, in Tehran and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence detention center (Ward 209 of Evin Prison), where he was subjected to torture. He is currently held in Ward 4 of Evin Prison.
What A Human Rights Report Reveals about the Political Players in Iran and Abroad
The breadth and scope of the battle for Iran’s freedom from the dictatorship of the mullah’s regime ruling Iran as pursued by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), is vast. How can we recognize the extent of this resistance both inside and outside of Iran?
In this identification, what are the main factors or opposing fronts to be seen?
All three questions ultimately lead to this: which forces are currently recognized as the front line in the battle between freedom and tyranny in Iran, both inside and outside the country?
The starting point of these questions comes from the current political discourse around the latest report by the former United Nations Special Rapporteur for Iran, Professor Javid Rahman and his participation in a joint conference with a group of international lawyers, judges, and experts.
The Iranian Regime’s Escalating Terrorist Activities: A Global Threat
Under the leadership of Ali Khamenei, the Iranian regime has significantly escalated its terrorist activities, employing illegal methods to further its goals. Over the past few years, Tehran has increasingly funded terrorist groups and exploited global financial systems to expand its influence. This demonstrates the regime’s unwavering commitment to its objectives, particularly in regions such as the Middle East, where its growing power is increasingly evident.
The Iranian regime’s support for militant and terrorist groups has been most visible in the Middle East, showcasing its expanding influence in the region. Through proxy groups and paramilitary forces, Iran has deepened its foothold in regional conflicts, further destabilizing an already volatile area. These activities highlight the regime’s ambition to assert dominance and extend its ideological reach.
Mounting Warnings to the Iranian Regime: A Nation on the Brink
The Iranian regime is facing increasing warnings from insiders and supporters who fear the country is heading toward disaster. These voices, many of them previously loyal to the regime, are expressing concern over Iran’s growing international isolation, the deteriorating economic situation, and the rising potential for domestic uprisings. They warn the regime’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, that the country may not be able to withstand the consequences of its current policies.
Ali Salehabadi, owner of the state-run daily Setareh Sobh, issued a stark reminder to Khamenei on September 14. In his critique, Salehabadi highlighted the worsening economic situation, stating that the country’s financial state is now more dire than at any point in the last half-century. He also pointed out that, unlike Iraq, Iran continues to restrict internet access through heavy filtering, while simultaneously suffering under severe international sanctions for its support of the Gaza war.
Tehran Court Orders Amputation in Theft Case: A Violation of Human Dignity
In a deeply troubling ruling, the criminal court of Tehran Province has sentenced two defendants in a theft case to finger amputation, a form of punishment that starkly contradicts the principle of human dignity. This verdict continues a pattern in Iran’s judicial system that disregards international human rights norms and has drawn widespread condemnation. The case dates back to June 2022 when a group of 13 individuals, led by two main defendants, Hatef and Armin, orchestrated a theft at the National University branch of the National Bank of Iran. The group targeted safe deposit boxes in a brazen heist. Following the robbery, the perpetrators fled the country but were eventually apprehended by Turkish authorities and extradited to Iran.
The trial took place at Branch 10 of the Tehran Criminal Court, where the defendants were held in custody for months during legal proceedings.
Heartbreaking Tragedy: The Case of Yalda Rahimi
In a deeply tragic event, Yalda Rahimi, a 17-year-old girl from Bagh-e Malek, a town in Khuzestan Province, Iran, ended her life on September 16, 2024, due to severe poverty and lack of social welfare. Her final moments took place in the bathroom of the Khomeini Relief Foundation’s office in her town. On the day of her death, Yalda Rahimi had visited the Khomeini Relief Foundation seeking assistance just before the school year was set to begin. After her request was denied, she chose to take her own life in the bathroom of the relief office.
Her father had taken his own life by hanging himself several years earlier, leaving Yalda to live with her grandfather in the village of Dam Ab.
Face And Eyes of Iran’s Regime Ambassador Seriously Injured Due to a Pager Explosion
On Tuesday, September 17, the state-run Kayhan newspaper wrote on its Telegram channel: “According to reports, contrary to claims that the injuries to Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon were superficial, his face and eyes have been seriously injured.”
Earlier, according to the Rouydad24 website, the editor of Mashregh news had written on the social media platform X that “the ambassador’s eye was severely damaged.”
Meanwhile, the state-run Tasnim news agency quoted “an informed source” stating that Mojtaba Amani-Hamedani was injured in the hand and face due to the explosion of a pager belonging to one of his bodyguards.
Price of Consumer Goods Continue to Spike in Iran
Ali-Ehsan Zafari, chairman of the Dairy Products Union, announced on Tuesday, September 17, a 25% increase in the price of dairy products due to a 20% rise in the price of raw milk. However, Zafari warned that the higher prices for dairy products would not benefit producers but would instead lead to reduced consumption, which in turn would lower production and profitability. Zafari added that if these price increases continue, public dairy consumption will decline. He pointed out that the solution to preventing this price increase is “government subsidies,” but noted that “the related decree has not yet been officially issued by the government.”
Referring to the products that will see the biggest price hikes, Zafari added that “products like cheese will experience the largest price increases.”
Cologne, September 14, 2024: Iranian Resistance Supporters Rally to Mark Anniversary of 2022 Uprising
Cologne, Germany—September 14, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), held a rally to mark the second anniversary of the 2022 nationwide uprising and to show solidarity with the Iranian Revolution.
Gothenburg, September 14, 2024: Iranian Resistance Supporters Rally to Mark Anniversary of 2022 Uprising
Gothenburg, Sweden—September 14, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), held a rally to mark the second anniversary of the 2022 nationwide uprising and to show solidarity with the Iranian Revolution.
Amsterdam, September 14, 2024: Iranian Resistance Supporters Rally to Mark Anniversary of 2022 Uprising
Amsterdam, the Netherlands—September 14, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), held a rally to mark the second anniversary of the 2022 nationwide uprising and to show solidarity with the Iranian Revolution.
Oslo, September 14, 2024: Iranian Resistance Supporters Rally to Mark Anniversary of 2022 Uprising
Oslo, Norway—September 14, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), held a rally to mark the second anniversary of the 2022 nationwide uprising and to show solidarity with the Iranian Revolution.