THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 11:30 PM CET
Monday Protests in Iran
Isfahan, Central Iran: Retirees from the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) gathered once again in Isfahan to resume their weekly protests against the government’s neglect of their demands. Chanting slogans such as “Implement your own laws!” the protesters expressed frustration with the regime’s failure to address their concerns.
In Ganaveh, southern Iran, locals staged a large protest condemning new laws that have severely impacted their businesses and livelihoods. The demonstrators voiced their discontent with the regulations, which they believe pose a threat to their economic well-being.
In the western city of Kermanshah, TCI retirees and pensioners rallied to protest against low pensions and poor living conditions. The protesters pointed fingers at government corruption and demanded better treatment for their rights.
December 11—Ganaveh, southern #Iran
Large protest by locals, protesting new laws that severely affect their business and livelihoods.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/K8wSGK9o84— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 11, 2023
Meanwhile, in Marivan, another western city, TCI retirees and pensioners gathered in front of the provincial offices to protest against low pensions and poor living conditions. They emphasized that a 2010 law mandates the adjustment of pensions according to the costs of living, but the regime has failed to implement this crucial provision.
In Zahedan, southeast Iran, TCI retirees resumed their protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic needs. The retirees stressed their right to a dignified retirement and called on the authorities to address their concerns promptly.
December 11—Urmia, northern #Iran
Retirees of Telecommunication Company of Iran resume weekly protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic rights.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/tzRAKmQftg— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 11, 2023
TCI retirees in Urmia, northern Iran, resumed their weekly protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic rights. The demonstrators expressed frustration with the ongoing neglect of their legitimate demands.
In the capital city of Tehran, TCI retirees resumed their weekly protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic rights. The protesters highlighted the need for the regime to adhere to its own laws regarding retirees’ entitlements.
In Sanandaj, western Iran, TCI retirees rallied against the regime’s disregard for laws requiring the adjustment of pensions according to the costs of living. The protesters in Sanandaj echoed the sentiments of their counterparts across the country, calling for justice and fair treatment in their retirement years.
December 11—Zahedan, southeast #Iran
Retirees of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) resume protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic needs.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/5BzI82WQwy— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 11, 2023
UPDATE: 9:30 PM CET
Iran President Targeted With ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ Complaint In Switzerland
By AFP – Agence France Presse- A legal complaint called Monday for Swiss authorities to arrest Iran’s president during an expected visit and charge him with crimes against humanity connected to a 1988 purge of dissidents.
The complaint asks Swiss federal public prosecutor Andreas Muller to ensure the arrest and prosecution of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi “over his participation in acts of genocide, torture, extrajudicial executions and other crimes against humanity”.
Raisi was expected to participate in the United Nations Global Refugee Forum, which begins in Geneva on Wednesday, but the UN said Monday evening that Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian would lead the Iranian delegation, an indication that Raisi might not show.
Sens. Cruz, Scott Demand Answers on the Biden Administration’s Latest Iran Sanctions Waiver
In the letter, the senators said, “A strong signal of deterrence—utilizing military, economic, and diplomatic tools—is needed if we want to stop the attacks against U.S. personnel and prevent the war in Gaza from expanding into a protracted regional conflict.
Iran: Council Sanctions 6 Persons and 5 Entities Under the Framework for Restrictive Measures in View of Iran’s Military Support of Russia’s War of Aggression Against Ukraine
The Council today imposed restrictive measures against 6 persons and 5 entities involved in Iran’s development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) used in Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. These are the first listings under the newly established framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. They complement the previous four rounds of listings on Iranian drones already adopted under other sanctions regimes.
The new listings include the company Shakad Sanat Asmari, its CEO, deputy CEO, and chief scientist; other companies manufacturing components for UAVs, namely Baharestan Kish Company and its managing director, Saad Sazeh Faraz Sharif and its CEO, as well as Sarmad Electronic Sepahan Company, offering aerospace engineering services, and companies helping Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF) improve the UAV program (Kimia Part Sivan Company).
Those targeted will be subject to an asset freeze and travel ban to the European Union. Additionally, the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed is prohibited.
UPDATE: 6:30 PM CET
Iranian President Must Be Arrested in Geneva This Week
This week, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees is sponsoring the 2023 Global Refugee Forum in Geneva. The event will see participation from various heads of state, as is to be expected of a forum that explores opportunities for governments throughout the world to help alleviate a global refugee crisis. One should not expect, however, that any of the participating officials would themselves be contributors to the crisis. Yet this description certainly fits Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, whose prospective attendance was revealed just days in advance.
Because of this, the forum is now expected to be the site of large-scale protests on Wednesday, as Iranian expatriates and supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran gather to draw attention to Raisi’s decades-long role in politically motivated executions and overall repression of dissent — phenomena that have forced millions of people to flee the Islamic Republic over the past four decades.
UPDATE: 1:00 PM CET
Iranian Regime Considers Internet Price Hike Amid Declining Service Quality”
Recent reports from Iran suggest that the government wants to raise internet prices in the coming days, a move supported by mobile operators. These operators have witnessed a decline in both the quality and quantity of internet services provided in recent years.
According to the state-run Shargh newspaper, the Radio Regulatory Authority is on the verge of approving a 30% increase in internet tariffs and a 100% increase in the bandwidth sales tariff for infrastructure communication companies to mobile operators.
Despite the Ministry of Communications claims it has consistently expressed opposition to any changes in internet prices over the past two years, evidence indicates that the institution has been quietly pursuing tariff increases. This is partly due to pressure from mobile state-affiliated operators in Iran.
Yesterday, Arash Karimbeigi, CEO of “Shatel Mobile,” responded to this news on his social media account, characterizing the lack of changes in mobile internet prices over the past eight years as “tariff suppression” by the government. He pointed out that expecting improvements, maintaining quality, and introducing new technologies under such a mechanism is impossible.
Dana Point Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Export High-End Computer Servers to Iran
LOS ANGELES – An Orange County man was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for conspiring to procure and illegally ship high-end computer servers from the United States to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) and U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Johnny Paul Tourino, 69, of Dana Point, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who also fined him $20,000. Tourino has agreed to forfeit approximately $2 million in seized funds.
On March 3, Tourino pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate IEEPA, which controls and restricts the export of certain goods from the United States to foreign nations, as well as U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Former Agriculture Minister Implicated in Debsh Tea Scandal
Amidst efforts by the Raisi government to distance itself from a multi-billion-dollar corruption case involving Debsh tea imports, recent revelations shed light on the explicit involvement of Javad Saadatinejad, the former Minister of Agriculture of Ebrahim Raisi’s cabinet.
A state-run website, KhabarOnline, reported on December 9, detailing how Sadegh Hasani, the executive director of the Tea Syndicate, informed Saadatinejad about corruption in the tea industry twice without any noticeable action being taken.
During a meeting with Rasul Farakhi, a parliament member from Lahijan, on January 1, documents and information exposing corruption in the Debsh Tea Company were presented to Saadatinejad. Hasani further emphasized that the significant and disproportionate increase in tea imports during Saadatinejad’s tenure, reaching 110,000 tons, stands out as a dark aspect of this narrative. Continuous analysis by the Tea Syndicate reveals that tea imports in the year 2022 exceeded production due to inconsistencies and discrepancies in reported numbers.
Militia Linked to Iran Controls Iraqi Territory, Raises Conflict Concerns
A recent New York Times article (Dec. 9, 2023), revealed that Khataib Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist group linked to the regime in Iran, controls a significant stretch of Iraq, Jurf al-Nasr. This area, more than twice the size of San Francisco, serves as a base for assembling drones and retrofitting rockets, heightening tensions.
Over the past two months, Iraqi groups, including Khataib Hezbollah, launched 82 attacks on U.S. military installations in Iraq and Syria, resulting in 66 injuries. The article traces the regime’s growing influence in Iraq, especially after the 2021 elections, linking Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to Tehran-backed parties. According to the New York Times, despite the regime’s denying direct control, the shared ideological vision between Iraqi militias and Tehran raises concerns about a broader conflict in the Middle East.
UPDATE: 8:00 AM CET
The $3.7 Billion Tea Embezzlement Case Is the Latest Manifestation of the Corruption of Iran’s Regime
A new case of government-linked embezzlement case has been making the rounds across Iran.
This latest case of economic corruption has taken place in the “tea” market. According to a statement by the head of the regime’s inspectorate, a “commercial group from 2019 to mid-2022 has received approximately $3.37 billion for the import of tea and advanced printing and packaging machinery. However, so far, for $1.4 billion of the received currency, it has not fulfilled its commitment and has not imported any goods into the country. Moreover, this company has sold the received government currencies at a higher rate in the open market, and this figure is expected to increase to nearly $2 billion.”
The Rising Price of Internet Connectivity in Iran is Taking its Toll on the Economy
These days, the Iranian people are struggling to get access to VPNs, and the associated costs have been added to their daily living expenses, especially for those living close to or below the officially declared poverty line.
In an attempt to prevent new protests, the regime has blocked various social media platforms and websites. Despite these restrictions, people continue to use social media apps such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram to connect with the world. Many rely on these platforms for their daily income and to run their businesses. However, the regime has imposed an additional cost on them through the use of VPNs.
The significant number of visits to Telegram posts from Iranian channels further underscores this issue. According to a report by Yektanet, an online advertisement platform in Iran, posts from Iranian channels on Telegram were viewed 590 billion times in 2022, and there are currently 780,000 online stores on domestic and foreign social networks.
Human Rights Day and the Systematic Violation of the Rights of Women in Iran
On Human Rights Day, it’s crucial to address the systematic violation of the rights of women in Iran. Among the most pervasive human rights abuses in the country is the systematic violation of the rights of women and girls. This disturbing trend is increasingly evident in the form of appalling acts such as honor killings and femicide.
Hardly a day passes without the media reporting one or more femicides. Despite this, the mullahs’ regime maintains a lack of transparency regarding statistics on violence against women, particularly concerning domestic violence, honor killings, and femicide. Authorities such as forensic medicine and welfare organizations are restricted from disclosing their documented data.
Iran: Retirees, Oil Workers Protest Poor Economic Conditions
On December 10, protests by employees of the Iranian Offshore Oil Company on Siri Island continued.
Socioeconomic protests in Iran continued with gatherings of retirees from the Social Security Organization in several cities and oil industry workers on Siri island and Aghajari. At the same time, vendors in Ganaveh continued their strike for several consecutive days.
According to reports on social media on December 10th, a number of retirees from the Social Security Organization gathered in several cities in Iran, including Ahvaz, Arak, Kermanshah, and Shush. These protesters, demanding the resolution of livelihood and healthcare issues, voiced their objections to economic policies and injustice in the Iranian regime, citing the expansion of embezzlement.
Geneva—December 9, 2023: MEK Supporters Rally in Solidarity With the Iran Revolution on the Occasion of Human Rights Day
Geneva, Switzerland—December 9, 2023: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized a rally on the occasion of Human Rights Day in the Nations Square (Place des Nations) to support the Iranian Revolution. Additionally, they condemned the wave of brutal executions in Iran.
Montreal, Canada—December 9, 2023: MEK Supporters Rally in Solidarity With the Iran Revolution on the Occasion of Human Rights Day
Montreal, Canada—December 9, 2023: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized a rally and exhibition on the occasion of Human Rights Day to support the Iranian Revolution. Additionally, they condemned the wave of brutal executions in Iran.
Heidelberg, Germany—December 9, 2023: MEK Supporters Rally in Solidarity With the Iran Revolution on the Occasion of Human Rights Day
Heidelberg, Germany—December 9, 2023: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized a rally on the occasion of Human Rights Day to support the Iranian Revolution. Additionally, they condemned the wave of brutal executions in Iran.
Düsseldorf, Germany—December 9, 2023: MEK Supporters Rally in Solidarity With the Iran Revolution on the Occasion of Human Rights Day
Düsseldorf, Germany—December 9, 2023: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized a rally on the occasion of Human Rights Day to support the Iranian Revolution. Additionally, they condemned the wave of brutal executions in Iran.
Berlin, Germany—December 9, 2023: MEK Supporters Rally in Solidarity With the Iran Revolution on the Occasion of Human Rights Day
Berlin, Germany—December 9, 2023: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized a rally on the occasion of Human Rights Day to support the Iranian Revolution. Additionally, they condemned the wave of brutal executions in Iran.
Also, read Iran News in Brief – December 10, 2023