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UPDATE: 8:00 PM
Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus Co-Chairs Condemn Recent Surge in Executions in Iran
WASHINGTON — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Congressman Tom McClintock (CA-5), the Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus co-chairs, today voiced their profound condemnation of the recent surge in executions carried out by the Iranian regime, under the direct orders of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This alarming escalation in state-sponsored violence underscores the regime’s blatant disregard for human life and international human rights norms.
In the span of just ten days, at least 37 individuals have been executed under various pretenses, aimed at instilling fear among the Iranian populace and stifling any dissent. Notable among these were the executions in Isfahan, Bandar Abbas, Gonbad Kavous, Tabriz, and Arak. These acts are not only reprehensible but also represent a systematic attempt by the regime to quash any form of opposition or criticism.
UPDATE: 7:30 AM
Drivers, Retirees, Merchants Protest Economic Conditions, Regime Policies
Truck drivers in several cities of Iran are on strike due to fuel shortages and low fares. These protests have continued for several days, with drivers forming lines of parked trucks. On Sunday, these protests continued in Shiraz. In addition to fuel shortages and fare rates, an increase in municipal transportation fines is also among the grievances of truck drivers.
On Saturday as well, strikes took place in the cities of Sistan and Baluchestan province, including Dashtyari and Chabahar. The reduction in diesel quotas for truck drivers and disruptions in transportation in Sistan and Baluchestan is among the main reasons for the truck drivers’ strike on Saturday. Truck drivers are refraining from loading cargo to express their protests.
Iran’s Deprivation Crisis: A Budget Failing to Deliver
For the past four decades, the Iranian regime, despite claiming to be the government of the poor, has failed to address the issue of poverty. Instead, it has exacerbated the situation, pushing a significant portion of the population below the poverty line.
The Parliament’s Research Center recently conducted an analysis based on international and domestic indicators, income, and family expenses to assess the extent of poverty and deprivation in the country.
The analysis revealed that Sistan and Baluchestan province is the most deprived region in Iran, followed by Kerman and South Khorasan. Nearly 30% of households in Sistan and Baluchestan live in dire conditions, significantly higher than other provinces. This province experiences a 28% higher deprivation rate compared to the capital, Tehran, and a 22% higher rate compared to other regions.
Iran is the Second Largest Prison for Writers in the World
The 2023 Freedom to Write Index, released by PEN America, shows that Iran continues to be the world’s second-largest jailer of writers, second only to China.
According to the report, “Iran remained in second place globally, jailing a total of 49 writers during the year, down from 57 in 2022. Of this total, 34 are men and 15 are women. This represents a decline from the sharp spike seen in 2022, when writers were caught up in a wide-ranging crackdown on protests and other forms of dissent, including by the creative community.”
Pen America added that while the regime released several writers who were jailed as part of the 2022 protests, about seventy percent of these releases were on bail, with writers facing a range of restrictive conditions, including potential re-arrest and limited employment options.
Intense Rainfall and Floods Damage Dozens of Cities Across Iran
Heavy rainfall has again led to flooding in dozens of cities across Iran, damaging residential homes and agricultural lands. The Iranian Red Crescent (Hilal Ahmar) Organization stated that 21 provinces have been affected by the floods and inundation.
The Meteorological Organization announced on Saturday, May 4, that a new wave of rainfall will enter Iran starting from Monday.
In late April, another round of heavy rainfall caused flooding and inundation in the Sistan and Baluchestan Province in southeastern Iran, resulting in the destruction of dozens of villages and the disruption of electricity and water supply of at least 300 more villages.
Hanover, Germany—May 3, 2024: MEK Supporters Exhibition in Solidarity With the Iranian Revolution
Hanover, Germany—May 3, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held an exhibition to express solidarity with the Iranian Revolution, while also protesting against the increasing wave of executions by the Iranian regime.
Münster, Germany—May 3, 2024: MEK Supporters Rally in Solidarity With the Iranian Revolution
Münster, Germany—May 3, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held a rally and exhibition to express solidarity with the Iranian Revolution, while also protesting against the increasing wave of executions by the Iranian regime.
