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UPDATE: 9:00 PM CET
Iran’s Web of Intrigue and Propaganda Exposed
IN SEPTEMBER this year, the London-based TV station ‘Iran International’ and the news website ‘Semafor’, sent shockwaves through Europe and America when they revealed that an influential organization known as the Iran Experts Initiative (IEI), which had consistently lobbied and advised EU governments, the European Parliament, the US Congress, and others, was in fact fashioned and directed by Tehran, stirring profound implications for global diplomacy and security.
Based on an avalanche of leaked emails, the two news organizations showed how the IEI had been created by the mullahs’ regime in 2014 “to improve Tehran’s image abroad”. So-called ‘experts’ from the IEI had consistently peddled a misleading narrative designed by the mullahs, while also demonizing the main democratic opposition movement, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and its main component the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK).
UPDATE: 12:30 PM CET
MPs Lash Out Against Ebrahim Raisi Over $3.7 Billion Embezzlement Case
Ali Nazari Khaneghah, a member of the Iranian regime’s parliament, revealed what he described as a massive embezzlement amounting to $3.5 billion. He argued that this staggering sum is equivalent to 140 trillion Iranian tomans or the entire national infrastructure budget. He claimed that not a single rial had been allocated to development projects up to this point.
Adding to the controversy, the state-run Dideban-e-Iran wrote on December 12, “Ahmad Alireza Begi, a member of the Commission on Councils and Internal Affairs of the country, commented on the role of Sadatinejad, the former Minister of Jihad Agriculture, in the corruption case of Dabesh tea to Iran’s Watchdog. Begi stated, ‘Mr. Sadatinejad was under scrutiny at that time, and the questions raised about him pertained to corruption in rural cooperation and the purchase of tea on the night of Eid. Mr. Raisi, who was undoubtedly aware of the behind-the-scenes issues, interpreted that if this minister were to be interrogated, many issues would come to light, and it would not be in the government’s favor. Therefore, they planned for Sadatinejad to resign. Many issues related to the corruption case of Dabesh tea have been raised, including the roles of the Ministry of Jihad Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and Customs in this matter.'”
Fathollah Tavassoli, another member of the parliament, strongly criticized the government of Ebrahim Raisi, labeling the embezzlement case as a disgrace. He expressed disbelief in how a company could receive $3.7 billion in foreign currency, import goods, and fail to match the declared specifications. Tavassoli questioned the credibility of the transactions, describing the scandal as an economic embarrassment for the government and the nation as a whole.
As these revelations unfold, the regime’s parliament is expected to delve further into its internal strife and rivalry with the Raisi government, shed light on the intricate details of the corruption scandal surrounding the Debsh Tea Company, and implicating various governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Jihad Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and Customs.
Blinken Condemns Rocket Attack Against US Embassy in Baghdad
“The secretary condemned the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad as well as the series of attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent weeks,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. “The secretary noted that the attacks are being carried out by militias who are acting with the support of Iran and undermining Iraq’s sovereignty and independence.”
UPDATE: 8:00 AM CET
Message to the Conference at the US House of Representatives
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s speech: “Honorable Representatives, dear friends of the Iranian people and Resistance.
I commend every one of you. This conference, which focuses on the religious fascism ruling Iran, is more urgent than ever before. The Iranian regime is an imminent threat to regional and global peace and security.
Last year at this time, a vast uprising by the Iranian people took place in over 280 cities to overthrow the regime. The world clearly heard the protesters’ calls across Iran, who loudly called for the overthrow of the regime.
Cornered by a movement that sought his regime’s overthrow, Khamenei started a war in the Middle East. He is using this war to prevent the eruption of another major uprising.
Online Conference at the UK House of Lords
On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, a conference was held at the UK House of Lords entitled “Support Iranian People’s Struggle for Human Rights and Justice.”
The conference featured members of both houses of the UK Parliament, jurists, and human rights activists who addressed the conference. They included Lord Alton of Liverpool, Lord Carlile of Berriew, Baroness O’Loan DBE MRIA, and members of the House of Commons, Bob Blackman, Dr. Liam Fox, Steve McCabe, Martyn Day, and Jim Shannon. Professor Sara Chandler KC, Lauren Lederle, and Jocelynne Scutt AO were among the lawyers, judges, jurists, and human rights advocates who attended this meeting.
Raisi Cancels Trip to Switzerland After Official Complaint Over Human Rights Violations
Iranian regime president Ebrahim Raisi canceled his planned trip to Switzerland after supporters of the Iranian Resistance filed a complaint over his role in the execution of dissidents. Raisi was scheduled to attend the Global Refugee Forum 2023, which starts in Geneva on December 13.
The news of Raisi’s invitation to the event caused global outrage, especially among the Iranian diaspora. Supporters of the Iranian Resistance held protest rallies in many cities across the globe and called for the revocation of his attendance of the meeting. The Iranian Resistance has planned a rally in Geneva at the same time that the forum will start.
Three Female Political Prisoners Are Charged With Armed Insurgency
Three female political prisoners were arraigned of Bagh-y or armed insurgency, a charge that is punishable including among others the death penalty.
The Evin Courthouse informed them of their charge on Saturday, December 9. The three female political prisoners are Marzieh Farsi, Forough Taghipour, and Nasim Gholami Fard. They are accused of collaboration with opposition groups.
Forough Taghipour and Marzieh Farsi were arrested on August 21, 2023, on the eve of the anniversary of the Iran Uprising on September 16, 2022. They were immediately transferred to the Intelligence Ministry Ward 209 of Evin Prison.
Stockholm—December 12, 2023: Freedom-loving Iranians Rally in Support of the PMOI, Condemning the Judicial Actions of the Mullahs’ Regime Against the MEK
Stockholm, Sweden—December 12, 2023: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized a rally in front of the Parliament to express solidarity with the Iranian Revolution. The Iranian community in Stockholm voiced strong support for the PMOI/MEK and condemned the judicial actions of the mullahs’ regime against the MEK
Berkeley, California: MEK Supporters Held an Exhibition in Solidarity With the Iran Revolution
Berkeley, California—December 9 2023: Members of the Iranian-American Community of Northern California held an exhibition at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) to support the Iranian Revolution.
Munich, Germany—December 9, 2023: MEK Supporters Rally in Solidarity With the Iran Revolution on the Occasion of Human Rights Day
Munich, 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.
Sydney, Australia—December 9, 2023: MEK Supporters Rally in Solidarity With the Iran Revolution
Sydney, Australia—December 9, 2023: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized a rally to support the Iranian Revolution. Additionally, they condemned the wave of brutal executions in Iran.
Bucharest, Romania: MEK Supporters Rally in Support of the Iran Revolution
Bucharest, Romania—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 12, 2023