Posted on 05/18/2005 2:55:30 PM PDT by DoctorZIn
Top News Story
Standing Up at the Muslim March Against Terror
Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi, FrontPageMagazine.com:
Despotic Islamist regimes that brutally terrorize their own people today have no qualms about exporting their brand of terror to the West.
Iran serves as a clear example of this phenomenon: Both domestically and internationally, terrorism has become the main policy instrument of the mullahs, who have hijacked Iran’s natural resources to finance their culture of death. These Islamist tyrants recruit innocent and devoted believers who have been coerced into doing their dirty work for them. This was demonstrated only a few weeks ago when Palestinian women, known as the Daughters of Zeytoon, were corralled to Tehran for a “celebration” of their volunteering for suicide missions.
Terrorism is generally defined as the ideologically or politically motivated use, or threatened use, of force or violence against people, with the intent to intimidate or coerce. By this or any other accepted definition of terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran, since its inception, has been a terrorist regime.
European powers have tolerated regimes such as Iran in exchange for cheap oil and gas.Even more, the neo-colonialist Europeans have helped perpetuate the Islamist establishment, giving it an aura of international legitimacy in order to do lucrative business with the mullahs.
The people of Iran have not benefited from this economic interchange with the West: After 26 years of Islamist rule, the economy of the nation is ruined; the unemployment rate is close to 40 percent; and rampant inflation bodes ill for future growth. The clerical elites, on the other hand, by investing overseas in everything from drug running to legitimate businesses, have accumulated immense fortunes.
The events that have unfolded since January—the massive participation in the first free election in Iraq; the overturning of a fraudulent election in Ukraine, which brought true democracy to the Ukrainian people; and the popular protest in Lebanon against the de facto Syrian rulers—all show that people everywhere will participate in the democratic process if given the chance. Democracy is not a luxury for the few. It is the true aspiration of the majority. And this is especially true in the Middle East.
The mullahs of Iran know that their end is near. They will try everything in their power to postpone that end, using their traditional smoke-and-mirror games with the West as well as terrorist tactics. But this time they won’t hesitate to cross the line and resort to extreme expedients, such as nuclear bombs, to ensure their survival.
And once again, European powers are doing very little, if anything, to stop them. As the wonderful Amir Taheri wrote in one of his articles: “The EU is run by techno-bureaucrats masquerading as politicians. The techno-bureaucrats willfully refuse to conceive of an adversary that does not play the game by his rules. We are witnessing a clash of cultures.” Neither Europe’s appeasement of the mullahs, nor its willingness to turn a blind eye to the plight of the people of Iran and the hideous human rights abuses visited upon them by the regime, has contributed to increased security. Rather, it has contributed to the weakening of security not only in the Middle East, but also in the West, which is the ultimate target of the Mullahs’ Islamist fury. Iran’s Islamic regime is now an imminent threat to the citizens of Europe itself.
The Islamic regime’s rapid deployment of nuclear weapons has also become a huge and looming threat to the world. On May 13, the regime once again faked out the world, promising to stop enriching Uranium. And the Europeans once again believed this. Now they are essentially giving Iran more time to construct its doomsday machines on the sly. These weapons, whose technology and materials come from North Korea, China, Russia, Germany, Pakistan and Libya, will be inevitably used against the West and its’ allies. They will be used against anyone who dares stand in the Islamists’ way.
On June 17, another fake election will take place in Iran. Only the self-elected mullahs and their sycophants will be running for “presidency.” The people of Iran have made it more than clear that they will boycott this election, just as they did the February 2004 parliamentary elections that ousted the so-called “reformists.”
While the daily life goes on in the West, the terrorists find new and modern ways to establish their antiquated and diabolical schemes. Agents and spies of the terrorist regime mill about among us freely here in Washington, deceiving well-meaning and usually very under-informed Westerners with their lies. They infiltrate opposition movements active in the West; they bribe journalists and politicians to spin their lies. They systematically sabotage all genuine initiativesto expose the true nature of Islamism, using the freedom enjoyed by open societies to their advantage—and, ultimately, to undermine democracy.
A suicide bomber who killers innocent civilians is indeed committing terrorism. But terrorism is also perpetrated in a more subtle way. For instance, by defending the status quo in the Middle East, and by advocating appeasement and engagement with tyrants, Western politicians and media are, in effect, condoning terrorism.
We are here today to denounce terrorism and its use by the Islamist establishment and their Cuban, Venezuelan, and North Korean allies to perpetuate hate and fear around the world. We ask our friends around the world who wish to live in peace, harmony and devotion to a kind and loving God to stand in solidarity with us today in confronting these assassins who refuse to celebrate diversity.
The Middle East has earned its freedom. We wish to impress upon the world that no ideology is worth the sacrifice of human rights and peace. Let’s hold them to this simple canon: Do unto others as you would have them do onto you!
The above is a speech by human rights activist Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi at the Muslim March Against Terror, hosted by Free Muslims Against Terror, at Washington D.C. this past weekend – The Editors.
- Reuters reports that Iran's judiciary denied reports that a mother of two who strangled her lover had been sentenced to death by stoning.
- Agence France-Presse reports that at least 1,000 Iranians in the holy city of Qom protested Wednesday over desecration of the Koran at the US detention camp at Guantanamo Bay.
- ICHarrow.co.uk reports that Mr Straw said it was clear what Tehran had to do, but not whether it would do it, saying "I hope but I cannot predict that the negotiations at the beginning of next week will be fruitful."
- Amnesty International reports that the 36-year-old Iranian woman, Afsaneh Norouzi, recently spared the death penalty and finally released from prison, deserved her freedom and her right to life. But, like her unfair trial that resulted in her wrongful capital murder conviction.
- Ha'aretz reports that the Israeli discourse about the Iranian nuclear program is predicated on the assumption that Iran's long-term strategic and technological ambitions are fixed, clear and well-defined.
- Agence France-Presse reports that Iran said regarding reaching an agreement in emergency nuclear talks with the EU3, "There is not a very big chance for an agreement."
- The NY Sun reports that Shirin Ebadi, the Iranian human rights lawyer who won the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize said, "We must take care that Western countries not take advantage of democracy and human rights and use these concepts as a license to attack other countries."
- IranMania reports that Iran and Europe will hold next round of nuclear negotiations on May 23.
- Reuters reports that Iran's foreign minister pledged on Tuesday that his country would act to stop insurgents crossing into Iraq. Iraq the Model doesn't think so.
- Janes Defense Weekly reports that "For Iran, close and secret ties with Syrian intelligence and military officials will enable Tehran ... the possibility of promoting a coup in Syria ..."
- Reuters the U.S. and Britain vowed on Tuesday to remain united in curbing Iran's nuclear programs.
- And finally, The Iran Freedom Walk to Washington D.C. started on a clear spring day across the street from the site of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
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info on Hooshang AmirAhmadi
http://washingtontimes.com/world/20050515-011256-2801r.htm
One of strongest pro-IRI groups is the NIAC.
That Hooshang Amir Ahmadi had an Interview in persian few days ago with BBC Persian radio and he said that if Iranian election turnout turns out to be very high, America will be defeated and the US wont dare to harm Iranian government.
He is working for Mullahs inside the US
Iranian demonstrators who wish to remain unidentified gesture as they protest in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday May 18, 2005. A group of about 200 supporters of Iran's toppled monarchy blocked, with their cars, a street next to the European Commission headquarters. Banner is unidentified. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
Belgian riot police officers (top) stand guard as activists of an Iranian exiled opposition group from several countries block a street protesting against EU negotiations with Tehran over Iran's nuclear situation in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels May 18, 2005. There is no certainty the U.N. Security Council would back a U.S. or European request to punish Iran if Tehran resumed work on what Washington fears is part of a nuclear weapons program, U.N. diplomats said on Monday. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
About a hundred activists of an Iranian exiled opposition group from several countries block a street protesting against EU negotiations with Tehran over Iran's nuclear situation in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels May 18, 2005. There is no certainty the U.N. Security Council would back a U.S. or European request to punish Iran if Tehran resumed work on what Washington fears is part of a nuclear weapons program, U.N. diplomats said on Monday. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
"Iranian exiled opposition group from several countries block a street protesting against EU negotiations with Tehran over Iran's nuclear situation..."
The sly British AP continues with deception, spin and misinformation when it comes to opposition movement of Iranians against the hijackers of their country. The protest WAS AGAINST EU collusions, and support and protection of the mollahs' rule over Iranians, and continuation of their economic ties with the EU.
The british AP conveniently left that out, and spun the truth.
And, Khashayar, thanks for the pics.
Tehran, 19 May (AKI) - The spokesperson for Iran's judiciary has announced a new round of court proceedings in July over the violent death of Zahra Kazemi. Kazemi, a 54-year-old Iranian-born Canadian photojournalist, was arrested in June 2003 after taking photos of demonstrations outside a Tehran prison. She died at the Baghiollah military hospital in Tehran two weeks later on 11 July 2003 after falling into a coma, having received head injuries during more than three days of interrogation.
The name of the officer who gave photos and x-rays of the victim to the Canadian embassy has also been revealed. Hadi Sepehrlou, a lieutenant who was working at the Baghiollah military hospital, was arrested soon after he spoke to the Canadian diplomats. The photos and x-rays taken during Kazemi's period at the hospital, are believed to document the torture and violence inflicted on her during her interrogation. Following Sepehrlou's arrest, the government of Ottawa has reduced its contact with Iran.
The Canadian foreign minister Pierre Pettigrew said that until Iran agrees to an international investigation of Kazemi's death, Canada will cut off contact with Iran in all but three areas: the Kazemi case, Iran's human rights record and nuclear non-proliferation.
The Canadian government and the many international human rights organisations, have expressed concern over the fate of lieutenant Sepehrlou, who could be charged with spying and condemned to death.
"The spokesperson for Iran's judiciary has announced a new round of court proceedings in July over the violent death of Zahra Kazemi."
"The name of the officer who gave photos and x-rays of the victim to the Canadian embassy has also been revealed. Hadi Sepehrlou, a lieutenant who was working at the Baghiollah military hospital, was arrested soon after he spoke to the Canadian diplomats."
Does this strike anyone as funny (in a sick way)? They arrest the guy forcing them to have the new court proceedings. lol. Not these proceedings are anything more than just 'show'.
Maybe the regime will charge his family for court costs?
Wonder if Hadi Sepehrlou is still alive? B*st*rds
Actually the situation is rather bad. Hadi Sepehrlou was working with the Dr that defected to canada last month and broke the news of all the abuses Kazemi endured. He was working with this guy and had arranged for him to meet with Canadian embassy for further delivery of official documents proving the horrible fate Zahra endured in the hands of the prosecuter general Mortazavi. Some how they found out about it and arrested him.
I believe that is why the canadians said they would not close the embassy in tehran or retreat thei ambassador:b/c they were getting these documents including x-rays...
This is a very grave situation for Hadi....
Today, there are protests in tehran!!!
Saeed Mortazavi, Prime Suspect in the Zahra Kazemi Case
Maryam Kashani
Another court session has been held to review the Canadian – Iranian journalist Zahra Kazemi’s death. This is while lawyers representing Zahra Kazemi’s mother do not consider the court fit to handle the case; a court without reporters; a court whose presiding judge Saeed Mortazavi is the prime suspect in the case.
Dr. Karim Lahiji, who represents Zahra Kazemi’s son Stephan Hachemi, notes that reducing the crime from quasi - intentional to non - intentional manslaughter and handling it at a court supervised by the prime suspect (Saeed Mortazavi), contradicts all laws, including those of the Islamic Republic.
He adds that the nature of a crime determines which court handles the case. Non - intentional manslaughter means there was no intention of killing, but the situation and conditions led to the murder. But Zahra Kazemi’s case does not fall into this category, as proven by investigations conducted by representatives of both the legislative and executive branches of the Islamic Republic. Zahra Kazemi was arrested and detained illegally. During detention, she was beaten and not taken to the hospital in time. The beatings led to her death. This cannot be classified as non - intentional manslaughter. This is an act of murder, and the punishment for this crime is different, so is the court that qualifies to handle it. For this reason, lawyers representing Zahra Kazemi’s mother have objected to the court’s qualification from day one”.
Lahiji further remarks, “It’s not just the question of maltreatment and torture. There are numerous charges involved. Zahra Kazemi was illegally remanded in custody upon orders of Judge Saeed Mortazavi. She was maltreated and tortured. The illegal detention continued. Mortazavi, along with his colleagues, including his deputy Arjomandi, interrogated Kazemi in Evin Prison. Mohammad Bakhshi, director of Evin Prison Security, who works directly under Mortazavi, deals the first blows to Kazemi. These were actually the devastating blows that led to the ensuing bleeding. As eyewitnesses reported, instead of taking her to the hospital, they put her in a car and took her to solitary confinement in Evin Prison, even though she could hardly walk. From 10 pm until 2 am, Mortazavi and Arjomandi interrogated her, while she obviously couldn’t even answer (due to her physical conditions)”.
Judicial Mix-Up
Lahiji speaks of a judicial mix - up in which the prosecutor becomes the complainant, as evidently manifest in the case of Zahra Kazemi. “That day, the Mortazavi – Bakhshi team were on alert because of the anniversary of July 9th (huge student protests four years before). As soon as Mortazavi hears about the arrest of a foreign correspondent in front of Evin Prison, he thinks of espionage, especially as Kazemi had traveled to Iraq before arriving in Iran. Mortazavi even tries to sue Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance’s Director General for Foreign Press Khoshvaqt for giving work permit to a spy. He, however, fails in this attempt as Khoshvaqt is close to the Iranian Leader. He, therefore, subjects Kazemi to all the pressure. At this point, Mortazavi no longer acts like a prosecutor who orders investigation into a crime. He rather turns into someone who is preparing a criminal file against Kazemi and in turn feels free to treat her in whatever way he wants. Even when Ministry of Information officials reject the espionage charge leveled against Kazemi, Mortazavi does not let go. He keeps on pressuring the half-dead Kazemi who was loudly complaining of a headache and refrains from sending her to the hospital”.
All these, step by step drew Kazemi closer to death. As such, “before anything else, the type of death should be determined, so that, on its basis, a qualified court could see to the case. But, unfortunately, this (rightful demand) has been overlooked”.
I know the situation is grave for Sepehrlou. That's why I wonder if he's still alive.
As for Mortazavi......I hated him before he killed Kazemi
Thanks for your posts. Could you include the links to the articles? Thanx
I think AP is an American based Press. Isnt it? ;-)
Any way, the word is spread about them and I think people can decide if that is what they saw or not
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