نوجوانان را اعدام نکنید SCE News and Updates archives

SCE : July 24, 2008

This week the petition demanding a halt to child executions in Iran surpassed 17,000 mark. The petition which was initiated by Stop Child Executions a non-profit human rights organization co-founded by Nazanin Afshin-Jam, former Miss Canada , musician and human rights activist was signed by many citizens of the world including many human rights activists and world politicians.

SCE is the leading campaign providing information and updates on the situation of minors on death row in Iran and worldwide. Stop Child Executions works alongside other human rights groups worldwide such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

To join the worldwide call to put an end to child executions globally sign the SCE petition at www.stopchildexecutions.com. The petition is available in 6 languages. SCE also maintain a blog in English and Persian with the updates on juvenile executions news.

Some of the supporters:

• Nazanin Afshin-Jam, Co-founder, Miss World Canada 2003, artist and human rights advocate
• David Etebari, Co-founder, Campaign Coordinator, human rights advocate
• Shirin Ebadi, Iranian Nobel Prize Laureate 2003, Lawyer and human rights advocate
• Irshad Manji Muslim author activist
• Mina Ahadi, Head of the International Committee Against Executions
• Mehrangiz Kar Writer, Human Rights Advocate
• Mohammad Mostafaei, Attorney for Nazanin Fatehi and Reza Alinejad
• Nasrin Sotoudeh, Attorney for Sina Paymard and Soghra Najafpour
• Shadi Sadr, Attorney for Nazanin Fatehi and woman right activist
• Abdolsamad Khoramshahi, Attorney for Delara Darabi
• Fatemeh Haghighatjou, Iranian former Member of Parliament, Human Rights advocate
• Maz Jobrani, Actor – Comedian
• Dariush Kadivar, Iranian journalist, Film Historian, Writer
• Amir-Abbas Fakhravar, Former political prisoner
• Nazanin Fatehi, Former minor on death row in Iran
• Ali Alinejad, Brother of Reza Alinejad: a minor on death row
• Ghazal Darabi, Sister of Delara Darabi: a minor on death row
• Save the Children Sweden
• Donna and Graham Greene, Australian Music Artists
• Tim Bowles, Director of Youth for Human Rights International
• Tarek Fatah, Canada, Founder of Muslim Canadian Congress / activist
• Neda Shahidyazdani, USA Human Rights Activist

POLITICIANS AND MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENTS:

On February 27, 2007 more than 34 members of European Parliament signed a resolution to Stop Child Executions in Iran , [11]. Additionally, this is a list of world pliticians who have signed the Petition:

• Jason Kenney, Canada Secretary of State
• Belinda Stronach, Canada member of Parliament
• May Hansen, Norway Member of parliament
• Feleknas Uca, European Parliament member
• Francois Nicoullaud Former ambassador of France to Iran and author
• Jean-Marcel Cremona, secretary general of the Lebertarian party of France
• Peter Hulme Cross, member of the City of London Assembly
• David Kilgour Former Canadian Secretary of State (Africa and latin America )

•  

102 of the 349 Members of the Swedish Parliament:

Barbro Westerholm, Gunnar Andrén, Birgitta Ohlsson, Alice Åström, Wiwi-Anne Johansson, Gudrun Utas, Jenny Fors, Egon Frid, Mats Einarsson, Gunilla Wahlén, Eva Olofsson, Elina Linna, Lars Ohly, Anki Ahlsten, Rossana Dinamarca, Mats Sander, Ulla andersson, Ewa Larsson, Ulrika Carlsson, Göran Lindblad, Kerstin Engle, Helena Leander, Mats Pertoft, Siv Holma, Eva Selin Lindgren, Per Bolund, Gunvor G Ericson, Birgitta Sellén, Solveig Zander, Eva Flyborg, Maria Lundqvist-Brömster, Maria Kornevik Jakobsson, Christer Winbäck, Kristin Oretorp, Holger Gustafsson, Solveig Hellquist, Tina Acketoft, Tina Ehn, barbro westerholm, Max Andersson, Bodil Ceballos, Solveig Zander, Agneta Berliner, Staffan Danielsson, Per Lodenius, Mildred Thulin, Morgan Johansson, Anita Brodén, Karla Lopez, Lars Lilja, Peter Jeppsson, Karin Svensson Smith, Eva-Lena Jansson, Lars Mejern Larsson, Hans Rothenberg, Veronica Palm, Ulla Lö fgren, Inger Jarl Beck, Betty Malmberg, Lars-Ivar Ericson, Annie Johansson, Lennart Pettersson, Fredrik Malm, Hillevi Larsson, Désirée Pethrus Engström, Stefan Attefall, Inger Davidson, Karin Pilsäter, Jan Ertsborn, Marianne Berg, Peter Hultqvist, Emma Henriksson, Torbjörn Björlund, Désirée Liljevall, Lars Tysklind, Nina Larsson, Jennifer Hacker, Ulf Holm, Ola Nilsson, LiseLotte Olsson, Hans Linde, Lena Hallengren, Hans Backman, Josefin Brink, Maryam Yazdanfar, Fredrick Federley, Allan Widman, Mikael Johansson, Johan Pehrson, Jan Ericson, Rolf K Nilsson, Tomas Tobé, Maria Östberg Svanelind, Inger René, Ewa Thalén Finné, Walburga Habsburg, Mats G Nilsson, Gunilla Wahlen and Lars Johansson.

UK:
CASHMAN, Michael
GILL, Neena
LAMBERT, Jean

SCE : Geneva, July 8, 2008

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT (list of 24 co-signatories follow text)

Iran: Spare Four Youths From Execution and immediately Enforce International Prohibition on Death Penalty for Juvenile Offenders

Today 24 international and regional human rights organizations called on Iranian authorities to spare four youths facing execution and to stop imposing the death penalty for crimes committed by juvenile offenders – persons who commit crimes while under the age of 18 – and to uphold their international obligation to enforce the absolute prohibition on the death penalty.

Iran executed 16-year-old Mohammad Hassanzadeh, an Iranian Kurd on June 10, 2008 for a crime committed when he

 was 14. Four other juvenile offenders are at risk of execution between July 11 and July 25. The organizations called on the head of Iran’s judiciary to suspend these four executions immediately.  
 
Behnoud Shojaee and Mohammad Feda’i face execution on July 11. Both were to be executed on June 11, 2008 but received last-minute, month-long reprieves to give them more time to seek pardons from the families of their victims.  
 
At least two other juvenile offenders, Salah Taseb and Sa’eed Jazee, are also at risk of execution in the coming days. According to the group Human Rights Activists in Iran, Salah Taseb, from Sanandaj, who was convicted of a murder committed when he was 15, has been transferred from the children’s prison to the main prison in Sanandaj after recently turning 18. He may be executed before the end of the Iranian month of Tir, which ends on July 23, 2008, although spokesperson for the Judiciary Alireza Jamshidi stated on July 1 that the case remained subject to appeal. The other youth, Sa’eed Jazee, who was due to be executed on June25, reportedly had his execution postponed for a month. He was convicted of the murder of a 22-year-old man, which took place in 2003 when he was 17 years old. Almost 140 juvenile offenders are known to be on death row in Iran, but the true figure could be even higher – for example, Mohammad Hassanzadeh’s case was not known to campaigners prior to his execution.  
 
In a press conference on June 17, 2008, carried by various Iranian media, Judiciary spokesperson Alireza Jamshidi denied that Mohammad Hassanzadeh had been under the age of 18 at the time of his execution. In response, Mohammad Mostafa’i, a lawyer who has defended many juvenile offenders sentenced to death, wrote on June 25 ( (http://mostafaei.blogfa.com/post-11.aspx) that he went to Sanandaj following Alireza Jamshidi’s statement, where he saw Mohammad Hassanzadeh’s identity papers. Mohammad Mostafa’i wrote that the documents proved that Mohammad Hassanzadeh was in fact only 16 years, 11 months and 20 days old at the time of his execution.  
 
The use of the death penalty against those who committed their offenses while under the age of 18 is a gross violation of customary international law, no matter what age the person has reached at the time of their execution. The organizations said they were concerned that the authorities’ insistence that Mohammad Hassanzadeh was over 18 at the time of his execution could be a prelude to reprisals being taken against Iranian human rights defenders (HRDs) who have publicly criticized this and other executions of juvenile offenders, as they could potentially be accused of vaguely-worded charges such as “acting against state security” or “propaganda against the system.”  
 
Iranian HRDs who have previously publicized human rights violations have suffered such reprisals. For example, in 2007 a court convicted Emadeddin Baghi, a leading Iranian campaigner against the death penalty, of “activities against national security” and “propaganda in favour of the regime’s opponents” for statements criticizing death sentences imposed after unfair trials in cases involving adults. That ruling was overturned on appeal, but Emadeddin Baghi continues to serve another sentence connected to his human rights work. Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand, an Iranian Kurdish HRD is serving an 11-year prison sentence He was convicted of “acting against state security by establishing the Human Rights Organization of Kurdistan (HROK)” and “propaganda against the system.”  
 
The Iranian authorities should respect the right to freedom of expression, including in the defense of human rights, as articulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.  
 
Some Iranian officials have attempted to justify killing juvenile offenders by terming these killings “retribution” and not “execution.” According to Judiciary spokesperson Alireza Jamshidi: “In [Iranian] law we don’t have execution (‘edam) for persons under 18 years of age; what we have in the laws for persons between 15 to 18 is the issue of retribution (qesas).” In Islamic law, “retribution” for murder is the death penalty. Family members of a murder victim may pardon or accept compensation in lieu of execution, but they are not required to do so. Iranian law currently allows the death penalty – for “retribution” for murder and for other crimes – to be imposed on girls as young as 9, and boys from the age of 15, lunar years. A child younger than this could also be sentenced to death if the judge in the case considers that he or she has reached puberty.  
 
This distinction between “execution” and “retribution” is a meaningless one. A person is executed when his or her death is brought about by the state pursuant to a final judgment issued by a competent court, which is the case in sentences of “retribution” issued by Iranian courts. By making such misleading statements, the Iranian authorities are attempting to obscure the fact that Iran is violating international law every time it executes a juvenile offender – whether or not the individual has reached 18 at the time of his or her execution. It is imperative that the authorities immediately stop such executions and amend legislation to ensure that no one is put to death by the state for any crime, including murder, committed when under the age of 18.  
 
Iran is a state party to both the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (without reservation) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), both of which prohibit the execution of persons under the age of 18 at the time of their offense. In ratifying the CRC, Iran declared an extremely broad reservation, “not to apply any provisions or articles of the Convention that are incompatible with Islamic Laws.” The Committee on the Rights of the Child, which monitors implementation of the CRC, expressed its concern in 2000 that the “broad and imprecise nature of the State party’s [Iran’s] general reservation potentially negates many of the Convention’s provision and raises concern as to its compatibility with the object and purpose of the Convention.” The 24 human rights groups called on Iran to withdraw its reservation to the CRC, which, the groups said, cannot in any case be invoked as legal authority to allow for the execution of juvenile offenders.  
 
In 2007, only two other countries – Saudi Arabia and Yemen – also executed juvenile offenders, but the numbers are dwarfed by those carried out in Iran, where at least seven were executed that year. So far in 2008, two juvenile offenders, including Mohammad Hassanzadeh, who was only 16 at the time of his execution, have been hanged in Iran.  
 
Iran should immediately commute all death sentences against juvenile offenders and cease all such executions, the 24 groups said.  
 
The 24 international and regional human rights organizations calling on Iran include:  
(in alphabetical order)
 
Association Adala;
Amnesty International;
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information;
Arab Penal Reform Organization (APRO);
Bahrein Center for Human Rights (BCHR);
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS);
Defence for Children International;
Egyptian Alliance to Challenge Death Penalty;
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH);
Human Rights Association for the Assistance of Prisoners;
Human Rights Association of Turkey (IHD);
Human Rights Watch;
Institut International des Droits de l’Enfant;
International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran;
Organisation Marocaine des droits de l’Homme (OMDH);
Iran Human Rights;
Iranian League for the Defense of Human Rights (LDDHI);
Moroccan Centre for Human Rights (Centre Marocain des Droits Humains);
Moroccan Coalition against the Death Penalty (Association Marocaine des Droits Humains, Amnesty International Section Marocaine, Organisation Marocaine des Droits Humains, Centre des Droits des Gens, Obsevatoire Marocains des Prisons, Association des Barreaux du Maroc, Forum Marocain de Verite et Justice);
Penal Reform International;
Stop Child Executions;
VIVERE; 
World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT).  

محمد مصطفايي

در هنگامی که اشک شادی برای توقف اجرای حکم بهنود شجاعی و محمد فدایی به مدت یک ماه از چشمانم جاری می شد خبر اعدام یک نوجوان 18 ساله به نام محمد حسن زاده در سنندج که گویا سن وی از 18 سال نگذشته بود اشک شادیم، به گریه و ناله تبدیل شد ای کاش پیش از اجرای حکم باخبر می شدیم ولی افسوس که این نوجوان مظلوم دار فانی را به ناحق وداع گفته و به حال آرام خفته است.

از تمام کسانی که اطلاع رسانی می نمایند این استدعا را دارم تا به تمامی وکلای دادگستری و هر آن کس که ارتباط با حقوق کودکان دارند اعلام کنند که در صورت مطلع شدن از نوجوانانی که در در زمان ارتکاب جرم سنشان کمتر از 18 سال بوده و در معرض اعدام قرار دارند مراتب را سریعا به کمیسیون حقوق بشر کانون وکلای دادگستری به نشانی تهران – میدان آرژرانتین – شماره 3 – ساختمان کانون وکلا و یا با ایمیل اینجانب به نشانی mostafaeilawyer@gmail.com اطلاع دهند.

محمد تهوری – واشنگتن پریزم
Source: Washington Prism

اکثر ایرانی ها خصوصا ایرانیان ساکن کانادا، از سال ۲٠٠۳ (١۳۸۲) با نام “نازنین افشین جم” آشنا شدند. یعنی زمانی که او بعنوان دختر شایسته کانادا انتخاب شد. اما آنچه باعث شد نام وی بر سر زبانها باقی بماند، تلاش مداومش در راه مبارزه با نقض حقوق بشر بود.

وقتی از نازنین می پرسم چه عاملی سبب شد تا شما روی موضوع نقض حقوق بشر در ایران متمرکز شوی، با ناراحتی قصه “نازنین فاتحی” را برایم بازگو می کند. او می گوید برای من غیر قابل باور بود دختری که در دفاع از حیثیت و حق خودش مرتکب قتل یک متجاوز شد، به مرگ محکوم گردید و قرار بود بزودی به جوخه اعدام سپرده شود. آخر چطور باید دختری اعدام شود که از سوی سه پسر مورد حمله قرار گرفته، و آنها می خواهند به وی تجاوز کنند؟ او نیز در دفاع از خودش به چاقویی که همراه دارد متوسل می شود، و یکی از آنها را از پا درمی آورد.
بعد از آن نازنین افشین جم با راه اندازی رشته عملیات (کمپین)ی در حمایت از نازنین فاتحی، با موضوع نقض حقوق بشر در ایران سروکار پیدا می کند. با رهایی فاتحی از خطر اعدام، افشین جم فعالیت هایش را برای توقف اعدام کودکان پی می گیرد.

مصاحبه پیش رو چکیده یی از یک گپ و گفت دوستانه با نازنین افشین جم در امریکا است، که می خوانید.

 از چه زمانی به موضوع حقوق بشر علاقمند، و در این حوزه فعال شدی؟

* از زمان دانش آموزی به مساله حقوق بشر و کار کردن در این حوزه علاقمند بودم، و اتفاقا از همان دوران فعالیتم را شروع کردم. درمدرسه یی که تحصیل می کردم کلوپی که روی موضوع حقوق بشر فعال باشد، وجود نداشت. لذا من کلوپی با این هدف راه اندازی کردم، و روی مسایل بین المللی کار می کردیم.

مثلا چه نوع فعالیت هایی؟

* مثلا برنامه ای طراحی کردیم که بچه ها ۳٠ ساعت هیچ چیز نخوردند، و در این مدت شروع به پول جمع کردن برای مردم فقیر آفریقا کردیم. مردمی که غذایی برای خوردن نداشتند. یا می نشستیم درباره مشکلات مردم کشورهای مختلف صحبت می کردیم. خوب هرچی بزرگتر شدم، تلاش هایم بیشتر روی موضوع حقوق بشر متمرکز شد. به طوری که درحال حاضر بیشتر وقتم روی این حوزه می گذرد.

من در این سالها با صلیب سرخ جهانی همکاری می کردم. تلاشم متوجه خدمات رسانی به آسیب دیدگان در کشورهای فقیر بود، که از خدمات بهداشتی و دارویی تا خدمات مالی و غذایی را در بر می گرفت. در عین حال روی بچه های بازمانده از جنگ در کشورهای افریقایی، یا مین زدایی و آسیب هایی که از جنگ ها باقی مانده بود، کار می کردیم. مثلا در کشور اتیوپی به دختران خدمات بهداشتی و پزشکی می رساندیم. یا وقتی حادثه غیر مترقبه یی مثل سونامی یا زلزله بم رخ می داد، خیلی تلاش می کردیم تا برای آنها پول جمع و ارسال کنیم.

- ز کی روی ایران تمرکز کردی؟

* حدودآ از دو سال پیش که داستان نازنین فاتحی را شنیدم و برای دفاع از حقوق این دختر فعال شدم، بیشتر تمرکزم روی ایران است. چراکه خیلی تحت تاثیر او قرار گرفتم. آن موقع در حال تولید یک برنامه موسیقی بودم، که داستان نازنین را شنیدم. آنقدر ناراحت شدم که نتوانستم به کارم ادامه بدهم و برای مدتی آن را رها کردم. شب و روز به نازنین فکر می کردم. خوشبختانه گروهی که با من کارمی کردند، شرایط روحیم را درک می نمودند. این موضوع سبب شد که بتوانم رشته عملیاتی در حمایت از نازنین راه اندازی کنم.

دقیقا توانستی چه کارهایی برای نازنین انجام بدهی؟

* ما توانستیم حدود ۳۵٠ هزار امضا در حمایت از نازنین جمع کنیم. همچنین در مجامع مختلف حاضر شدم، و در حمایت از او سخنرانی کردم. از سازمان های مختلف می خواستیم که با دولت ایران برای آزادی نازنین مذاکره کنند. این تلاش ها سرانجام نتیجه داد.

 در این راه بیشتر از ایرانی ها کمک گرفتی، یا غیرایرانی ها یاریت دادند؟

* بیشتر کسانی که به من کمک کردند و هنوز هم می کنند، غیرایرانی هستند. آنها از سراسر دنیا با من در تماسند، و با هم به صورت آن لاین کار می کنیم. بعضی از ایرانی ها هم کمک کردند. ولی (همان طور که گفتم) کمک غیرایرانی ها بیشتر بود. مثلا ما باید حدود ٤۵ هزار دلار برای تامین وثیقه نازنین جمع آوری می کردیم. بیشتر این پول را غیر ایرانی ها پرداخت کردند، و حدود ده درصد اش را هم ایرانیان دادند.

- فکر می کنی چرا کمک ایرانی ها کمتر بود؟

* در مرحله اول آنها باور نداشتند، که این تلاش ها نتیجه بدهد. مثلا امروز خیلی ازایرانی ها که مرا می بینند می گویند ما فکر نمی کردیم این امضاء جمع کردن ها نتیجه بدهد، وگرنه حتما آن نامه را امضاء می کردیم. خوب بعضی از آنها هم می ترسیدند دچار مشکل شوند.

- بعد از پایان یافتن مورد نازنین که با موفقیت همراه بود، روی چه موضوعی متمرکز شدی؟

* یکی از موارد نقض حقوق بشر در ایران که خیلی مرا تحت تاثیر قرار داد، موضوع اعدام کودکان بود. لذا حدود یک سال می شود، که تمام تلاشم روی این موضوع متمرکزاست. به همین سبب رشته عملیات توقف اعدام کودکان را راه اندازی کرده ام، و با کمک جمعی از فعالان حقوق بشر روی این موضوع کار می کنیم.

- دقیقا چه کار می کنید؟

* کودکان در معرض خطر اعدام را شناسایی می کنیم، و با خانواده آنها تماس می گیریم تا بدانیم به چه کمکی نیاز دارند. سپس سعی می کنیم به آنها کمک کنیم. بیشتر آنها در گرفتن وکیل و هزینه های آن مشکل دارند. ما هم برایشان وکیل می گیریم، و هزینه های آن را پرداخت می کنیم. به آنها یاد می دهیم چگونه به آقای (آیت الله) خامنه ای (مقام رهبری) و آقای (آیت الله) شاهرودی ( رئیس قوه قضائیه) نامه بنویسند، تا از خطر اعدام نجات پیدا کنند.

همزمان در سازمان ها و مجامع بین المللی و مجلس های قانونگزاری سخنرانی می کنم، تا آنها دولت ایران را متقاعد کنند اعدام کودکان را متوقف نماید. در واقع سعی می کنیم صدای کودکان در معرض خطر اعدام را، به گوش جهانیان برسانیم. همچنین تلاش می کنیم که ایران قانون اعدام را ملغی اعلام نماید.
 چگونه این بچه ها را پیدا می کنید؟

* از طریق مطبوعاتی که خبر دستگیری و اعدام آنها را منتشر می کنند، وکلایی که با آنها در ارتباط هستیم، خانواده متهمان و فعالان حقوق بشر در داخل ایران، با آنها آشنا می شویم. سپس با ایشان ارتباط برقرار می کنیم.

- تا حالا چند کودک را شناسایی کرده اید؟

* ما تاکنون ١٠٠ کودک را شناسایی کرده ایم، که در معرض اعدام هستند. ولی گفته می شود تعداد کودکان در معرض خطر اعدام ١٧٠ نفر است.

- آیا اعدام کودکان در دیگر کشورها را نیز دنبال می کنید؟

* بله محدوده فعالیت ما ایران نیست، و تمام کشورها را تحت نظارت داریم. ولی چون این پدیده در ایران ابعاد گسترده ای دارد، بیشتر نگاهمان متوجه این کشور است.

- اعدام کودکان در کدامیک از کشورها رایج است؟

* در سودان، یمن، عربستان سعودی و . با مشکل اعدام کودکان مواجهیم. ولی گستردگی آن در ایران، با هیچ کجای دنیا قابل مقایسه نیست. مثلا در عربستان ما تنها دو پرونده مفتوح داریم. در حالیکه در ایران با صد پرونده مواجهیم

- برای توقف اعدام کودکان با کدام سازمان و سازمان های غیر دولتی (ان جی او) در ارتباط هستید؟

* مشخصا با سازمان عفو بین الملل همکاری می کنیم. چون آنها نیز مثل ما نمی توانند در ایران دفتر و نماینده داشته باشند، بنابراین اطلاعاتمان را در اختیار همدیگر می گذاریم و با هم کار می کنیم.

- آیا قادر هستید مجلس ها را متقاعد کنید، که ایران را تحت فشار بگذارند؟

* ببینید ایران کنوانسیون حقوق مدنی را امضا کرده، و براساس آن متعهد شده است که حقوق بشر را رعایت کند و از اعدام کودکان زیر ١۸ سال خودداری نماید. بنابراین در برابر جامعه جهانی تعهد دارد. ما این تعهد را گوشزد می کنیم و می خواهیم که آنها ایران را مجبور کنند، که مفاد این کنوانسیون را رعایت نماید.

در عین حال اینکه ایران کودکان بزهکار را تا رسیدن به سن ١۸ سالگی در زندان نگه می دارد و بعد آنها را اعدام می کند، نقض کنوانسیون حقوق مدنی است. ضمن اینکه در قوانین داخلی جمهوری اسلامی نیز پسر تا به ١۵ سالگی نرسد، اعمالش مستوجب اعدام نیست.

برای نمونه ما پرونده ای داریم، که پسری در سن ١۳ سالگی با پسر دیگری رابطه جنسی برقرار کرده است. این پسر در حالی به اعدام محکوم شده، که قانون داخلی ایران نیز به قاضی اجازه صدور حکم اعدام نمی دهد. لذا در تلاش هستیم این حکم را ملغی کنیم.

- چرا با وجود موارد متعدد نقض حقوق بشر در ایران، روی این موضوع متمرکز شدی؟

* چون فکر می کردم از این موضوع بیشتر غفلت شده، و باید آن را برجسته کرد. ضمن اینکه از این راه می خواهم به جوانان ایرانی امید بدهم که ما می توانیم با کمک همدیگر به نقض حقوق بشر در ایران پایان دهیم. ما می توانیم دولت را مجبور کنیم قوانینش را تغییر دهد، و به حقوق بشر احترام بگذارد.

- شما در کانادا بعنوان دختر شایسته انتخاب شدی. این موضوع چقدر کمک کرد که فعالیت های حقوق بشری را وسعت ببخشی؟

* من اصلا با این هدف در مسابقه انتخاب دختر شایسته سال در کانادا شرکت کردم، که صدایم بلندتر شود و بتوانم بیشتر در این حوزه کار کنم. خوشبختانه خیلی هم مؤثر بود.

- در حوزه حقوق بشر، از فعالیت های هنری چقدر بهره گرفته ای؟

* تمام برنامه های من در راستای حقوق بشر بوده است. در کشورهای مختلف موسیقی اجرا کرده ام، تا بتوانم رشته عملیاتمان را معرفی کنم.

- درآمد کنسرت هایت را هم در این عملیات هزینه کرده ای؟

* تا حالا تمام کنسرت های من رایگان بوده است. من تنها از این فرصت برای تبلیغ این رشته عملیات و افشای نقض حقوق بشر در کشورهای مختلف جهان از ایران گرفته تا چین، استفاده کرده ام.

- در ادامه مایلم کمی وارد حریم خصوصی شما بشوم.

* ایرادی ندارد.

- با سینمای ایران آشنا هستی؟

* کارگردان ها و هنرپیشه های ایرانی را زیاد به اسم نمی شناسم، ولی سینمای ایران را خیلی دوست دارم. هروقت در کانادا جشنواره فیلم های ایرانی برگزار می شود، حتما برای دیدن فیلم ها می روم

- اگر کارگردان های ایرانی به تو پیشنهاد بازیگری بدهند، قبول می کنی؟

* البته! ولی وقتی فارسی من خوب نیست، چطور می توانم با کارگردان های ایرانی کار کنم؟

- خوب شاید به تو نقشی بدهند، که اصلا قرار نباشد فارسی صحبت کنی!

* حتما می پذیرم

- آیا فیلم پرسپولیس را دیده ای؟

* من قبلا کتابش را به زبان فرانسه خوانده بودم. فیلم را هم دیدم، و از آن خوشم آمد. ولی این فیلم از نگاه یک خانواده، آنهم خانواده قاجار ساخته شده است. به نظرم نگاه کارگردان خیلی شخصی است، در حالیکه جامعه ایران بسیار پراکنده می باشد.

- تا به حال به ایران رفته ای؟

* وقتی یک ساله بودم، خانواده ام مرا به کانادا آوردند. من در کانادا بزرگ شدم، و هیچ وقت به ایران نرفته ام.

- چرا در این مدت به ایران نرفتی؟ در ایران دوست و آشنایی نداری؟

* اتفاقا بسیاری از فامیل هایم در ایران زندگی می کنند، و خیلی هم دوست دارم به آنجا سفر کنم. ولی خانواده ام تا به حال اجازه نداده اند. آنها می ترسند در آنجا برایم اتفاقی بیفتد. خصوصا اینکه هرازگاهی ایمیل های تهدید آمیز هم از ایران دریافت می کنم.

- مثلا چه ایمیل هایی؟

* تا به حال چند بار به قتل و ضرب و جرح تهدید شده ام. آنها مخالف فعالیت حقوق بشری من هستند.

- از میان سه نقش هنرپیشگی، خوانندگی و حقوق بشری که ایفا کرده ای، به کدام بیشتر علاقه داری؟

* از فعالیت در حوزه حقوق بشر لذت می برم، و دلم می خواهد همین راه را ادامه بدهم.

- ایران را بیشتر دوست داری یا کانادا را؟

* من ایران را هنوز نشناخته ام. تمام زندگی ام در کانادا بوده، پس این کشور را بیشتر دوست دارم. با این حال احساس می کنم تکه یی از قلبم متعلق به ایران است.

- پدر و مادر شما اصالتا کجایی هستند؟

* پدرم تهرانی می باشد، و مادرم آذری است. مادرم گاهی با مادر بزرگم ترکی صحبت می کند، ولی من متوجه نمی شوم.

- در چه رشته ای تحصیل کرده ای؟

* علوم سیاسی و روابط بین الملل

- قصد ادامه تحصیل نداری؟

* دارم فکر می کنم. اما هنوز تصمیم نگرفته ام در چه رشته ای ادامه دهم.

- و سوال آخر اینکه اگر کسی بخواهد با شما همکاری کند، چگونه می تواند با شما همراه شود؟

* معمولا من از همه جای دنیا ایمیل دریافت می کنم، و از دریافت آنها خوشحال می شوم. هرکس دغدغه حقوق بشر داشته باشد، می تواند با کمپین ما که به سازمانی غیر دولتی (ان جی او) تبدیل شده، همراه شود. من براساس توانایی افراد از آنها می خواهم، که در پیشبرد برنامه ها به ما کمک کنند. آدرس سایت و ایمیل من به قرار زیرست:

www.helpnazanin.com

www.stopchildexecutions.com

www.nazanin.ca

info@nazanin.ca

محمد تهوری از نويسندگان واشنگتن پريزم است    

On February 1, 1979 exiled Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran after 14 years in exile. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, 78, was imprisoned by the Shah in 1963 for his opposition to reforms and was expelled the following year to Iraq – via Turkey. Only 10 days after Khomeini’s triumphant return to Iran from exile in Paris, the army returned to their barracks and gave up the fight to defend the regime of Prime Minister Shahpour Bakhtiar who resigned and soon went into exile and was later assassinated in Paris in 1991.

On the first of April, 1979 Ayatollah Khomeini declared Iran an Islamic Republic. Khomeini presided over a brutal and repressive regime which pursued the war with Iraq from 1980 until 1988 with a religious fervour. He regarded Saddam Hussein as the infidel leader of the country which had expelled him back in 1978.

On November 4, 1979, Iranian militants stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran and took approximately seventy Americans captive. This triggered the most embarrassing crisis for the Carter presidency after dragging on for 444 days.

On September 20, 1980 a war broke out between Iran and Iraq after three weeks of border clashes. Iraq bombed several Iranian air and military supply bases, including Tehran’s International Airport. This escalation in hostilities came after Iraq tore up a 1975 border agreement with Iran over sovereignty of the Shatt al-Arab waterway.

Nazanin Afshin-Jam was born in the midst of all this turmoil in Tehran, Iran in 1979 and later immigrated to Canada with her family in 1981. As a young girl, Nazanin was enthralled with the workings of the world and self-educated herself in global issues. It was with this passion for global awareness she went on to acquire a Double Major Degree in International Relations and Political Science at the University of British Columbia. Later she received scholarships to study at the prestigious L’Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris and at the International Study Center at Herstmonceux Castle in England. She also became a Royal Canadian Air Cadet, rising to the highest rank of Warrant Officer First Class, where she became licensed to fly both conventional aircraft and gliders.

Have we mentioned yet that Nazanin is a singer, songwriter, international human rights activist, model, musician, actress and the former Miss World Canada, as well as the 1st runner up in the Miss World Pageant? It would seem likely that the difficulties her family endured must have had a profound impact on Nazanin and has played a role in shaping the remarkable woman she has become.

BRSpecial:
First, thank you Nazanin for taking what precious little time you must have for yourself, to do this interview.

It’s obvious that the events of the late 70′s in Iran were the reason your family immigrated to Canada. Do you consider Canada your native home, or is your Iranian heritage still the stronger of the two?

Nazanin:
First and foremost I see myself as a citizen of the world. Borders for me are socially constructed but that said I am proud to have been born amongst a people that have made so many significant contributions to the world throughout history. We are descendents of Cyrus the Great, the founding father of Persia who introduced the first declaration of human rights, promoted freedom of religion and advocated for the abolishment of slavery. I am happy to have been brought up in a culture that values the importance of family and the importance of a good education. On the other hand, due to the fact that Iranians do not live in freedom today, I feel blessed to have lived most of my life in Canada. Having been exposed to the richness of multiculturalism has opened my eyes to the beauty and strength of all cultures. It has also made me sensitive to the plight of people who do not have the same opportunities that I have had growing up and this is what drives me to try and make the world a little bit more just and fair.

BRSpecial:
The turmoil and chaos in Iran and your subsequent departure must have played a large role in your interest in global issues, but was it also the motivating force behind the other successes you have had in academics, acting, beauty pageants, and now in music?

Nazanin:
I am sure that on a subconscious level, our departure from our homeland and separation from other family members must have had an impact on my entire life. When there is unnecessary man made suffering, I ask myself “why”? Why should we have been separated from our family members because of someone else’s political agenda? I try not to take anything for granted and I try to use all my blessings to advance humanity. I have always strived to do my best. Competing at Miss World and getting into the music industry were vehicles for me to try and make my voice stronger in order to raise awareness on various human rights and humanitarian issues close to my heart.

BRSpecial:
You were no more than 2 years old when your family left Iran and immigrated to Canada. Have you ever returned and what is your impression of the mood or mindset of the majority of the Iranian people?

Nazanin:
It is a dream for me to one day go back, tour Iran and visit family members I have never met before. Unfortunately it is too dangerous for me to go back especially since I have been outspoken on women’s rights and the extremist interpretation of Sharia law that they use in Iran’s penal code including the punishment of stoning for adultery and child executions.

While I have not been back, I keep in close contact with Iranians via internet. I receive thousands of emails from the Iranian people confiding in me the abuses they face on a daily basis under the current regime like the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, gender discrimination and imprisonment of prisoners of conscience.

When we have some more time at a later date I would love to explain the intricacies, because Iran is a land of paradoxes and this short review would not do the complexities justice.

The majority of Iranian people want freedom and democracy, the separation between religion and the state, the rule of law and better human rights. They are fed up with those that are in power like President Ahmadinejad and the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that do not represent their opinions and voices. The problem is when they try to rise up and say anything anti-regime they are imprisoned, tortured or killed. Those in power instill fear on the population so many people shy away from getting political and are more concerned about having food on their table for their families. Despite the rich and fertile land with oil, the economic situation is sour and many have to work three jobs just to make ends meet. Many are unemployed with a huge increase in drug abuse, prostitution and HIV/AIDS. Seventy percent of the population is under the age of 30, they are freedom loving people, hip, and tech savvy and very interested in making good connections with the west. With this young demographic and strong women’s rights movement, labour unions and the overall discontent, I think it is inevitable that change will come sooner than later.

BRSpecial:
You played a very important role in the release of Nazanin Fatehi www.helpnazanin.com , who was previously sentenced to death by hanging for killing a man who had assaulted and tried to rape her. Are there many more just like her awaiting similar fates? Or has the public alarm that you so well sounded put the Iranian Judiciary on guard?

Nazanin:
There are many more “Nazanin Fatehi’s” out there. Currently there are over 100 minors on death row that we have recorded on our campaign website Stop Child Executions at www.stopchildexecutions.com although the Chief of Police in Iran suspects there are over 170.

We have noticed time and time again, the children who are exposed in the media or where diplomatic and international pressure has been ensued on their behalf, are the ones who are not executed in the end. The ones who are unknown are quickly disposed of.

Our campaign’s aim is to put a permanent end to the situation so that we don’t have to keep trying to save one life at a time. Iran is signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Charter of the Rights of the Child which forbids the execution of those who have committed an offence before the age of 18. Under Iran’s interpretation of Sharia law, it spells out that a girl is an adult at age 9 and a boy is an adult at age 15 and therefore are criminally responsible for their actions. They bastardize International human rights law by saying “fine, we won’t execute the 9 year old now, but we will keep her in prison until she turns 18 and then we will carry out the execution”. This is why it is imperative for regular people, like you and me, to speak out. Each signature on a petition, or better yet personal letters written to the Iranian officials has an impact. For those reading this article please go to: www.stopchildexecutions.com , sign the petition and learn how you can help…you could potentially be saving a human life!

BRSpecial:
You have been very outspoken on China’s human rights violations. What can individuals thousands of miles away from China do about affecting a government like the one in Beijing that are effective and net results?

Nazanin:
International pressure. Encourage your head of state not to partake in the opening ceremonies of Beijing’s 2008 Olympics. Other than that, one can get involved in traditional campaigning methods like writing to your government officials, writing to the China’s President, organizing talks and rallies at local schools and universities. Let your media know that you are interested in learning more about this topic. Be creative…use your talents in a unique way to raise awareness. For example you can write a song, a poem or paint a picture. We all have the capacity to contribute in our own way. You can watch my music video for my song “Someday” where I try to bring hope to those who live under tyrannical regimes that stifle voices and liberty. www.myspace.com/nazaninmusic

BRSpecial:
Would you say there is any negligible difference in the way women are treated in some middle-eastern countries after there are large-scale outcries from international organizations and concerned individuals like yourself?

Nazanin:
The power of the individual is strong, but united we are even stronger. There is a women’s rights group in Iran called “The One million signatures campaign” calling for a change to discriminatory laws. Through public support they have made some headway improving the life and conditions of women in the country. One of the members of this campaign, Shadi Sadr, also leads the “Stop Stoning Forever Campaign”, where they have been successful in saving several women from the fate of being buried to their neck and stoned to death. International organizations are part of support group, drops of water that lead to the creation of an ocean of change.

BRSpecial:
How on earth do you become a recording artist, write and perform music when so many want you to speak about human rights, women’s rights, and animal rights being abused around the world? There seems hardly enough hours in a day.

Nazanin:
You are absolutely right about that. It is overwhelming at times. Music acts as an art for me whereby I can release all the stress pent up from working on daunting human rights cases. It is a means by which I can spread some of my messages on world issues. You could say that music is more of a part time job, while my human rights work takes precedence over everything else in my life. There will be plenty of time when I am 90 years old to catch up on sleep www.nazanin.ca

BRSpecial:
Should we be able to look ten years into the future, what would you most like having us see Nazanin doing?

Nazanin:
I am not sure exactly what I will be doing in 10 years from now but I am sure it will involve working on human rights and humanitarian issues in one capacity or another. I don’t know whether I will continue to do public speaking and raising awareness, singing or documentary filmmaking. Whatever I do, I know I will try to be a voice for the voiceless whether it is animals, women in the Middle East or general populations under oppressive regimes. By then I also hope to be married and raising a family. Life changes from one minute to the next, so I will leave it up to God how I should be guided J

BRSpecial:
As much as we appreciate the precious time you have so graciously given us, it is time to say thank you for this interview and for the tremendous efforts you make on behalf of those that cannot voice their own stories. Thanks Nazanin. The world is a far better place with bright lights like you in it, so keep right on shining…

CLICK TO VIEW CAMPAIGN FLASH PRESENTATION

ONE MILLION SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

source: roozonline.com

موضوع سخنراني :اعدام اطفال زير 18 سال

سخنران: محمد مصطفايي , وكيل دادگستري

زمان: 21/1/87 ساعت 15:30 تا 17