Latest news with #HosseinRonaghi
Scoop
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Experts Urge Iran To Choose Protection Over Repression After Ceasefire
Geneva, 4 July 2025 UN experts* today expressed alarm over the crackdown in the Islamic Republic of Iran since hostilities began on 13 June 2025 and the subsequent ceasefire. 'Post-conflict situations must not be used as an opportunity to suppress dissent and increase repression,' the experts said. Acknowledging the impact of unlawful military attacks by Israel and the United States of America, the experts nevertheless expressed concern over reports of executions, enforced disappearaces, and mass arrests. Since 13 June 2025, at least six individuals have reportedly been executed on charges of 'espionage for Israel', including three Kurdish men. Hundreds of individuals, including social media users, journalists, human rights defenders, foreign nationals—particularly Afghans—and members of ethnic and religious minorities such as Baha'is, Kurds, Balouchis and Ahwazi Arabs, have been detained on accusations of 'collaboration' or 'espionage'. Those detained include human rights defender Hossein Ronaghi and his brother. Meanwhile, Swedish-Iranian researcher Ahmadreza Djalali faces imminent execution with his whereabouts unknown. The conflict has also substantially exacerbated Afghan deportations from Iran, with 256,000 returned in June alone amid serious refoulement concerns. The experts expressed alarm at official statements announcing expedited trials on accusations of espionage, putting individuals at heightened risk of summary execution or punishment without adequate due process. They also found equally concerning reports of incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence in the media, which have labelled entire minority communities as traitors and used dehumanising language such as 'filthy rats.' This rhetoric in state-linked Persian and Arabic media outlets has reportedly included calls for surveillance, and killing of Baha'is, echoing the 1988 atrocities. The experts warned that Iran's Parliament is concurrently advancing legislation that would classify intelligence or espionage activities carried out for 'hostile Governments' as 'corruption on earth'—an offence punishable by death. 'Criminalising the sharing of information in broad language violates the rights to freedom of expression and information,' the experts said. 'This legislation also represents a worrying expansion of the death penalty that violates international human rights law.' The experts urged the international community to prioritise sustained support to Iranian civil society actors, including technical and financial assistance to independent media outlets and human rights groups. 'The survival of civic space depends on the ability to document human rights violations, preserve collective memory, and coordinate action, which is essential during this critical period,' they said. They also condemned the deteriorating conditions faced by prisoners transferred from Evin Prison after Israeli attacks on its facilities. Prisoners were reportedly moved to the Great Tehran Penitentiary and to Qarchak Prison and held in abysmal conditions. The fate and whereabouts of some prisoners remain unknown, placing them outside the protection of the law—a situation that amounts to enforced disappearances. 'Following the ceasefire, the world is watching closely to see how Iranian authorities treat their own people. This will be a defining measure of the country's commitment to human rights and the rule of law,' the experts said. 'Iran must not allow history to repeat itself by resorting to the same dark patterns of repression that have devastated its people in previous post-conflict periods.' The experts have been in contact with Iranian authorities on this issue. *The experts: Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic republic of Iran, Nazila Ghanea, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial summary or arbitrary executions, Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Gabriella Citroni, (Chair-Rapporteur), Grażyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Baldé, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Pérez, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Laura Nyirinkindi (Chair), Claudia Flores (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Ivana Krstić, and Haina Lu,.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iran unleashes 'wave of repression' after Israel war: activists
Iranian authorities have arrested hundreds of people and executed dozens in a wave of repression following the 12-day war with Israel, activists say, accusing the Islamic republic of using fear to compensate for weaknesses revealed by the conflict. Campaigners have been detained on the street or at home, executions expedited, prisoners transferred to unknown locations and minorities also targeted, according to rights groups. Six men have been hanged on charges of spying for Israel since the start of the conflict, dozens more on other charges and more than 1,000 arrested during or after the conflict on charges related to the war, according to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based NGO. It said the majority of those detained were people whose mobile devices were searched and content such as footage of Israeli military actions was reportedly discovered. Leading campaigners arrested include the freedom of speech activist Hossein Ronaghi, while other figures such as rapper Toomaj and activist Arash Sadeghi were released after being roughly arrested and interrogated, according to reports. Roya Boroumand, executive director of the US-based NGO Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, said that with the crackdown Iranian authorities were attempting to suppress public discontent over the "humiliating blow" inflicted by Israel, which showed the Islamic republic was "unable to control its airspace and protect civilians". "Now, to maintain control and prevent its opponents inside the country from organising and mobilising forces, Iran's leaders are turning to fear. And they may only just be getting started," she told AFP. - 'Wounded animal' - Boroumand recalled that the ceasefire that ended the 1980-1988 war with Iraq was followed by a wave of repression that included the execution of thousands of dissidents. "If unchecked, the violence that targets Iranians today will target others outside Iran's borders," she added. Iran's leaders have faced criticism from inside the country over their apparent failure to prevent the Israeli and US air attacks. There was no working siren or shelter system, with what protection there was dating back to the 1980s conflict with Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Meanwhile, the killing in air strikes of top officials, military officers and nuclear scientists exposed Israel's deep intelligence penetration of Iran. That has prompted a major hunt for spies. Iran's judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said after the start of the war that the trial and punishment of anyone arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Israel "should be carried out and announced very quickly". Three Europeans, who have not been identified, have also been arrested, two of whom are accused of spying for Israel, according to the authorities. "Like a wounded animal, the Islamic republic is going after every perceived threat in the country with deadly force," said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI). - 'Wave of repression' - The Norway-based Hengaw rights group, which focuses on Kurdish-populated areas of western and northwestern Iran, said 300 people of Kurdish ethnicity had been arrested in the crackdown. "A widespread wave of repression and mass arrests has unfolded across the country," it said, adding that "Kurdish cities have borne a disproportionate share of these crackdowns" and that detainees have included a "significant number of women and teenage girls". Non-Muslim religious minorities have also faced pressure. Some 35 members of Iran's remaining Jewish community, estimated to be just 10,000-strong but recognised as an official minority by the Islamic republic, have been summoned for questioning in recent days, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Iranian security forces have also raided dozens of homes belonging to members of the Baha'i religious minority during and after the war with Israel, according to the IranWire news website. The Baha'i faith, which has a spiritual centre in the Israeli city of Haifa, is Iran's largest non-Muslim minority but has no official recognition. sjw/ah/dcp
South China Morning Post
01-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Activists say hundreds arrested in Iran, dozens executed in post-war fallout
Iranian authorities have arrested hundreds of people and executed dozens in a wave of repression following the 12-day war with Israel, activists say, accusing the Islamic republic of using fear to compensate for weaknesses revealed by the conflict. Campaigners have been detained on the street or at home, executions expedited, prisoners transferred to unknown locations and minorities also targeted, according to rights groups. Six men have been hanged on charges of spying for Israel since the start of the conflict, dozens more on other charges and more than 1,000 arrested during or after the conflict on charges related to the war, according to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based NGO. It said the majority of those detained were people whose mobile devices were searched and content such as footage of Israeli military actions was reportedly discovered. A funeral procession in Tehran for military commanders and nuclear scientists killed during the 12-day conflict with Israel. Photo: AFP Leading campaigners arrested include the freedom of speech activist Hossein Ronaghi, while other figures such as rapper Toomaj and activist Arash Sadeghi were released after being roughly arrested and interrogated, according to reports.
Japan Times
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Iran arrests hundreds, executes dozens after conflict with Israel, activists say
Iranian authorities have arrested hundreds of people and executed dozens in a wave of repression following the 12-day war with Israel, activists say, accusing the Islamic republic of using fear to compensate for weaknesses revealed by the conflict. Campaigners have been detained on the street or at home, executions expedited, prisoners transferred to unknown locations and minorities also targeted, according to rights groups. Six men have been hanged on charges of spying for Israel since the start of the conflict, dozens more on other charges and more than 1,000 arrested during or after the conflict on charges related to the war, according to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based NGO. It said the majority of those detained were people whose mobile devices were searched and content such as footage of Israeli military actions was reportedly discovered. Leading campaigners arrested include the freedom of speech activist Hossein Ronaghi, while other figures such as rapper Toomaj and activist Arash Sadeghi were released after being roughly arrested and interrogated, according to reports. Roya Boroumand, executive director of the U.S.-based NGO Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, said that with the crackdown Iranian authorities were attempting to suppress public discontent over the "humiliating blow" inflicted by Israel, which showed the Islamic republic was "unable to control its airspace and protect civilians. "Now, to maintain control and prevent its opponents inside the country from organizing and mobilizing forces, Iran's leaders are turning to fear. And they may only just be getting started," she said. 'Wounded animal' Boroumand recalled that the ceasefire that ended the 1980-88 war with Iraq was followed by a wave of repression that included the execution of thousands of dissidents. "If unchecked, the violence that targets Iranians today will target others outside Iran's borders," she added. Iran's leaders have faced criticism from inside the country over their apparent failure to prevent the Israeli and U.S. air attacks. There was no working siren or shelter system, with what protection there was dating back to the 1980s conflict with Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Meanwhile, the killing in air strikes of top officials, military officers and nuclear scientists exposed Israel's deep intelligence penetration of Iran. That has prompted a major hunt for spies. Iran's judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said after the start of the war that the trial and punishment of anyone arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Israel "should be carried out and announced very quickly." Three Europeans, who have not been identified, have also been arrested, two of whom are accused of spying for Israel, according to the authorities. "Like a wounded animal, the Islamic republic is going after every perceived threat in the country with deadly force," said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI). 'Wave of repression' The Norway-based Hengaw rights group, which focuses on Kurdish-populated areas of western and northwestern Iran, said 300 people of Kurdish ethnicity had been arrested in the crackdown. "A widespread wave of repression and mass arrests has unfolded across the country," it said, adding that "Kurdish cities have borne a disproportionate share of these crackdowns" and that detainees have included a "significant number of women and teenage girls." Non-Muslim religious minorities have also faced pressure. Some 35 members of Iran's remaining Jewish community, estimated to be just 10,000-strong but recognized as an official minority by the Islamic republic, have been summoned for questioning in recent days, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Iranian security forces have also raided dozens of homes belonging to members of the Baha'i religious minority during and after the war with Israel, according to the IranWire news website. The Baha'i faith, which has a spiritual center in the Israeli city of Haifa, is Iran's largest non-Muslim minority but has no official recognition.
News24
30-06-2025
- Politics
- News24
Iran unleashes ‘wave of repression' after Israel war
Iranian authorities have arrested over 1 000 people and executed dozens following the 12-day war with Israel, targeting activists, suspected spies, and ordinary citizens. The repression is seen as Iran's attempt to use fear to maintain control after suffering a 'humiliating blow' from Israel. The crackdown disproportionately affects ethnic and religious minorities, including 300 Kurdish people, 35 members of Iran's Jewish community, and dozens of Baha'i families. Iranian authorities have arrested hundreds of people and executed dozens in a wave of repression following the 12-day war with Israel, activists say, accusing the Islamic republic of using fear to compensate for weaknesses revealed by the conflict. Campaigners have been detained on the street or at home, executions expedited, prisoners transferred to unknown locations and minorities also targeted, according to rights groups. Six men have been hanged on charges of spying for Israel since the start of the conflict, dozens more on other charges and more than 1 000 arrested during or after the conflict on charges related to the war, according to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based NGO. It said the majority of those detained were people whose mobile devices were searched and content such as footage of Israeli military actions was reportedly discovered. Leading campaigners arrested include the freedom of speech activist Hossein Ronaghi, while other figures such as rapper Toomaj and activist Arash Sadeghi were released after being roughly arrested and interrogated, according to reports. READ | Trump says he's not offering Iran 'anything', nor speaking to them Roya Boroumand, executive director of the US-based NGO Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, said that with the crackdown Iranian authorities were attempting to suppress public discontent over the "humiliating blow" inflicted by Israel, which showed the Islamic republic was "unable to control its airspace and protect civilians". "Now, to maintain control and prevent its opponents inside the country from organising and mobilising forces, Iran's leaders are turning to fear. And they may only just be getting started," she told AFP. 'Wounded animal' Boroumand recalled that the ceasefire that ended the 1980-1988 war with Iraq was followed by a wave of repression that included the execution of thousands of dissidents. She said: If unchecked, the violence that targets Iranians today will target others outside Iran's borders. Iran's leaders have faced criticism from inside the country over their apparent failure to prevent the Israeli and US air attacks. There was no working siren or shelter system, with what protection there was dating back to the 1980s conflict with Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Meanwhile, the killing in air strikes of top officials, military officers and nuclear scientists exposed Israel's deep intelligence penetration of Iran. That has prompted a major hunt for spies. Iran's judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said after the start of the war that the trial and punishment of anyone arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Israel "should be carried out and announced very quickly". READ | Iran arrests 26 for 'acts of sabotage' in helping Israel war Three Europeans, who have not been identified, have also been arrested, two of whom are accused of spying for Israel, according to the authorities. "Like a wounded animal, the Islamic republic is going after every perceived threat in the country with deadly force," said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI). 'Wave of repression' The Norway-based Hengaw rights group, which focuses on Kurdish-populated areas of western and northwestern Iran, said 300 people of Kurdish ethnicity had been arrested in the crackdown. "A widespread wave of repression and mass arrests has unfolded across the country," it said, adding that "Kurdish cities have borne a disproportionate share of these crackdowns" and that detainees have included a "significant number of women and teenage girls". Non-Muslim religious minorities have also faced pressure. Some 35 members of Iran's remaining Jewish community, estimated to be just 10 000-strong but recognised as an official minority by the Islamic republic, have been summoned for questioning in recent days, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Iranian security forces have also raided dozens of homes belonging to members of the Baha'i religious minority during and after the war with Israel, according to the IranWire news website. The Baha'i faith, which has a spiritual centre in the Israeli city of Haifa, is Iran's largest non-Muslim minority but has no official recognition.
