12 Jan 2011 | Index Index, Middle East and North Africa, minipost
According to opposition website rahesabz a think tank close to the Iranian security apparatus has published a leaflet containing a list of publishers, writers and translators deemed as “usurpers” intent on overthrowing the regime. The publishers listed include Cheshmeh, Ghoghnous, Akhtaran and Kavir and are well known for publishing works by reformist scholars and writers. Among the writers listed in the document are dissident figures such as Emadeddin Baghi, Ramin Jahan Begloo and poet Simin Behbahani.
11 Jan 2011 | Index Index, Middle East and North Africa, minipost
Brazilian author Paulo Coelho has published a message on his blog claiming his books have been banned in Iran.
The Brazilian author has not been given the specific reasons for this action. However he has said that he has been using social networks to support Arash Hejazi.
Hejazi is the doctor and translator of Coelho’s books to Farsi, who appeared in the footage of Neda Agha-Soltan’s death during the demonstrations following Iran’s disputed presidential elections.
10 Jan 2011 | Index Index, Middle East and North Africa, minipost
Prominent Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh and human rights activist Shiva Nazar-Ahari have received prison sentences for their activities in the aftermath of the disputed 2009 presidential election. Nazar- Ahari has received a four-year prison sentence for “assembly and collusion against the regime”, while Sotoudeh has received an eleven-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime”, “acting against national security” and “not wearing hijab during a videotaped message”.
21 Dec 2010 | Index Index, Middle East and North Africa, minipost
Four activists from the youth branch of the reformist Islamic Participation Front have been detained after they were summoned to a resident court in Evin prison. According to opposition website Rahesabz, prison officials cited “plan[s] to hold certain meetings” as the reason of their arrest. The four detained members are Hadi Heidari, Fatemeh Arab-Sorkhi, Mohammad Shafiyi and Alireza Taheri.
