Iraq: Investigate deadly Camp Liberty rocket attack

Oct 30, 2015- Published on Amnesty International

A rocket attack on a camp of Iranian exiles in Iraq is a despicable and callous crime, Amnesty International said as it called for an immediate investigation, urgent protection and assistance for the camp’s residents.

Camp Liberty, in north-east Baghdad, was struck by a barrage of rockets last night, which killed at least 23 people, including one woman, and injured dozens. An Iraqi Shi’a militia, the al-Mukhtar Army, claimed responsibility for the attack and warned that the attack may be repeated.

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Iran’s Human Rights Remain Dismal Despite Nuclear Deal: U.N.

Oct 27, 2015- Published on NewsWeek

Iran’s human rights situation remains alarming and the country could execute more than 1,000 people this year despite the landmark nuclear deal that has opened up the country to international trade and investment, according to a new United Nations report.

In his annual report, published on Tuesday, the special rapporteur for human rights in Iran, Ahmed Shaheed, said the nuclear deal and lifting of economic sanctions on Iran “can potentially have a beneficial multiplier effect on the human rights situation in the country,” while noting that hundreds of executions still happen every year and women are treated as second-class citizens. Iran executes more people per capita than any other country in the world and last year executed 753 people, according to the report, which Shaheed will present to the U.N. later this week.

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Iran dissidents say U.S. policies are appeasing Islamist rulers

Oct 18, 2015- Published on Washington Times

When the doorbell rang, it was longer and harder than normal, like someone was ramming an angry finger on the button. Then the window suddenly was smashed and the police were inside the house.

It was eight years ago in Tehran, but Parisa Kohandel, who was just nine at the time, remembers the authorities coming to take her father as if it happened yesterday.
“I was crying, and I hugged him, and they were just searching the home,” she says. “I hugged him so they wouldn’t take him.

“Then, they put a gun on my head and separated him from me.”

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Thousands of Iranian-Americans, supporters, stage protest against Iran near United Nations

Sept. 28, 2015- Published on Associated Press

A protester wearing a large mask bearing the likeness of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attends an anti-Rouhani rally outside United Nations headquarters ahead of the leader's address to the 70th session of the U.N. General Assembly, Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

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IACNT celebrated the 50th anniversary of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK)

IACNT, August 30th, 2015- The People's Mojaheding Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) is an Iranian opposition group seeking to establish democracy in Iran. It was founded by a group of young students in 1965, and after 50 years of history it has become the largest and most organized opposition against Mullahs in Tehran. The PMOI became widely popular shortly after the 1979 Iranian revolution as their ideas such as gender equality, freedom of religion, speech, and assembly were highly valued by the Iranian people across the country.

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