"GLOBAL DIALOGUE" or "REFORMISTS" DIAL-UP

A Lost Opportunity For: A Real"GLOBAL DIALOGUE ON THE FUTURE OF IRAN"

May 15, 2013

Ms. Janice Stein Director Munk School of Global Affairs j.stein@utoronto.ca

Ms. Janice Stein,

As Canadian-Iranian activists, deeply involved in struggle for a free, democratic and secular Iran, we would like to praise the Munk School of Global Affairs for facilitating an “International Dialogue” about the future of Iran.

However, we are deeply concerned that only, for the benefit of window-dressing, an insignificant number of invitees were from the opposition which are closely linked to the struggle for democratic movement in Iran.

It is extremely disappointing to see that Munk School, for an unknown reason/s, chose to exclude the opposition groups instead inviting the pro-regime “Reformists”.

As you may be aware there are opposition groups, with divers political perspectives, who have been deeply involved in the struggle to end the tyranny of Islamic regime - in order to bring about a form of freely and democratically elected governance that respects freedom, Human Rights and the will of people. We truly believe that the insight of these organizations, which have supporters in Iran and representatives in Canada and in other Western countries, would have been extremely beneficial in any type of dialogue dealing with the future of Iran.

As the Islamic regime's "Presidential [s]election" fast approaches, it would have been not only important but very relevant for the Munk School of Global Affairs, to provide a venue to the Iranian opposition. It is extremely concerning and disappointing that this opportunity was not granted.

It is our great concern that many invitees in the, so called, “Global Dialogue on the Future of Iran” were individuals who either have been part of the Islamic regime (i.e. Mojtaba Vahedi) or the pro-regime “reformists” chapter (i.e. Mehrangiz Kar), or “cultural attaché” (i.e. Mehrdad Aiannejad) and of course "academic elites" (i.e. Ramin Jahanbegloo) in favour of "Dialogue" with the regime.

We were particularly disgusted with the presentation of Bahman Kalbasi and Mehrangiz Kar under the pretext of “moderators” with agenda in promoting the Islamic regime and its anti-Human Rights “Constitution”.

Sadly, the only person, Ms. Shiva Mahboubi, who really alluded to the subject of ending the Islamic dictatorship, was subjected to gagging by the moderator/dominator, pro-regime reformist, Ms. Mehrangiz Kar.

It should be noted that the “Future” begins today; unfortunately, there was no discussion on how to overcome the obstacle of today - Islamic dictatorship - and to arrive at the presumed "Future". In addition, during the two-day sessions, none of the selected topics or questions dealt with the subject of facilitation of ending the tyranny of “Islamic Republic” in Iran – with a free democratic secular government.

Please note that in the eyes of the Iranian people, neither the Islamic regime, the regime of: rape, torture and execution, has any legitimacy nor do individuals who persistently insist to promote a different version of Islam in an attempt to salvage the “Islamic Republic”.

Unfortunately, this was a lost opportunity to have a real "GLOBAL DIALOGUE ON THE FUTURE OF IRAN" - a dialogue which includes Iranian opposition, individuals, and groups opposing the totality of the Islamic regime in Iran. However, we are hopeful that the Munk School of Global Affairs will be more inclusive in its future events; and in addition, more transparent in demonstrating its stance with and its support for the people of Iran in their struggle for freedom.

In conclusion, we would like to inform you that for the people of Iran, one of the significant factors in their struggle - for ending the Islamic dictatorship and quest for freedom and democracy - is “memory and remembrance”.

Yours truly,

Sayeh Hassan Canadian-Iranian lawyer, pro-democracy activist and blogger Sayehhassan30@gmail.com, shiro-khorshid-forever.blogspot.com

Faramarz Shiravand Canadian-Iranian investigative reporter and political activist Shiravand_mf@yahoo.com

CC: John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs

In memory of Farhad Vakili, Shirin Alam Hooli, Farzad Kamangar, Mehdi Islamian and Ali Heydari who were executed by the Islamic Regime in Iran on May 9th 2010. Three years later we still Honour their memory and the memory of all brave Iranians who have been executed at the hands of this Regime for fighting for freedom and democracy. As the Presidential [S]Elections of June approaches, I hope we will keep the memories of these brave freedom fighters alive and say No To Executions, No to Torture and NO TO ISLAMIC REGIME IN IRAN!

SAYEH HASSAN: JUSTIN TRUDEAU'S POLICY OF ENGAGEMENT WITH IRAN--WRONG WAY TO GO

Perhaps Mr. Trudeau would be wise to engage the “pro-democracy” movement in Iran instead of the dictatorship. He can either stand with the Iranian people or with the Islamic Regime, but he cannot do both. Let’s hope he chooses the side that adhere to the Canadian values rather than a dictatorship that is a global threat to us all.

http://www.winnipegjewishreview.com/article_detail.cfm?id=3517&sec=2&title=Sayeh_Hassan%3A_Justin_Trudeau%27s_Policy_of

Sayeh Hassan, lawyer and activist, joins Ezra Levant to speak about Justin Trudeau’s suggestion that Canada should re-engage with the dangerous Iranian regime:

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/featured/prime-time/867432237001/iranrsquos-useful-idiot/2328089702001

Justin Trudeau believes in "engagement" and dialogue with the Islamic Regime in Iran which is one of the worst dictatorships in the world not to mention a major supporter of worldwide terrorism!!!! This is not only a threat to the pro-democracy movement in Iran but to our very own democracy and freedom in Canada!

Alghabra refutes charges that Trudeau is a lightweight on policy. "On the issue of Iran, Trudeau has clearly stated that he is for engagement. He's also criticised Harper's government policy as being unhelpful in the Middle East and said that it ceases to be useful," he says. But the international community can look forward to Canada coming back to its role as a facilitator, and "not being someone who is an antagonistic voice to the United Nations", he adds. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/04/20134157922367832.html?utm_source=English&utm_campaign=570745c866-2013_4_24_Iran4_23_2013&utm_medium=email

There have been recent reports that the Turkish police are “exiling” Iranian refugees to small and unsafe cities in Turkey close to the border of Iraq and Syria. These refugees are living in constant fear for their lives and safety. One such refugee is Mr. Farid Shoolizadeh.

Farid Shoolizadeh is a 37 year old Zoroastrian Iranian writer, journalist and political activists who was forced to flee from Iran approximately a year ago and has become a refugee in Turkey.

Until approximately a month ago Mr. Shoolizadeh was residing in the city of Nevsheir and participating in various peaceful political events and activities in support of political prisoners in Iran.

Approximately one month ago Mr. Shoolizadeh was “exiled” to the city of Sirnak by the police in Nevshehir. Mr. Shoolizadeh believes the reason for his “exile” is his religion as well as his involvement in peaceful political and human rights activities.

It must be noted that the city of Sirnak is located on the border of Iraq and Syria and there is constant armed conflict between the Turkish army and the armed Kurdish group PKK. There are also regular protests against the Turkish Government. The military has dealt with the protest by using tear gas or helicopters that pour scalding hot water/pepper on protestors.

Mr. Shoolizadeh suffers from asthma and has difficulty breathing, which has been exasperated by the tear gas he has been exposed to on regular bases. Also the cost of living in the city of Sirnak is extremely high, due to the constant armed conflict, making it extremely difficult for him to buy his medication or inhaler for his asthma or to even obtain basic food necessary for his survival. Mr. Shoolizadeh does not receive any financial assistance from the UNHCR.

There are no other Iranians living in the city of Sirnak, and because Mr. Shoolizadeh does not speak Turkish or Kurdish he is completely isolated from society. It must be noted that five other Iranian refugees have been transferred to small cities in Turkey close to the border where they live in grave danger and fear for their lives.

During my email exchange with Mr. Shoolizadeh I asked him what his expectations are of the Turkish Government and the UNHCR. He indicated that he hopes that the Turkish Government will transfer him to a safe city where other Iranian refugees reside, and that he hopes the UNHCR will review his file and grant him an interview at the earliest opportunity.

I call on all human rights activists, human rights organizations and groups and organizations who work with refugees to show solidarity with Mr. Shoolizadeh and all other Iranian refugees facing a difficult time in Turkey.

Action to be taken:

• Write letters/emails/faxes to the Turkish Embassies in your country voicing your concern about the Iranian refugees and urging the Turkish Government to transfer all Iranian refugees to safe cities within Turkey.

• Write directly to officials in Turkey urging them to transfer all Iranian refugees to safe cities within Turkey.

• Speak/write to the media about your concerns with respect to the situation of Iranian refugees, the more noise we make the better the chances of Turkish Government listening.

• Write to UNHCR voicing your concern about the situation of Mr. Farid Shoolizadeh and urging them to review his case as soon as possible.

Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions.

Sayeh Hassan is an Iranian Canadian lawyer, blogger and pro-democracy activist

Blog: www.shiro-khorshid-forever.blogspot.com

Email: sayehhassan30@gmail.com

According to news reports from various human rights activists the Turkish police has been involved in transferring Iranian refugees into war torn areas in Turkey where there is armed struggle between an armed Kurdish organization (PKK) and the Turkish Army.

A well known Zoroastrian activist and refugee Mr. Farid Shoolizadeh is the latest victim of the Turkish Police and has been transferred to the small city of Sirnak (a city bordering Syria and Iraq) where there is constant armed struggle between PKK and the Turkish Army, not to mention the dangerous of being at the Syrian border!

At least four other refugees have also been transferred to war torn areas in Turkey and face grave danger to their lives.

Unfortunately this is not the first time we have heard about the brutality of the Turkish Police against Iranian Refugees. In the past the Turkish police has been responsible for assisting Islamic Regime agents in kidnapping of Iranian refugees and their illegal return to Iran, as well as random arrests and beatings of refugees.

The Turkish Government has a serious responsibility to protect asylum seekers in Turkey and must make sure that it carries out its obligations to protect asylum seekers on its soil by keeping the Turkish Police in check and making sure they act within the law.

Sayeh Hassan is an Iranian-Canadian Lawyer, Blogger and Pro-Democracy Activist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2013

Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, World News Editor, Government/Political News Editor

Saeed Mortazavi a current senior Islamic Regime Official and the former general prosecutor who was linked to the death of the Iranian Canadian Journalist Zahra Kazemi has been arrested and reportedly transferred to the Evin Prison. The reason for his arrest is not clear however there are some reports that his arrest may be linked to his involvement in the Kehrizak Camps (a brutal detention system where thousands of pro-democracy activists were tortured, raped, electrocuted and killed under severe torture).

Sayeh Hassan an Iranian Canadian lawyer, blogger and pro-democracy activists stated: While some Iranian activists both inside and outside of Iran are happy with this new development, it is crucial to keep in mind that the arrest of Saeed Mortazavi is a result of a power struggle within various fractions of the Islamic Regime, rather than the result of any attempt by the Regime to reform itself in any way or to adhere to the rights of the Iranian people.

Sayeh Hassan further stated: It is no secret that as of late there has been a great power struggle between the president Ahmadinejad and his ally Saeed Mortazavi and the Parliamentarians who oppose him. With the June Presidential Elections fast approaching, it is not surprising that a power struggle has begin between Ahmadinejad and his rivals. It is important to recognize this for what it is, a power struggle between dictators that has nothing to do with the rights or interests of the people of Iran.

Sayeh Hassan concluded: While Mortazavi may be in the “Evin Prison” which certainly won’t be given the same treatment given to political prisoners who are taken to Evin or any other notorious prison in Iran. Even though Mortazavi may have been temporarily prevented from committing atrocities against the Iranian people his counterparts including Ahmadinejad himself and every other senior official within the Islamic Regime is still free to continue to carry out their dictatorship. Until the Islamic Regime is overthrown and all of his senior officials are prosecuted in courts of law for their crimes against the Islamic people, we should be very skeptical and hold off the celebrations about these singular and strategic arrests in Iran.

Media Contact: Sayeh Hassan, Criminal Defence Lawyer, Blogger and Pro-Democracy Activist

Email: Sayehhassan30@gmail.com

Blog: www.shiro-khorshid-forever.blogspot.com

PRESS RELEASE: Iran’s Assets in Canada must be Frozen and Given back to the People of Iran after Regime Change!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 23, 2013

Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, World News Editor, Government/Political News Editor

Ontario Court of Appeal has ordered costs against Iran to an American once held hostage by terrorist backed by the Islamic Regime. In November of last year an Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued a restraining order against the Regime’s property in Canada including the Embassy in Ottawa and a former cultural centre in Toronto, as the family of an American woman killed in a terrorist attack tries to collect a $13 million judgment against Iran.

Sayeh Hassan an Iranian Canadian lawyer, blogger and a pro-democracy activist stated: for years the Iranian-Canadian pro-democracy activists have urged the Canadian Government to free the assets of not only the Regime but private assets of individuals affiliated with the Regime who come to Canada and bring along millions of dollars for investment in Canada. The Islamic Regime in Iran does not represent the Iranian people and has not allowed for free elections for 32 years. The Regime has managed to stay in power through the use of violence and force. While the Iranian people have become poorer and poorer over the past 32 years the Regime and individuals affiliated with the Regime become richer and richer by stealing the monies which rightfully belong to the people of Iran.

Sayeh Hassan further stated: The Regime’s assets in Canada is an example of such monies as is the millions of dollars brought into Canada by individuals like Mahmoud Reza Khavari for the purposes of investment.

Sayeh Hassan expressed: While I would support and encourage the Canadian Government to freeze all assets belonging to the Regime and affiliates for the purpose of returning those monies to a democratically elected government once the current Regime is overthrown, I am strongly against any judgment coming from Canadian Courts to freeze these assets for the purpose of any type of civil action.

Sayeh Hassan lastly stated: I deeply sympathize with all victims of the Regime in Iran (Iranian and non-Iranian), however any issue of civil compensation must be addressed after the overthrow of the Regime in Iran by a democratically elected Iranian Government and not through Canadian Courts.

Media Contact: Sayeh Hassan, Criminal Defence Lawyer, Blogger and Pro-Democracy Activist

Tel: 416-363-9238

Email: Sayehhassan30@gmail.com

Blog: www.shiro-khorshid-forever.blogspot.com

On Thursday January 10th 2012 three female Kurdish activists Sakine Cansiz, Fidan Dogan and Leyla Soylemez were found shot to death in the Kurdish Information Centre in Paris. Ms. Cansiz was a founding member of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) while the other two women have been described as lobbyists for Kurdish rights.

These political assassinations come amid peace talks between Turkey and the PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan who is currently serving a life sentence in Turkey. There is great speculation as to who is responsible for these killings. While Turkey has referred to these killings as “internal conflict,” Kurds have pointed the finger at the hard liner elements within the Turkish Government who may want to sabotage the peace talks between Turkey and PKK.

It is shocking and unacceptable that such political killings can take place so easily in France and unfortunately this is not the first time that political killings have taken place in France.

In 1989 three political activists Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou, leader of Kurdistan Democratic Party as well as Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou and Fadhil Rassoul were assassinated by agents associated with the Islamic Regime in Iran.

In 1991 Shahpour Bakhtiar a former Iranian Prime Minister who led the National Movement of Iranian Resistance against the Islamic Regime in Iran was assassinated in France along with his secretary Soroush Katibeh.

It is unfortunate to see that France has become a place where political killings can take place so easily and more often than not without any consequence for those who order and carry out the assassinations.

Regardless of whether we agree or disagree with the political stand of these three female political activists, we must all raise our voice loud and clear and condemn these political killings! France must also be held accountable for not preventing these killings from taking place and must find those responsible for these killings immediately and punish them according to the French law.

France is a country where many political refugees from Iran and Turkey and other countries reside in and carry out their political activities. We cannot allow for France which is deemed to be a safe country for refugees to become a breeding ground for political assassinations. If today Kurdish activists are assassinated tomorrow it may become our turn.

As activists we must make it clear that these killings are not acceptable and hold France accountable and make sure those responsible for these brutal acts are apprehended and punished for their crimes!

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran

Long Live Freedom in Iran

Sayeh Hassan is an Iranian Canadian lawyer, blogger and pro-democracy activist.

Two Iranian me Zaneyar and Loghman Moradi n are facing imminent execution after being arrested without charge and having been subjected to brutal torture which forced them into making "confessions" which were used against them in a 20 minute trial after which they were sentenced to death.

Recently Zaneyar Moradi wrote a letter from prison urging the international community to speak out against their execution and show the Regime in Iran that the international community is watching and will not turn a blind eye on what the Regime in Iran is doing.

Arrests without charge, torture and forced confessions are systematically used by the Islamic Regime as a tool to instil fear in the hearts of political activists in Iran and prevent people from standing up for freedom and democracy in Iran. We cannot remain silent and watch these two men be executed!

Below is the letter from Zaneyar Moradi:

To all the people of the world who are in my age group:

I despise thinking about my death; I do not want to take my life aspirations to the grave with me.

My name is Zaneyar Moradi.

Currently, I am sitting on a death row, my prison cell in Karaj, Iran, and I want to talk to you young people in Europe and America, I want to speak to people, who are my age who are living in Japan, Australia, France, and Africa and all over the globe.

Please DO NOT LET THEM HANG ME! Is this world so cruel, to watch both my cousin and I hang in public from a crane on the street? And not say anything? And not do anything?

I realize that it is only through the Internet that I am voicing to you my fear and my plea to you. So please be patient with me and give me few minutes and seconds of your time and hear me. It is hard to be twenty-one and to face my death. To live everyday with the nightmare of death, to shiver every time I hear their footsteps coming to take me to my death.

It has been three years since I have been imprisoned. I am Zaneyar Moradi and my co-defendant is Loghman Moradi, we were tortured for nine months. They would beat us so hard that we could not walk, even today I still suffer from side effects of torture—my back is hurting and I have two fractured vertebrate. The torturers told us that if we did not confess to everything they told us that they would rape us and we just signed whatever they put in front of us. And now we are waiting for the hanging rope of death while standing or hanging on the streets of Tehran or Urūmiyeh (where we were born).

They tell us now plans are being set for our execution, and the hang man has been sick for the past four days and I can’t sleep at nights. So I decided to help myself by writing this letter. Whatever you can do, please don’t let them execute us.

Please use your youth, your creativity, and let this regime know that we are not alone. Please voice your protest to this verdict. If you protest, if you complain to them we will here it! I am waiting to hear YOUR voices of protest.

Zenyar Moradi
Raja-e-shar Prison
January 4, 2013
به همسن و سالهاي خودم در سراسر جهان

از فکر کردن به مرگ٬ بيزارم٬ نميخواهم با آرزوهايم به زير خاک بروم!

من اسمم زانيار مرادي است. الان از سلول مرگي در آن سوي دنيا در شهر کرج درکشور ايران نشسته و ميخواهم با شما جوانان در اروپا و امريکا٬ با شما جوانان همسن و سال خودم در ژاپن و استراليا و فرانسه و افريقا و در همه جاي دنيا حرف بزنم. نگذاريد مرا اعدام کنند! آيا دنيا آنقدر بيرحم است که اين صحنه را تماشا کند که من و پسر عمويم در خيابان اعدام شويم و چيزي نگويد و کاري نکند؟

ميدانم که اين ترس من و اين درخواستم از طريق امکانات اينترنتي به گوش شما ميرسد. پس فقط چند دقيقه صبر کنيد٬ چند ثانيه وقت بگذاريد و از من بشنويد که چقدر سخت است در بيست و يک سالگي با مرگ مواجه شدن٬ با کابوس مرگ زندگي کردن و هر لحظه از صداي پاي زندانبانان ترسيدن و بر خود لرزيدن!

ما سه سال است که زنداني شده ايم . من زانيار مرادي و هم پرونده اي من لقمان مرادي٬ ۹ ماه را زير شکنجه بوديم. ما را چنان کتک ميزدند که ديگر توان راه رفتن نداشتيم و همين امروز نيز کمرم بشدت درد ميکند و دو مهره کمرم شکستگي دارد. به ما گفتند اگر حرفهايي که آنها ميخواهند را نزنيم٬ به ما تجاوز ميکنند و ما نامه هايي را که آنها آوردند امضا کرديم. و اکنون در يک قدمي مرگ با طناب دار در خياباني در تهران و يا مريوان شهر محل تولدمان ايستاده ايم. اين روزها شنيدم که دارند مقدمات اجراي حکم اعدام ما را فراهم ميکنند و چهار روز است که حالم خوب نيست٬ شبها خوابم نميبرد و فکر کردم شايد با اين نامه بتوانم بخودم کمک کنم.

نگذاريد ما را اعدام کنند. بهر طريقي که ميتوانيد ٬ سعي کنيد از ابتکارات جوانانه استفاده کنيد و کاري کنيد که حکومت اسلامي ايران ببيند که ما تنها نيستيم و دنيا به اين حکم ظالمانه اعتراض دارد.صداي اعتراض شما و هر حرکت و اعتراضي که بکنيد به گوش ما فورا ميرسد. منتظر شنيدن اخبار اعتراضات شما همسن و سالهاي خودم هستم.

زانيارمرادي – زندان رجايي شهر کرج

۴ژانويه ۲۰۱٣

In a new wave of sanctions against the Islamic Regime in Iran, Canada has added 98 additional individuals and entities to the list of “designated persons who are surrounding and supporting Iran’s nuclear program.”

Two of these entities are the Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and the paramilitary Basij forces. Those on the list will be subject to an asset freeze in Canada which is welcome news for many Iranian Canadian organizations and activists like myself who have been lobbying for these types of sanctions for many years.

Sanctions against the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij is especially significant and welcome news for Iranians because of the involvement of these two entities in the systematic and brutal human right violations against the Iranian people. This includes attacking pro-democracy protesters, beating them with knives, clubs and chains, arresting them, raping and torturing them in prisons and even shooting and killing protesters in the street.

Also let us not forget about the role of the Revolutionary Guards in supporting international terrorism and dictatorship regimes in the area such as Assad’s government in Syria.

While I welcome the new sanctions against the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij I urge the Canadian Government to continue to identify individuals and entities residing in Canada, who are affiliated with the Islamic Regime in Iran, and to freeze their assets and review their immigration files and make sure they do not create a safe heaven for themselves in Canada!

Sayeh Hassan is an Iranian Canadian lawyer, blogger and pro-democracy activist.