THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 9:00 PM CET
The World Should Stand Ready for Iran’s Resurgent Rebellion
Last September, a young woman named Mahsa Amini was fatally beaten by “morality police” in the Iranian capital of Tehran after being accused of wearing the mandatory headscarf too loosely. News of her death prompted crowds of people from all walks of life to rise up to call for the end of the regime. Participants chanted slogans like “death to the dictator” in as many as 300 localities spanning all 31 Iranian provinces.
Regime authorities responded with brutal repression, killing at least 750 protesters and arresting 30,000 others, according to intelligence gathered by the country’s leading pro-democracy opposition group, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). Nevertheless, demonstrations continued for months afterward, even after Tehran’s judiciary executed protesters on vague charges including “enmity against God” before ramping up the overall rate of executions throughout the first half of 2023.
Italian Deputies: “Supporting the People for a Secular and Democratic Country”
There are 204 Italian deputies, belonging to various political forces, who have signed a declaration in support of the revolt of the Iranian people and asked to adopt a new policy towards Iran. This was announced in a statement by the Interparliamentary Committee for a Free Iran, which supports the appeal. “In solidarity with the Iranian people, we support their demand for a free, secular, and democratic Iran in which no citizen should be forced to suffer the suffering imposed by the dictatorship, religious or otherwise”, reads the note, “The Iranian people are united and fully convinced in wanting their country inspired by democratic values.
The Interparliamentary Committee for a Free Iran recognizes “the fact that during the last four decades, the democratic coalition of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has laid the foundations for democratic change in Iran by informing world public opinion, especially legislators in Western countries, about the dangers that this regime poses to the international community, because of the clandestine nuclear program still under development; support for international terrorism and the systematic violation of human rights”.
Iran Protests at a Glance
Based partially on reporting by PMOI (MEK) Network in Iran
Thursday, June 15, 2023 – 8 PM GMT + 1
Several cities in Iran witnessed anti-regime protests on Thursday as people continue to take to the streets to voice their grievances and demand their rights.
Coal miners in the town of Hojadk in Kerman Province, south-central Iran, rallied outside the Kerman Coal Mines Company on Thursday protesting their poor work and living conditions. Regime officials have refused to provide any responses regarding their paychecks and pensions.
June 15 – Hojadk, Kerman Province, south-central #Iran
Coal miners rallied outside the Kerman Coal Mines Company protesting their poor work and living conditions.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/nHoUGxI5ZL— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 15, 2023
Regime authorities dispatched anti-riot units from neighboring cities and provinces to Zahedan, the provincial capital of Sistan & Baluchestan in southeast Iran, according to local activists who posted footage on social media. This is prior to the weekly rallies of Friday following prayers that have regularly been followed by protests and demonstrations by the people of Zahedan and other cities of Sistan & Baluchestan Province.
June 15 – Kerman/Zahedan road, southeast #Iran
Local says authorities are dispatching anti-riot units to Zahedan, the provincial capital of Sistan & Baluchestan. He says five or six busses were seen ahead of this convoy.
This is prior to the weekly Friday rallies in Zahedan. pic.twitter.com/8UVZHPciTS— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 15, 2023
At least 50 military vehicles and seven busses transferring different units were seen on a road from Kerman in south-central Iran to Zahedan, according to local activists. During the past two days activists say a large number of military and security units have been dispatched to Zahedan and the Sistan & Baluchestan Province in general from neighboring provinces.
More footage showing regime authorities in #Iran dispatching anti-riot units to Zahedan, the provincial capital of Sistan & Baluchestan Province.#IranRevolution pic.twitter.com/cztT5WArBB
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 15, 2023
UPDATE: 2:30 PM CET
Fire Incident Reported in Northwest Tehran
Tehran – According to Fars News Agency, Jalal Maleki, the spokesperson for the Tehran Fire Department, announced a fire incident in an under-construction building in northwest Tehran. He stated, “A significant fire broke out in northwest Tehran.”
Maleki reported that around 11 am today, a fire incident was reported in a semi-constructed building to the city’s emergency system. In response to the incident, the Fire Command Center dispatched several fire stations along with necessary equipment to the location on Ashrafi Esfahani Highway.
The spokesperson mentioned that the incident took place in an under-construction building and added, “A large amount of smoke was visible in the sky, extending several kilometers. Firefighters initiated firefighting operations from different angles, and the operation is currently ongoing.”
Germany Blames Iran for ‘Blocking’ Nuclear Deal
Germany has blamed Iran for blocking a nuclear arms deal with world powers, in a new national security strategy published on Wednesday. Iran’s regional activities and its conventional missile programme are also “fuelling escalation”, it said.
The 76-page paper is Germany’s first-ever formal security strategy but it focuses relatively little on traditional defence and foreign policy issues outside Europe. After Germany was caught out by its reliance on Russia in the energy sector, it calls for a new “360-degree perspective” that brings security thinking into science, health care, and the economy. However, it also warns of an erosion of arms control norms by Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
Stefanik, Lamborn Lead Push for Information About Communist China’s Support of Iranian Missile Capabilities and the Need for a Third Missile Defense Site at Fort Drum
Capability transfers between our two adversaries have rightfully come under increased scrutiny following a Chinese national recently being charged by the United States Department of Justice with supplying Iran with isostatic graphite, which is used in the manufacturing of rocket nozzles and reentry vehicle nose tips in intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). This letter condemns these technology transfers and demands further information on how this partnership is enhancing Iranian missile capabilities.
Iran’s Uprising Is Far From Over
Opinions vary regarding the current status of the nationwide uprising that began in Iran last September, following the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of Tehran’s “morality police.” While it is generally understood that the protests have tapered off, many activists continue to share videos to social media which suggest that slogans like “death to the dictator” remain in public circulation in a number of cities and towns.
Of course, Iranian authorities would have the world believe that the movement for regime change has been well and truly broken, and the status quo fully restored. But this is best understood as wishful thinking, which aims to promote the idea that external pressure on the ruling system is essentially pointless because its hold on power is unbreakable.
UPDATE: 7:30 AM CET
Maryam Rajavi: A Proper Response to the International Community’s Responsibility on the Iranian Issue
NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi: Distinguished members of both houses of parliament, your initiative for a new policy on Iran, supported by 525 members of the British Houses of Lords and Commons, in support of the Iranian people’s Resistance and uprising must be an example for your government and other European parliaments. With this statement, you have presented a strong and effective policy towards Iran in the current critical conditions. Your statement clearly shows that the British people’s elected representatives stand with the people of Iran and support their uprising and Resistance for freedom. It also shows that you stand with the Iranian people who reject all forms of dictatorship either the Shah or the mullahs.
Protests, Strikes, and Attacks Against Iran’s Regime Expand to More Cities
Iran’s nationwide uprising is witnessing its 272nd day on Wednesday as a growing number of people from all walks are taking to the streets to voice their protests over economic hardships and the regime’s crackdown. While more are being pushed into poverty and finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet, the mullahs’ regime is escalating its pressures on the society while regime-linked elements across the country are continuing their plundering and corrupt practices to pocket massive amounts of wealth. People throughout Iran continue to specifically hold the mullahs’ Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responsible for their miseries, while also condemning the oppressive Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and paramilitary Basij units, alongside other security units that are on the ground suppressing the peaceful demonstrators.
Violent Shooting Incident Ends up in Killing Four Fuel Porters in Isfahan Province
A violent shooting incident on Tuesday, June 14, involving criminal agents of the regime’s security forces has led to a tragic outcome on the Khur-Jandagh highway in Isfahan province, according to sources inside the country.
In a grim turn of events, four dedicated Baluchi fuel truck drivers lost their lives in the flames ignited by the brutal shooting, while two other fuel porters sustained injuries. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed publicly.
While the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is known as the largest smuggler of goods and fuel in Iran, it paradoxically targets local individuals who are striving to provide for their impoverished families.
Soaring Food Inflation in Iran Exacerbates Economic Hardships
Iran has been grappling with a severe economic crisis for several years, and in 2023, the country witnessed an alarming surge in food inflation. According to official statistics from the Iranian Statistics Center, the food inflation rate has surpassed 70%, highlighting the unprecedented challenges faced by the nation. The economic measures implemented by the 13th government aimed at improving subsidy distribution inadvertently led to skyrocketing food prices, negatively impacting the livelihoods of Iranian families. Although Iran has been plagued by high general inflation since 2018, the current food inflation rate in 2023 distinguishes itself from previous years.
Atena Farghadani Refused To Accept Bail – “I Have Not Committed Any Crime”
“My client, Atena Farghadani, has refrained from accepting bail and has been transferred to Shahr-e Rey Prison. My client says that her summons and arraignment are illegal and arbitrary, and she has not committed any crime,” wrote Mohammad Moghimi, Atena’s lawyer, in a tweet on June 9. Atena Farghadani, a cartoonist and children’s rights activist residing in Tehran was arrested on June 7, 2023, after being summoned to the investigative branch of the 33rd District Court. Atena’s lawyer tweeted, “A bail order in the amount of 200 million tomans has been issued for my client.
Oslo—June 10, 2023: Iranian Resistance (NCRI and MEK) Supporters Held a Rally in Support of the Iran Revolution
Oslo, Norway—June 10, 2023: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held a rally in front of the Norwegian Parliament in solidarity with the Iran Revolution.
Also, read Iran News in Brief – June 14, 2023