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Medical probe into death of Canadian-Iranian journalist

Thursday, July 17, 2003 - ©2003 IranMania.com

A medical team in Iran has completed its probe into the cause of death of a Canadian-Iranian photojournalist who died after her arrest here, the student news agency ISNA reported Thursday, the day after the country's vice president said her brain haemorrhage was caused by a beating.

The agency did not give the results of the findings, but said they had been passed on to a cabinet team and judge appointed by President Mohammad Khatami to investigate the death, which has severely damaged Iran's image and strained relations with Canada.

ISNA said the government team, including Health Minister Massoud Pezeshkian and 15 surgeons from the coroner's office, discussed the findings for six hours. Government officials were not immediately available for comment.

Zahra Kazemi was arrested on June 23 for taking photographs of protestors outside Evin prison in northern Tehran who were demanding the release of relatives locked up during last month's wave of anti-regime protests, demonstrations that were met with a tough crackdown.

She was transferred three days later to Baghiatollah Azam hospital -- which is run by the hardline Revolutionary Guards -- where she died. Iranian authorities initially said Kazemi fell ill while she was being questioned.

But on Wednesday, reformist Vice President Mohammad Ali Abtahi made the dramatic allegation that the death of 54-year-old Kazemi was linked to a wave of arrests carried out by regime hardliners who, he said, were seeking to undermine the embattled pro-reform camp.

"She died of a brain haemorrhage caused by a beating," Abtahi told reporters after a cabinet meeting, giving a preliminary result of a government inquiry.

However, the Iranian government has refused demands by Canada to conduct its own autopsy. Iran does not recognise dual nationality.

The case has dealt a major blow to Iran's relations with Canada, which, like the European Union and in contrast to the United States, has been seeking to engage the Islamic republic's elected reformist government.

Canada's Prime Minister Jean Chretien pressed Iran on Wednesday to punish those responsible for Kazemi's death, saying that "if crimes have been committed, we're demanding of the Iranian government to punish those who committed the crime."

"And we will push that case because if it is the case, it is completely unacceptable that the journalist go there to do professional work and be treated that way."

Canadian Foreign Minister Bill Graham for his part said Canada holds Iranian authorities responsible for Kazemi's death "until proven otherwise."

But he added: "We must give the Iranian government time to complete its investigation."

He said he had spoken by phone with his Iranian counterpart, Kamal Kharazi, who told him the photographer had died of a "cerebral fracture." Kharazi did not say she had been beaten.

http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=17044&NewsKind=Current%20Affairs

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Bumps and prayers for you...

"Iran Samples Show Enriched Uranium-Diplomats"

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/948432/posts?page=1

Militiamen beat Iranian youngsters in harrasement campaign

SMCCDI (Information Service)
Jul 18, 2003

Several Iranian youngsters were beaten, yesterday evening, in a new campaign of harrasement launched by the Islamic republic regime and intending to fuel the existing policy of fear and terror.

The 3 youngsters were seen pulled out of their car and beaten by members of the regime Bassidj in the Vali-Asr square of Tehran as apparently they protested against the confiscation of their music tapes.

Several residents who rushed to the support of the youngsters were beaten as well by militiamen send from the neighboring Bassidj center in order to avoid a new riot to take place. The youngsters and at least 2 supporters were arrested and brought to the center.

Several other reports are stating about the increase of brutal actions and insults made, by members of the security forces, against residents of the Capital and main provincila cities.

http://www.daneshjoo.org/generalnews/article/publish/article_1225.shtml

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High rank clerics accuses arrested demonstrators to be linked to US
SMCCDI (Information Service)
Jul 18, 2003

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati said, during the today's governmental organized prayers, that 300 to 400 individuals linked to "US conspiracy" and "Having received funds in order to overthrown the Islamic state" have been arrested in connection to the events of July 9th, 2003, in Iran.

The high rank cleric blasted as well the abroad based Iranian opposition Satellite TV networks and qualified them as tools in service of America.

The baseless accusations made against some of those arrested show the firm intention of the Islamic regime to push for public trials of arrested demonstrators and opponents.

Several of them have been placed under duress in order to make false statements on their "collaboration with US and Israeli agencies" and such "confessions" can lead to their executions while taking off pressures from their families.

At least 2 have been executed in the last days in the southern city of Behbahan for their opposition to the regime and active participation in last June's riots.

http://www.daneshjoo.org/generalnews/article/publish/article_1226.shtml

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A Public Letter to Senator E.M. Kennedy
SMCCDI (Public Statement)
Jul 16, 2003

Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran (SMCCDI)

The Honorable Senator Edward M. Kennedy
317 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Fax: (202) 224-2417
senator@kennedy.senate.gov

Dear Senator Kennedy:

For decades, the name Kennedy has stood for freedom, liberty, and justice throughout the world. You, Sir, are the sole bearer of the legacy of two of the most beloved fallen heroes of America and those who value human dignity and honor throughout the world. You have continued President John F. Kennedy’s ideals, passion and eloquence; you have retraced Senator Robert Kennedy’s journey to places of hurt and hunger; and you, yourself, Senator, stand, and have been dubbed, as the “Lion” protector and defender of the voiceless and the downtrodden!

Senator Kennedy, why and how would you permit a terrorist, barbaric and brutal regime such as the Islamic Republic, that is occupying Iran at the present time, to associate itself with you and your name?

Regrettably, we have been informed that since the previous lobby group of the Islamic Republic, called American Iranian Council (AIC), has been exposed and discredited, new proxies have filled in and have formed a new group under the title of: Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC). This group has indicated that you would be participating as a keynote guest in the reception that will mark their official launching!

The founding member of this group is Mr. Hassan Nemazee, an American of Iranian origin and one discredited, and well-known agent of the Islamic Republic, within the Iranian community in the United States. Their agenda in their own words is: “…how relations between the Islamic Republic and the United States can be restored in support of the Islamic Republic and the revolution.”

We find this extremely disturbing and rather baffling! Senator Kennedy, your own Department of State lists the Islamic Republic as the most active “State Sponsor of Terrorism.” Iranian nation stands as a testimony to that; we were the first victims of these terrorists! Since any association with a terrorist regime like the Islamic Regime of Iran is in direct defiance of the “U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act,” and the “Homeland Security Act,” how could the formation of such a lobby group be permitted in the first place, and why would it be allowed so brazenly to pursue and further its illegal activities in the United States? Moreover, how could a man of your honor and a Senator of your stature agree to participate and cooperate with such a regime?

We, sincerely, hope that their claim of your association with such a lobby group, for a terrorist regime, is baseless. Nevertheless, Senator, we feel compelled to inform you that this group is already exploiting your good name to generate support for their nefarious objectives and activities.

They intend to prey on the unsuspecting Iranian community in the United States to collect campaign contributions in support for the members of the Congress and other organs of the United States government that they deem suitable and would back the terrorist regime of the Islamic Republic. Although, Mr. Nemazee and his associates are well known to the Iranian community; nonetheless, we will expose the group and a massive drive has been undertaken to inform the Iranians residing in the United States.

Banking on the greed of the American business and, out of sheer ignorance, counting on differences of ideology and Party affiliation within the United States, this is one more desperate attempt by this corrupt and bankrupt regime, in its dying days, to hang on to power.

For two decades, the greed and hypocrisy of the European countries and others, at the expense of the Iranian nation, have supported and sustained this regime. Evidently, the Islamic Republic hopes to be able and intends to manipulate the internal politics of the United States and does not understand the efforts of the Founding Fathers, the core values of this great nation, and the famous axiom of “politics stops at the water’s edge” that have been the backbone of the foreign policy of the United States!

Senator Kennedy, twenty-four years ago, a gang of corrupt and illiterate Mullahs hijacked a nation and took its population hostage under the sham of religion and their perverted brand of Islam. Rule of law was replaced by reign of terror and what has been imposed upon the people of Iran is utterly against centuries of their civilization, culture, heritage and every fiber and grain of their being. Sir, people of Iran have been silenced by sheer terror and are suffering in silent captivity for over two decades!

Today, 700,000 Iranians are languishing in Regime’s secret prisons, and in a nation rich with abundance of natural recourses, 57 percent of the population lives under the line of poverty. This regime has decimated and defiled everything it has touched! This is the shameful legacy of this corrupt theocracy!

Senator, just within the last twenty days, with the new wave of demonstrations against the theocracy, in Regime’s effort to crush the freedom movement, numerous young students were murdered and 4,000 of our compatriots were brutally attacked, imprisoned, tortured and still remain in the clutches of the regime. Sir, they were merely demanding their God-given rights as human beings! And, only last week the regime murdered another foreign journalist of Canadian nationality; she was beaten to death! Senator, this is the true barbaric face of the Islamic Republic that Mr. Nemazee and his ilk hide from you!

According to their own words, this regime, at the expense of the Iranian people, has amassed and has at its disposal eight million armed paramilitary groups, comprised of paid domestic and foreign terrorist, to unleash on the nation. We are facing them with our bare hands but steeled resolve. On a daily basis, we are being crushed under the galloping greed and viciousness of this Islamic Republic and all we are striving for is our freedom. Senator, those with fresh memory of tyranny know the value of freedom!

With your permission, and to paraphrase the words of President Kennedy, we believe, America stands as symbol of freedom, “and no one has enriched that freedom more than you. Senator!” Sir, all we ask is the moral support of the United States. All we expect is that the United States will remain true to its principles of liberty and justice and its ideals of democracy.

Senator Kennedy, everything this regime stands for is anathema to your own sacred values. On the other hand, we are confident that you identify with our cause, you understand our mission, you sense our determination, and you recognize the steel of our resolve. Sir, we have long admired and respected you for your commitment and dedication.

We believe, our cause is just; for it is the cause of freedom. Our mission is clear and sacred; for it is to regain our blessed land, Sir, our determination is strong and our resolve is steeled as well.

The irony is that, Senator, for who you are, for what you stand, and what you have fought for your entire life, one would imagine that you would have taken up our cause rather than supporting a demented terrorist regime! But, alas!

Senator Kennedy, any support that would in any way sustain and prolong the life of this regime would protract our suffering. Indeed, any relations or associations with the present regime that would extend its despicable survival and its hold on power could bear crucial consequences for relations with the future generations of Iran!

Bearing in mind that almost 70 percent of the populace is under the age of 30; outraged by incessant terror and torture, and what has been done onto us and our nation, we are risking our lives challenging the corrupt regime and its terrorist’s apparatus; for us, it is only a matter of time. We will prevail! Senator, we are the future of Iran!

Sir, throughout ages, some men, their ideals, and their passion transcend cultures, ideologies, national boundaries and even time; they belong not to one nation but mankind! Their names are etched in the memories and inspire generations past, present, and generations yet to be born; the name Kennedy is one such name!

Senator, as students, as freedom fighters, and as a nation under siege we have been inspired by your ideals and have respected and admired your unbending stance in your beliefs. We implore you, do not permit this odious regime to exploit and desecrate the much-admired Kennedy name!

We, as students, as the entire Iranian nation, are struggling and striving to reclaim our land, our freedom, national identity, pride, heritage, and centuries of our proud history and civilization.

Senator, we feel confident that our plight resonates with this nation and you, Sir, above all; for, this country is held as the shining beacon of hope for all the freedom-loving people, and you, Senator, are regarded as one of the true icons, guardians, and advocates of human rights, liberties, justice, and democratic ideals.

Respectfully,

On behalf of SMCCDI,

Aryo B. Pirouznia (for the Committee)

DoctorZin Note: We posted information about the IAPAC the other day. That post incorrectly stated that Darrell Issa would be attending the event. Apparently SMCCDI wants Senator Kennedy to withdraw his support as well. More needs to be written on the IAPAC and Iran's Washington DC lobby. If any of you have more information on this group or other US based supporters of the Islamic regime, please email the information. I would like to produce a detailed analysis of their efforts.

US Calls On UN Nuclear Agency To Report On Iran Findings

July 18, 2003
Dow Jones Newswires
Nasdaq News

NEW YORK -- The U.S. State Department said Friday that the head of the U.N.'s nuclear agency should provide a full factual account of what its inspectors had found in Iran and should do so well in advance of the U.N.'s next board meeting in September.

Spokesman Richard Boucher made the comment to reporters following a report from Vienna, citing diplomats, that U.N. inspectors had found enriched uranium in environmental samples from Iran.

According to the transcript of his briefing in Washington, Boucher said "We expect Director General (Mohamed) ElBaradei to provide the International Atomic Energy Board of Governors with a full and factual accounting of what they have found in Iran. We would hope that would come well in advance of the next International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors meeting, which is scheduled, I think, Sept, 8 to 12. And we'll work with other members of the board to ensure that the board takes effective and appropriate action."

Asked if the U.S. had been notified about IAEA findings, Boucher replied "It's not for us to describe what we've heard; it's for them to say what they have to say on the subject. But I would say we look forward to hearing the full account of everything that they have uncovered."

Answering a subsequent question, Boucher said "I can say that we've heard a lot. There was a board meeting in June; the IAEA laid out a whole lot of information of what they've been finding. We're also looking for additional information from recent visits, and from the results of the sampling that they've done. And I'm sure they'll be producing that information when it's ready."

Boucher said "We have long said that Iran's clandestine nuclear program represents a serious challenge to regional stability, to the entire international community and to the global nonproliferation regime. And I think if you see the reporting of recent - the revelations of recent months demonstrate the accuracy of those statements that we've made."

In Vienna, The Associated Press reported that ElBaradei referred to the report that enriched uranium had been found as "pure speculation at this stage."

"There's a lot of analysis we need to discuss ... with Iran," ElBaradei told AP. "We are not in any way ready to come up with a conclusion on that issue before we discuss all the results with the Iranian authorities."

http://iranvajahan.net/cgi-bin/news_en.pl?l=en&y=2003&m=07&d=18&a=10

State Department: US Expects Full IAEA Accounting on Iran

World News
Jul 18, 2003

The United States says it expects a "full and factual" accounting by the International Atomic Energy Agency of any evidence it may have found in Iran about that country's efforts to produce weapons-grade uranium. The comments follow news reports that samples taken by the IAEA in Iran have yielded traces of highly-enriched uranium.

The Bush administration has long contended that Iran's nominally-peaceful nuclear program is concealing a covert weapons effort.

And it is calling IAEA Director-General Mohammed ElBaradei to provide the United States and other agency board members with an early report on what IAEA inspectors may have discovered on recent visits to Iran.

The appeal followed an account by the Reuters news agency Friday quoting diplomats in Vienna the IAEA headquarters as saying that IAEA environmental samples taken in Iran indicate that country has been enriching uranium without informing the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

Briefing reporters here, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the United States expects a full report on the test results, and hopefully well in advance of the IAEA's next scheduled board meeting September 12.

He said latest report and other recent revelations about Iran's nuclear activities only underscore concerns about Iran's nuclear program, which, he said, poses a serious challenge to regional stability and global non-proliferation efforts.

"We've always said that the Iranian clandestine nuclear program should be a very serious concern to everyone, that it was much more than a peaceful reactor program," he said. "I think this substantiates those statements that we've made over time, and we would expect everyone to be able to act accordingly."

Questioned about the Reuters report, a spokeswoman for the IAEA said the agency was still in the middle of a complex inspection process in Iran, and is investigating "a number of unresolved issues."

She said more samples would be taken in coming weeks and that the IAEA is not ready to judge the significance of test results. Mr. ElBaradei himself was quoted by the Associated Press as saying the alleged uranium discovery was "pure speculation" at this point.

In February, Iranian authorities allowed Mr. ElBaradei and other IAEA experts to visit a uranium-enrichment facility at Natanz in central Iran that had been identified by an Iranian exile group last year as part of a covert bomb program.

Iran says the Natanz plant is to produce fuel for nuclear power plants and it has no interest in building nuclear weapons, though the Tehran government has resisted tougher inspections of its program.

U.S. officials have accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons and missiles to deliver them, and that it otherwise makes no sense for the energy-rich country to be spending hundreds of millions of dollars to acquire a full nuclear fuel-cycle.

http://www.daneshjoo.org/generalnews/article/publish/article_1234.shtml

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