Human Rights

State Department Criticizes Iran on Lack of Religious Freedom
Thursday, May 23, 2013
By: Conor Hughes - News
The International Religious Freedom Report describes a deterioration of respect for religious freedom by Iran's government, including through harassment, imprisonment, and discrimination of religious practices and minorities.

Three Paths toward a Nuclear Deal with Iran
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
By: Reza Marashi (Special to Ploughshares Fund)
1) Balance the offer sheet. 2) Broaden the discussion. 3) Start with the end in mind.

Iran Sanctions Stifling Iran's Freedom Movement
Thursday, May 9, 2013
By: Ryan Costello (Special to CNN)
Sweeping sanctions on Iran appear to have claimed their latest victim: the Samsung App store. Samsung has reportedly decided to block access to its App store in Iran from May 22.

State Department Report Condemns Iran's Human Rights Violations
Friday, April 26, 2013
By: NIAC Staff
The Iranian government's human rights violations have escalated since the 2009 presidential elections, according to the U.S. Department of State's 2012 Iran Country Report on Human Rights Practices.

NIAC Applauds Extension of Mandate for UN Iran Humans Rights Monitor
Friday, March 22, 2013
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC applauds the United Nations Human Rights Council's vote today to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran and reiterates its condemnation of the Iranian government's human rights abuses.

NIAC Calls on UN to Extend Human Rights Monitor Mandate, Condemns Iranian Government Abuses
Thursday, March 14, 2013
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC calls on the UNHRC to vote next week in support of renewing the mandate for the monitor, which represents an important multilateral mechanism to address Iran's human rights situation.

New Congressional Push to Prevent War, Establish Diplomatic Envoy to Iran
Thursday, February 21, 2013
By: Sina Toossi - News
Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) and ten of her colleagues are renewing a push to establish a Special Envoy to Iran who would lead efforts to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear dispute, prevent war, and support human rights.

NIAC President Testifies before British Parliament
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
By: United Kingdom Foreign Affairs Committee
NIAC President Trita Parsi testifies before the British Parliament's one-off evidence session on the Iran nuclear issue.

Huffington Post: Tightening The Noose
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
The research director at NIAC, Reza Marashi, speaks to Huffington Post Live on the latest U.S sanctions on Iran.

Al Jazeera: Iran's Media - The New Red Lines
Saturday, February 2, 2013
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
Reza Marashi from the US-based National Iranian-American Council offers essential perspective, and the countervailing voice is Hillary Mann Leverett.

NIAC Calls for Release of Iranian Journalists
Friday, February 1, 2013
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns the Iranian government's recent arrests of at least 14 journalists in Tehran, an act that demonstrates the government's continued brazen disregard for freedom of expression.

Experts Discuss Delays and Future Negotiations on Iran Nuclear Issue
Thursday, January 31, 2013
By: Nadia Hakim - News
With a new round of nuclear negotiations involving the U.S. and Iran facing continued delays, experts analyzed the future of U.S.-Iran diplomacy at the Woodrow Wilson Center.

Washington Post: Iranian Ministry Says Detained Journalists Worked Illegally with Foreign News Media
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
By: Jason Rezaian (Washington Post)
"It signals that they are concerned about a repeat of what happened after the contested elections in 2009," said Reza Marashi, Research Director at NIAC.

Iran's Cyrus Cylinder Set To Make U.S. Debut
Monday, December 10, 2012
By: Negar Rafi - News
The British Museum has announced that the Cyrus Cylinder, widely viewed as the oldest known code of human rights, will go on exhibition in five U.S. museums in 2013.

New Study Outlines Impact of Broad Sanctions on Iranian Americans
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
ALC released a study today documenting the negative consequences of sanctions on Iranian Americans as part of a collaborative effort with IABA, PAAIA, and NIAC.

NIAC Condemns Human Rights Abuses Squeezing Iranians, With No Exceptions
Thursday, November 15, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
Over the past ten days we have witnessed two tragedies in which ordinary Iranians were killed under the gross repression of the Iranian government and the broad impact of crippling sanctions imposed by the U.S. government.

NIAC Member Survey Shows Growing Concern about War and Sanctions
Thursday, October 18, 2012
By: Nobar Elmi - News
Concern about war with Iran has only intensified since our last member survey, and our members overwhelmingly chose to keep preventing war as NIAC's top priority.

RT: Obama Executive Order Hits Iran with Harsher Sanctions
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
Obama has signed an order implementing new sanctions on Iran to make the country halt it's nuclear program which Iranian officials claim is for peaceful purposes. This comes amidst some older sanctions Iran has already been faced with. NIAC's Jamal Abdi takes a deeper look into the US government's Iran policy.

NIAC Statement on Ahmadinejad UN Speech
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
We must not allow the words of a politically marginalized president who is on the last leg of his presidency to distract from the very serious human rights abuses that continue to occur in Iran and the looming threat of a disastrous war between the U.S., Israel and Iran.

Sick Of Sanctions
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to The Daily Beast)
Mindful of their own opposition to the regime, Iranians are justifiably perplexed as to why the United States would adopt measures that harm the people so intensely--especially the weak and sick.

BBC Persian: Who Beats the Drums of War?
Thursday, August 23, 2012
By: BBC Persian
BBC Persian interviews NIAC's President Trita Parsi on the threat of war from Israel and how the United States election plays a role.

HuffPost Live: Crying Wolf on War
Thursday, August 23, 2012
By: Mike Sacks (HuffPost Live)
Huff Post Live interviews NIAC's Policy Director, Jamal Abdi on the possibility of war with Iran.

Obama Made the Right Call -- and Everyone Won
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
U.S. sanctions on Iran had prevented private U.S. aid organizations from sending crucial aid to the victims of the two earthquakes that shook northwestern Iran earlier last week. But with the issuance of the general license, these obstacles have been removed.

Al Monitor: Why the White House Is Giving Blanket OK For Earthquake Aid to Iran
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: Barbara Slavin (Al Monitor)
"This enables NGOs to send donations directly to other NGOs in Iran," bypassing the Iranian government, which has said it would accept foreign help but has so far rejected assistance offered by the US government. "Now the onus is back in the Iranian court," Parsi said.

New York Times: United States Grants Broad Sanctions Exemption for Iran Quake Aid
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: Rick Gladstone (The New York Times)
"The White House should be commended for ensuring that relief efforts won't be held hostage to the bad relations between the two countries," said NIAC Assistant Policy Director David Elliott.

Radio Free Europe: U.S. Issues Blanket License To Aid Iranian Earthquake Victims
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: Radio Free Europe
NIAC Assistant Policy Director David Elliott said, "this humanitarian gesture will empower the American people to help Iranians who've lost everything to this terrible natural disaster."

BBC Persian: US Government Allows Cash Transfers to Iran for Earthquake Victims
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: BBC Persian
NIAC President Trita Parsi says the U.S. government allowing cash transfers to Iran for earthquake victims is a victory for Iranian Americans.

McClatchy: After Slow Start, U.S. Allows Donations to Iran's Quake Victims
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: Alex Kane Rudansky (McClatchy)
NIAC President Trita Parsi said he hopes the practical impediments of the banks' risk analyses will not become a problem. "One thing that remains to be seen is to make sure that the U.S. banks actually honor this," he said.

AFP: US Allows NGOs to Send Quake Relief Funds to Iran
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: Agence France-Presse (AFP)
Despite relief efforts, Tehran rejected the US offer of food and medicine, blaming existing sanctions for shortages of both. "The onus is now on the Iranian government to put the well-being of its people first and eliminate all obstacles for delivering aid to the Iranian people," said NIAC Assistant Policy Director David Elliott.

Democracy Now: From Military Threats to Crippling Sanctions
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
By: Amy Goodman (Democracy Now)
U.S.-Israel Posturing on Iran Stokes Fears of War. Democracy Now interviews NIAC's President, Trita Parsi

Israel's Diplomatic Scare Game
Thursday, August 9, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to Salon.com)
Like clockwork, another flurry of high-level senior U.S. officials visiting Israel took place this past week. As has become tradition, Iran topped the agenda. And once again, Israeli officials threatened to take unilateral military action unless the U.S. upped the ante on Iran.

ABC News: Iran Invokes Its 'Axis of Resistance'
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
By: Eleanor Hall (ABC News)
Iran is revealing just how high the stakes have become in the Syrian conflict, by sending its security chief to meet with its key regional ally. ABC interviews NIAC's Reza Marashi.

New Iran Sanctions Undermine Diplomacy and Human Rights
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC supports an effective approach to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon, protect human rights in Iran, and support the democratic future that Iranians have aspired to for over a century. This bill is not that approach.

Chicago Tribune: Father's Religion Behind His Imprisonment in Iran
Sunday, July 15, 2012
By: Frank Danna (Chicago Tribune)
Prominent Iranians wrote an open letter saying they are ashamed of the way Baha'is are treated in Iran. Over the years, harassment of Baha'is from average Iranian citizens slowed, Nakhaei said, and some experts agree. "I think the majority of Iranian people, like we do (in the United States), want to live peacefully with their neighbors," said NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi.

Sanctions at the Genius Bar
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis (special to The New York Times)
Congress and President Obama have ratcheted up sanctions and now must confront the inevitable unintended consequences. Sanctions are no longer just choking off Iran but jeopardizing the values and basic civil liberties of some American citizens.

NIAC Statement on Iran Talks Concluding in Moscow
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
"While the parties should be commended for pursuing a diplomatic solution to the nuclear standoff, it is clear the two sides are not yet committed to doing everything necessary to avert a crisis. With each side having limitations on what they could give, but not on what they could demand, the inability to reach a deal should not take anyone by surprise."

California Senate Passes Resolution Honoring Iranian Americans, Supporting Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, May 31, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC commends Senator Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) California State Senate for unanimously passing Senate Resolution 29 recognizing the contributions of the Iranian-American community and calling upon the Iranian government to provide basic human rights and political freedoms to its citizens.

Watch: Experts Assess Baghdad Talks at NIAC Panel
Friday, May 25, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
As nuclear negotiations between Iran, the U.S., and the other permanent members of the UN Security Council concluded in Baghdad on Thursday, top experts and former U.S. officials convened at a panel hosted by the National Iranian American Council to assess the outcomes.

Democracy and Human Rights Conference Honors Siamak Pourzand
Thursday, April 26, 2012
By: Angie Ahmadi - News
Prominent journalists and human rights defenders convened in Washington for a conference on human rights assessing why the so-called Arab Awakening succeeded while Iran's century-long struggle for democracy stalled once again after the 2009 protests.

Obama Implements New Sanctions Targeting Internet Repression in Iran and Syria
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
By: NIAC News
President Obama signed an Executive Order yesterday implementing new sanctions against Iran and Syria regarding Internet repression. The measures would freeze assets of foreign companies that help deny free communication via the Internet in Iran and Syria.

Say No To War and Lift the "No Contact" Policy with Iran!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
A new push is underway in Congress to support diplomacy, prevent war, and effectively address human rights. Learn more about this critical effort and how you can help make it a success.

U.N. Human Rights Monitor Delivers First Report on Iran
Thursday, March 15, 2012
By: Richard Abott - News
Ahmed Shaheed, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran, submitted his first report to the U.N. Human Rights Council this week, cataloguing "allegations that produce a striking pattern of violations of fundamental human rights guaranteed under international law."

Canada-based Programmer Malekpour Faces Execution as First IRGC Cyber Target
Thursday, February 23, 2012
By: Angie Ahmadi - News
Saeed Malekpour, a permanent resident of Canada who was arrested in 2008 when visiting his dying father in Iran, may soon be executed because he designed social networking software to upload and share images.

Washington Post: Killing of Iranian Scientist Imperils Former Marine
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
By: Thomas Erdbrink and Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post
"Unfortunately, the greater the escalation is, the greater the likelihood that the perceived costs of executing him decline," said Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council and author of a new book about the Obama administration's dealings with Iran.

Iran: Threats and Sanctions
Thursday, January 5, 2012
By: The Diane Rehm Show
NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi speaks on NPR about the financial, political and military implications of the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran.

Joint Letter Calls for Congress to Oppose Legal Restrictions on Iran Diplomacy
Thursday, December 8, 2011
By: NIAC News
NIAC and twenty-five leading Jewish-American, arms control, human rights, democracy, and pro-peace organizations sent a letter to Members of Congress calling for them to oppose or demand removal of a provision in new Iran sanctions legislation that would place restrictions on diplomatic contact between U.S. and Iranian officials.

U.S. Launches "Virtual" Iran Embassy
Thursday, December 8, 2011
By: Ardavon Naimi - News
The United States announced the launch of its Virtual Embassy for Iran, a new website aimed at encouraging dialogue between the Iranian people and the United States. The effort is an attempt to address the lack of dialogue between the U.S. and and Iranian citizens since the closure of the physical embassy in Tehran in 1979.

NIAC Welcomes U.N. Resolution on Iran's Human Rights Violations
Friday, November 25, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC reiterates its call for the Iranian government to comply with its human rights obligations, release all prisoners of conscience, and cooperate with the UN human rights monitor established earlier this year.

NIAC Condemns Endorsement of Military Action on Iran at CBS GOP Debate
Saturday, November 12, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
It is shameful that military action was so flippantly endorsed when it is clear that it would inflict such damage to U.S. national intest and to Iran's democracy movement.

Experts Discuss U.S. Iran relations at NIAC Leadership Conference
Thursday, October 13, 2011
By: Loren White
As part of its first annual Leadership Conference last week, NIAC hosted an off the record panel for conference attendees featuring key leaders in the academic and political spheres in the United States and Europe working on Iran-U.S. foreign policy issues.

NIAC Calls for Release of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani
Friday, September 30, 2011
By: NIAC Statement
NIAC calls for the immediate release of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani. The charges of apostasy against Nadarkahni and the death sentence he faces represent a further erosion of human rights and rule of law in Iran, specifically the protection of religious minorities and religious liberty.

House Panel Examines U.S. Human Rights Approaches to Iran and Syria
Friday, September 23, 2011
By: Loren White
"I don't think we should give up efforts at engagement with the Islamic Republic," said Alireza Nader at a House hearing on Thursday. "I do think that it is a valuable tactic in terms of the United States achieving its objectives. I do think Iran's total diplomatic isolation benefits the regime because it isolates the people."

NIAC Congratulates Freed Americans; Urges Release of Political Prisoners in Iran
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC welcomes the release of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal from their 782-day detention in Iran's Evin prison. NIAC congratulates Josh, Shane and their families, and calls on Iran to release all political prisoners who remain detained.

Experts Warn Delisting Iranian Terror Group Would Carry Damaging Repercussions
Thursday, August 4, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
An expert panel convened today to discuss the potential repercussions of an pending decision by the State Department regarding the terrorist designation of the Iranian Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) organization.

Despite Iran's Rejection, Human Rights Pressure Continues
Thursday, July 21, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
Iran announced on Monday that it would not permit the recently appointed United Nations human rights monitor on Iran to enter the country to report on the human rights situation.

NIAC Welcomes Appointment of Human Rights Monitor, Calls for Iran to Cooperate
Monday, June 20, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC welcomes the appointment by the U.N. Human Rights Council of Ahmed Shaheed as the human rights monitor for Iran and calls on Iran to allow Mr. Shaheed to investigate Iran's human rights record without interference

Watch: Maziar Bahari Discusses Imprisonment, How Iranian Americans Can Support Human Rights
Thursday, June 16, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC presents an exclusive interview (in Persian) with award-winning journalist, documentary filmmaker, and human rights activist Maziar Bahari. His newest book, Then They Came for Me: A Family's Story of Love, Captivity, and Survival, chronicles the 118 days he spent in a six-by-twelve-feet prison cell in Tehran's notorious Evin prison.

The New International Focus on Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, June 16, 2011
By: Dokhi Fassihian - Analysis
The establishment of a UN human rights monitor on Iran represents hard-won leverage by the international community to press for change.

NIAC Commends Targeted Human Rights Measures Against IRGC, Basij
Thursday, June 9, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC commends today's announcement that the Obama Administration is designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Basij paramilitary, Iran's national police and its chief for U.S. financial and visa restrictions due to their involvement in human rights abuses against the Iranian people.

NIAC Condemns the Killing of Haleh Sahabi
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing today of Haleh Sahabi and calls on Iran's government to release all prisoners of conscience and end its campaign of systematic repression.

Administration Officials Emphasize Multilateral Successes on Iran as Congress Considers New Unilateral Sanctions
Friday, May 13, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
As Congress prepares a new round of unilateral Iran sanctions, two top State Department officials discussed the Obama administration's approach to Iran's human rights situation last Wednesday before the Middle East subcommittee of Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

California Democrats Endorse Iranian Student Visa Fix, Human Rights
Friday, May 6, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
The California Democratic Party voted overwhelmingly to build bridges between the American and Iranian peoples and to express its support for the nonviolent human rights and democracy movement in Iran at its annual convention in Sacramento this weekend.

NIAC Hosts Shirin Ebadi for Discussion on Human Rights, Engagement, and War
Thursday, April 28, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
Speaking before an audience of NIAC members this past Saturday, Dr. Shirin Ebadi encouraged international focus on the human rights situation in Iran and warned that war, or threats of an attack on Iran, would be devastating for the country's indigenous human rights and democracy movement.

Virginia Connection: Ebadi Comes to McLean
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
By: Alex McVeigh, Virginia Connection
As a board member of the National Iranian-American Council, McLean resident Forough Yazdani is no stranger to getting the Iranian-American community involved in civic processes. But she said it was a special honor to host Nobel Peace Prize Winner Shirin Ebadi at her home Sunday.

NIAC Hosts Shirin Ebadi for In-Depth Conversation on Iran Policy & Human Rights
Monday, April 25, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC hosted a forum on Iran policy and human rights with Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi on Saturday April 23rd in McLean, VA.

Panel Debates Opportunities for Iran Engagement
Monday, April 4, 2011
By: Sarah Oliai - News
The merits of engaging Iran were debated by panelists last week at the launching of the Atlantic Council Iran Task Force's second publication, "'Strategically Lonely' Iran Exploits Opportunities for Regional Influence".

Experts: Nonviolence, Human Rights Focus are Best Options for Iran's Democracy Movement
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani - News
"Violence can achieve short-term results quickly, but after that has been achieved, then problems arise," said Roberto Toscano, Italian ambassador to Iran from 2003 to 2008.

Yahoo News: U.N. rights body votes to appoint Iran human rights monitor
Thursday, March 24, 2011
By: Laura Rozen
Yahoo News reports on the establishment of a UN human rights monitor on Iran and NIAC's efforts to support this measure.

NIAC Applauds Today's Establishment of Human Rights Monitor on Iran
Thursday, March 24, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) strongly supports today's successful vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) to establish an independent UN human rights monitor on Iran.

Proposal at U.N. Body Puts Focus on Iran's Human Rights Record
Friday, March 18, 2011
By: Jeff Baron, America.gov
America.gov's Jeff Baron writes about how diplomats and rights activists spoke at NIAC's human rights conference in support of a critical multinational effort to push for human rights in Iran.

The Atlantic: A New Opportunity for the U.S. to Promote Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, March 17, 2011
By: Reza Marashi and Trita Parsi
NIAC's Reza Marashi and Trita Parsi present three ideas for how President Obama can support human rights in Iran and leverage the Arab uprising in The Atlantic.

US and Swedish Officials Outline Human Rights Initiative at NIAC Conference
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
"This effort is not about grandstanding or showdown, but about action on a practical step that we hope will lead to change over time," declared U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Suzanne Nossel, discussing efforts now underway at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) to establish a human rights monitor on Iran.

Holding Iran Accountable for its Human Rights Record
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
By: Joanne Levine, U.S. Department of State
Deputy Assistant Secretary Suzanne Nossel spoke today on Capitol Hill at an event sponsored by the National Iranian American Council to make the case for creating a Special Rappateur on Iran at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

NIAC Commends UN Human Rights Council Efforts on Iran
Monday, March 14, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC commends efforts underway at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) to productively address the continued campaign of human rights abuses in Iran.

Congress Clashes over U.S. Participation at the Human Rights Council
Friday, March 11, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani - News
Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee clashed over U.S. participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) last week.

Arrest of Iranian Opposition Leaders Further Demonstrates Need for International Efforts
Monday, February 28, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of Iranian opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi and reiterates its call for the international community to take serious steps to address human rights violations in Iran.

NIAC Commends Targeted Human Rights Measures
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC commends today's announcement that the Obama Administration is designating Basij Commander Mohammed Reza Naqdi and Tehran Prosecutor General Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi for US financial and visa restrictions due to their involvement in human rights abuses against the Iranian people.

NIAC Applauds Senate Call for Human Rights Monitor
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC applauds Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) and 23 other Senators who today called for the Obama Administration to work with the international community to establish an independent UN human rights monitor on Iran when the UN Human Rights Council convenes this March.

Take Action to Help Stop Human Rights Abuses in Iran
Friday, February 11, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
The threats, abuses, and political killings in Iran must stop. The UN has a chance to finally take serious measures to help stop these horrific abuses. Take action now and you add your voice to the call for serious action on human rights in Iran at the UN.

Independent UN Experts Call for Moratorium on Death Penalty in Iran
Friday, February 4, 2011
By: David Elliott - News
Two independent UN experts called for Iran to halt executions on Wednesday, warning that there had been a dramatic surge in death sentences carried out in the absence of internationally recognized safeguards for fair trails.

Leading Diplomats, Experts and Organizations Call on Obama to Reinvigorate Diplomacy with Iran
Thursday, January 20, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
On the eve of talks between the P5+1 and Iran in Istanbul, a diverse group of leading diplomats, experts, and organizations have called on the Obama Administration to reinvigorate diplomacy with Iran.

Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions Demonstrate Need for Serious International Efforts
Monday, January 10, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns today's sentencing of prominent human rights lawyers Nasrin Sotoudeh and Shiva Nazar Ahari, and the December sentence handed down against Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi.

Iran's Human Rights Situation Receives Much Concern, Little Action at UN Human Rights Council
Monday, December 20, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
Iran was the top country of concern at the United Nations Human Rights Council over the past year, yet the body has failed to take any concrete steps to address Iran's human rights situation.

NIAC Renews Call for UN Human Rights Monitor on Iran
Thursday, November 18, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC welcomes today's advancement of a United Nations resolution concerning the situation of human rights in Iran but is deeply disappointed that the resolution fails to establish a mandate for an independent human rights monitor on Iran.

Questions Linger About Nokia Siemens Involvement in Iran
Monday, November 15, 2010
By: Lily Samimi - News
Ali Herischi, attorney representing Isa and Mehdi Saharkhiz in a lawsuit against Nokia Siemens Networks, along with members of the global community dispute Nokia's allegations that they have ended their involvement with the Iranian government.

Want to Defuse the Iran Crisis?
Friday, November 12, 2010
By: Dr. Trita Parsi and Reza Marashi - Opinion
NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi and President Trita Parsi outline five lessons for US negotiators at the upcoming P5+1 talks with Iran in Foreign Policy magazine.

United 4 Iran: Send an E-Letter for Safe Release of Iranian Human Rights Lawyer
Monday, November 8, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi urges all to send an e-letter for the safe release of Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh.

Rights Advocates Discuss the Future of Human Rights and Democracy in Iran
Thursday, November 4, 2010
By: Lily Samimi - News
Human rights activists, scholars, journalists, and diplomats converged at the Roshan Center for Persian Studies at the University of Maryland to discuss the future of Iran's human rights movement.

NIAC Gravely Concerned By Reports of Imminent Execution in Iran, Urges Systematic International Approach
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
Amid renewed fears that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani may be facing imminent execution, NIAC reiterates its call for the United States to work with members of the international community to establish a strong international mechanism to address Iran's ongoing human rights crisis.

Experts Agree that Nuclear Issue Should Not Distract From Human Rights
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
By: Patrick Heffner - News
The Iranian government is "taking advantage of the nuclear program" to distract western governments from the issue of human rights, according to Mojtaba Vahedi.

Majd Reflects on Civil Rights, Sanctions and the Iranian Challenge for Democracy
Monday, October 18, 2010
By: Lily Samimi - News
Hooman Majd discussed his new book, The Ayatollah's Democracy: An Iranian Challenge, which reveals the perspectives of top officials and members of the opposition in the weeks and months that unfolded after June 12.

NIAC Welcomes Obama Effort Targeting Human Rights Abusers in Iran
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC welcomes President Obama's signing of an Executive Order that imposes targeted sanctions on Iranian government officials responsible for human rights violations against the Iranian people.

Senators Call for UN Human Rights Monitor on Iran
Thursday, September 23, 2010
By: David Elliott - News
A bipartisan group of Senators are urging the Obama Administration to undertake serious efforts to address Iran's human rights crisis at the United Nations this fall. The group, led by Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging the Obama Administration to work to pass a resolution at the United Nations establishing a human rights monitor for Iran.

NIAC Calls on Obama Administration to Support a UN Human Rights Monitor on Iran
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council calls on President Obama to support the establishment of a UN human rights monitor on Iran at the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly to report on violations taking place inside the country.

It's Time for Obama to Support a UN Rights Monitor on Iran
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
By: Dokhi Fassihian
Over the past year, the Obama Administration has missed successive opportunities to bring real international pressure on the Iranian government to address the severe human rights crisis gripping the country.

NIAC Calls for Release of Shiva Nazar Ahari
Thursday, September 2, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns the imprisonment of Iranian human rights activist Shiva Nazar Ahari and reiterates its call for the Iranian government to release all political prisoners, including Ms. Ahari, who are being held in contravention of Iran's constitutional international legal obligations.

NIAC Condemns Alleged Torture of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani
Thursday, August 12, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC calls on the Iranian government to comply with its international human rights obligations and to suspend Ashtiani's death sentence, as well as the sentences of all other Iranians who have been tortured to elicit false confessions or who have otherwise not been provided fair trials.

The Senate Calls on Iran to Release Three Detained Americans
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
By: Shahrzad Safavi - News
The Senate unanimously passed a resolution yesterday calling for the "immediate" and "unconditional" release of three American hikers being detained in Iran.

NIAC Welcomes Successful International Efforts to Halt Stoning Execution
Thursday, July 8, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
"Today's decision demonstrates why it is so critical for the U.S. and the international community to engage publicly on the issue of human rights in Iran," said Jamal Abdi, NIAC Policy Director.

Obama Signs Sanctions Law, Highlights Measures Called for by NIAC
Friday, July 2, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The President yesterday signed new sanctions into law aimed broadly at the Iranian economy. NIAC is opposed to this measure because it will punish innocent Iranians instead of targeting Iran's government. The final bill did include some of the measures NIAC has actively worked to support, which were highlighted by the President during the bill's signing ceremony.

"My Conversation with President Obama Yesterday"
Friday, July 2, 2010
By: Forough Parvizian-Yazdani
NIAC Board Member Forough Parvizian-Yazdani had the honor of talking to President Obama in the White House yesterday. Here is the message she shared about her experience.

NIAC Urges Obama to Publicly Press Iran to Halt Execution of Zeinab Jalalian
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council is gravely concerned by reports that the Iranian government plans to execute Zeinab Jalalian, and urgently calls on President Obama to raise this issue publicly and to press Iran to halt the execution.

Iranian-Kurdish Activist Faces Threat of Imminent Execution
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
By: Shawn VI - News
Zeinab Jalalian, a 27 year old Iranian-Kurdish activist, is reportedly in imminent danger of being executed after being convicted of Moharebeh, or waging war against God, in a trial that has been roundly condemned as unfair and unjust by human rights defenders in Iran and around the world.

Congress Passes Sweeping Sanctions Against Iran
Thursday, June 24, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
The House and Senate voted Thursday to impose sweeping new sanctions against Iran, sending the legislation to the President's desk for approval. Proponents have called the legislation the "toughest Iran sanctions ever proposed," while critics argue it will do nothing to halt the Iranian nuclear program and that Congress should have eased sanctions that punish innocent Iranians.

House Says Iran is Using Nuclear Program to Distract from Human Rights Abuses
Thursday, June 24, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution today marking the one-year anniversary of Iran's June 12, 2009, elections. The resolution condemns the human rights abuses of Iran's government, calls for "freedom and democracy for the people of Iran," and condemns Iran's "continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability."

Congress moves forward with 'crippling sanctions' (and misses opportunity to support Iranians)
Thursday, June 24, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
On Monday, the latest version of Congress's sanctions bill was unveiled just in time to be passed and sent to the president's desk by July 4. But while lawmakers have attempted to reconcile the pain that these new sanctions will impose on ordinary Iranians with Congress's claims of support for the people of Iran, this bill remains a blunt instrument that perpetuates the sanctions-only framework that has dominated the United States' Iran policy for decades.

Analysis: Obama's Pursuit of Sanctions Came at Expense of Human Rights
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
By: David Elliott - Analysis
The Huffington Post - The Obama Administration made a conscious decision to forgo a major push on human rights in Iran so as to not distract from the all-important UN sanctions push, according to multiple officials who've worked with the Administration on Iran's human rights crisis.

NIAC Releases Transcript of June 17 and Nov. 4, 2009 Conferences
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
The complete transcript for NIAC's two 2009 Capitol Hill Policy Conferences is now available. The conferences, held on June 17, 2009 and November 4, 2009, were titled "The US & Iran: Between Elections and Enrichment" and "The US & Iran: Human Rights, Diplomacy, & Sanctions," respectively.

NIAC Releases Video of March 10, 2010 Capitol Hill Conference
Thursday, June 17, 2010
By: NIAC Release
Complete video coverage is now available for NIAC's March 10, 2010 Conference held on Capitol Hill titled: "Iran at a Crossroads: Assessing a Changing Landscape."

Green Movement Honored with NED 2010 Democracy Award
Thursday, June 17, 2010
By: Setareh Tabatabaie - News
The National Endowment for Democracy honored the Green Movement of Iran with the 2010 Democracy Award last Thursday. At the award ceremony, various experts helped shed light on the complex hopes and challenges of the Iranian people in their struggles for democracy.

NIAC Board Member Highlights Iran's Human Rights Abuses at UN
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - News
On June 10th, the United Nations Human Rights Council held a review of Iran's human rights record as part of the Universal Periodic Review process. Member states and stakeholder organizations participated in the review, including NIAC Board Member Dokhi Fassihian and journalist Omid Memarian.

NIAC Applauds Senate and Administration's Calls for Human Rights in Iran, Now Urges Action
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council applauds efforts in the US Senate and at the UN Human Rights Council to highlight and condemn Iran's shameful human rights record in observance of the one-year anniversary of Iran's disputed election.

NIAC Calls on Iran to End Abuses, US to Engage on Human Rights Ahead of Election Anniversary
Friday, June 11, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
As the one-year anniversary of Iran's 2009 presidential elections approaches, the National Iranian American Council reiterates its call for the government of Iran to end its campaign of repression and implores the United States and the world community to not neglect the Iranian people's struggle for human rights.

Experts Explore Iran's "Political Purgatory"
Friday, June 11, 2010
By: Shawn Vaziri
"The old Iran, the status quo ante is dead, in my view. But it has a lot of poison in it; it has a lot of ability to do harm," Abbas Milani said on Tuesday, speaking alongside Karim Sadjapour and Gary Sick on a panel moderated by NPR's Steve Inskeep at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Congressmen working with MEK to remove terrorist designation
Thursday, June 10, 2010
By: David Elliott
Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) held an event today to introduce a resolution calling for the Obama administration to remove the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran [MEK] from the State Department's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

Packed Crowd for NIAC Hill Briefing on Iran One Year After Election
Thursday, June 10, 2010
By: Shahrzad Safavi
NIAC held a briefing on Tuesday with over 80 Congressional staffers to discuss the Green Movement and the anniversary of the 2009 presidential election, the nuclear fuel swap proposal, and US and UN sanctions against Iran.

The Week in Green Episode 26: NIAC President Dr. Trita Parsi
Monday, June 7, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC Advisory Board Member and "The Week in Green" Host Prof. Hamid Dabashi interviews NIAC President Dr. Trita Parsi about the discourse in US politics over the Iranian nuclear negotiations.

NIAC Memo: The Turkey-Brazil-Iran deal: Can Washington take 'yes' for an answer?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Foreign Policy Magazine - The Brazilian-Turkish diplomatic breakthrough with Iran has taken Washington by surprise. Clearly, the geopolitical center of gravity has shifted-five years of EU-led negotiations led nowhere while the new emerging powers Brazil and Turkey only needed a few months to produce a breakthrough.

NIAC Members Chat with Advisory Board Member Reza Aslan
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
On Wednesday, May 13, NIAC held its first Member's only chat with Advisory Board Member Reza Aslan. The conversation discussed issues ranging from sanctions on Iran to the status of the Green Movement to the upcoming film, Prince of Persia.

"Not one, not two ...they were five" by Simin Behbahani
Monday, May 17, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is pleased to present a new poem by the Lioness of Iran, Simin Behbahani. A champion of human rights, Behbahani is in Iran and has been banned from leaving the country. Prof. Fatemeh Keshavarz of Washington University of St. Louis provided the translation.

The Week in Green Episode 23: NIAC Advisory Board Member Reza Aslan
Friday, May 14, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC Advisory Board Member and "The Week in Green" Host Prof. Hamid Dabashi interviews Reza Aslan, a fellow NIAC Advisory Board Member, journalist and scholar of religions. Aslan is the author of the critically acclaimed No God but God, and his latest book is Beyond Fundamentalism.

NIAC Holds Capitol Hill Briefing on Internal Political Situation in Iran
Thursday, May 13, 2010
By: Setareh Tabatabaie - News
NIAC held a briefing yesterday for three Members of Congress and nearly 50 Hill staffers, discussing internal political factions in Iran as well as the developments in the country within the past year.

NIAC Condemns Iranian Executions Ahead of Election Anniversary
Monday, May 10, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns in the strongest possible terms the execution of five political prisoners on May 9 by the Iranian government.

Video: Trita Parsi on The Century Foundation Panel
Monday, May 10, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC President Dr. Trita Parsi spoke on a panel at The Century Foundation's "Turning Back the Bomb: Hard Cases & Grand Designs." The panel also featured Amb. Gerard Araud, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Christine Wing of NYU, and Randy Rydell of the United Nations.

Since When Is Iran a Champion For Women's Rights?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
By: Anne Bayefsky - Opinion
FoxNews.com -- In an effort to prevent Iran's election to the Commission, the National Iranian American Council reported prior to the meeting: "in the past year, Iran...has charged women who were seeking equality in the social sphere...with threatening national security...

Military Strikes May be Necessary say Congressional Iran Sanctions Negotiators
Thursday, April 29, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - News
Congress' march to impose new sanctions on Iran entered the final stretch yesterday afternoon, with Members of the House and Senate convening a public meeting at the Capitol to reconcile differences between broad sanctions measures passed by each chamber.

NIAC Releases March 10, 2010 Conference Transcript
Thursday, April 29, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is pleased to release the transcript for the March 10, 2010 Conference "Iran at a Crossroads: Assessing a Changing Landscape." The Conference was convened to address the latest issues facing US-Iran relations such as: the future of Iran's opposition movement, the rising prospect of military action, and the result of increased sanctions on the Green Movement.

Iran, Gender Discrimination, and the UN's Women's Commission
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
By: NIAC Board Mem. Dokhi Fassihian, Hadi Ghaemi, and S.B. Anderlini
The Iranian regime must have a real sense of humor. In a year when their human rights abuses reached ever lower depths with an exponential rise in political prisoners, prison rapes, torture and executions, the regime tried to get a prime spot on the UN Human Rights Council.

Is the Sanctions Debate Justifying the Military Option?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
By: Patrick Disney - Analysis
To an outsider, it may seem like Washington is united in favor of imposing new sanctions on Iran. But, like in Iran itself, the internal wrangling over this question among Washington policymakers is much more complex and divided by factions than one may assume.

Report: Iran's bid for UN human rights panel seat fails
Friday, April 23, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - News
The Iranian government's appalling human rights record will not be rewarded with a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council, with reports indicating that Iran will no longer seek election to the Council this May.

The Hill: Changing Course on Iran Sanctions
Friday, April 23, 2010
By: Patrick Disney and Lara Friedman - Opinion
The debate over U.S.-Iran policy should not be boiled down to a question of how much more damage we can do. Rather, smart power dictates that the U.S. use every tool available, including those that have been taken off the table, such as lifting certain sanctions.

The Stand With the Iranian People Challenge
Thursday, April 15, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is issuing a challenge to the entire Iranian-American community: don't let the Iranian people be forgotten. Tell your elected representatives in Washington that they can't ignore the Iranian people any longer. Stand up for their rights, and Stand With the Iranian People!

NIAC Condemns Iran Death Sentences
Monday, March 15, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council condemns in the strongest possible terms today's issuance of six death sentences by Tehran Prosecutor General Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi for individuals accused of involvement in Ashura protests.

NIAC Conference Highlights Demand for Human Rights of Iranian People
Friday, March 12, 2010
By: Layla Armeen - News

The National Iranian American Council once again hosted a full house in the Dirksen Senate Office Building Wednesday for its policy conference titled "Iran at a Crossroads: Assessing a Changing Landscape."

Broad Strategic Outlook Vital for US to Avoid Iran Confrontation
Friday, March 12, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
A look at the afternoon panel discussion at NIAC's policy conference, entitled "The US and Iran: Back to Confrontation?"

Moms Against Poverty Supports SWIPA
Thursday, March 11, 2010
By: Michelle Moghtader - News
Moms Against Poverty supports the Stand With the Iranian People Act as a means to help lift obstacles which are inhibiting them from performing charitable work in Iran.

NIAC Applauds Administration's Correction of Harmful Internet Sanctions
Monday, March 8, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council applauds today's Treasury Department decision to reverse harmful policies barring U.S. Internet communication software from being available to Iranians.

NIAC Urges Swift Action on Internet Freedom
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
By: Layla Armeen - News
NIAC sent a letter today to the Director of the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) calling for a general license to support Iranians' access to information and communication tools online

A Blueprint for Ending Human Rights Abuses in Iran
Sunday, February 28, 2010
By: Sam Shoamanesh and Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Harvard International Review - Sam Sasan Shoamanesh and Dr. Trita Parsi call for a list of internal and external measures to improve the human rights situation in Iran, originally published in the Harvard International Review.

House Commission Hears Recommendations for Human Rights in Iran
Friday, February 26, 2010
By: Patrick Disney - News
NIAC President Trita Parsi testified before the House Human Rights Commission, urging lawmakers to place a greater emphasis on the human rights issue in dealing with Iran.

Congressional Testimony of Trita Parsi on Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, February 25, 2010
By: Dr. Trita Parsi
NIAC President Trita Parsi testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission today about the human rights situation in Iran. His written testimony is available here.

House, Senate Propose New Human Rights Sanctions on Iran
Thursday, February 25, 2010
By: Layla Armeen - News
Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman have introduced legislation to impose sanctions on individuals in Iran guilty of human rights abuses following the June 12 election.

Shadi Sadr Testifies at the UN on Her Imprisonment
Monday, February 15, 2010
By: Shadi Sadr
Iranian lawyer and women rights' defender Shadi Sadr testified on Friday February 12 at the United Nations regarding her arrest and detention in July 2009.

Senate Condemns Rights Violations, Calls for UN Focus
Friday, February 12, 2010
By: Layla Armeen - News
The Senate unanimously passed a resolution yesterday condemning human rights violations in Iran and urging the UN Human Rights Council to fully investigate the events following last June's presidential election.

NIAC Calls on Iranian Government to Respect Rights of Iranian People
Thursday, February 11, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
Washington, DC - Ahead of large public demonstrations expected on 22 Bahman (Feb. 11), the National Iranian American Council calls on the Iranian government to heed the demands of the Iranian people and to respect their universal rights, including the right to dissent, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and peaceful protest.

NIAC Memo: We Must Not Ignore Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, February 11, 2010
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Opinion
Now more than ever, the narrow nuclear focus must be set aside and renewed attention given to the state of human rights in Iran. It is literally a matter of life and death.

EU and US call on Iran to Uphold Human Rights on February 11
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
The United States and the European Union issued a joint statement on Monday, calling on the Iranian Government to fulfill its universal human rights obligations and expressing concern that increased violence may occur in the coming days.

NIAC Memo: How Washington Can Help the Greens in Iran
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
By: Alireza Nader and Dr. Trita Parsi
Torn between the fear of ending up on the wrong side of history by being too cautious and the fear of ending up undermining the pro-democracy movement by being too aggressive, Barack Obama's administration is playing a difficult balancing act.

SWIPA "Perfect" Abdo Tells House Committee
Friday, February 5, 2010
By: Nayda Lakelieh - News
"Iran is a sovereign state whose people are struggling bravely for their own freedom. It is natural and right for us to want to support their struggle. The question is how?"

NIAC Condemns Iranian Executions
Thursday, January 28, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian government's execution of political dissidents Mohammad Reza Ali Zamani and Arash Rahmani Pour today.

NIAC Deplores Senate Vote to Sanction Iranian People
Thursday, January 28, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council deplores today's Senate passage of S.2799, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2009.

Obama Administration Officials' Statements on Iran Sanctions
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
A collection of Obama Administration officials' statements on the record regarding Iran sanctions.

NIAC Weighs in on Senate Sanctions Bill
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
With the Senate expected to approve comprehensive Iran legislation, S.2799, in the coming weeks, NIAC has released a guide offering suggested changes to the legislation that would bring the bill more in line with the Obama Administration's strategy.

The Latest Tool for Iran's Opposition: iPhone Apps
Monday, January 25, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
The Huffington Post - Iranians will soon have a new tool at their disposal to broadcast their protests and their government's repression to the outside world.

Analysis: H.R. 4303 - The Stand with the Iranian People Act
Monday, January 25, 2010
By: Patrick Disney - Analysis
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) introduced H.R. 4303, the Stand with the Iranian People Act (SWIPA), to support the Iranian people's democratic movement by ensuring that America's Iran policy imposes pressure on the Iranian government--not the innocent Iranian people.

Clinton to Speak on Internet Freedom in Repressive Regimes
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
By: Patrick Disney - News
Washington, DC - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will deliver a speech tomorrow on global Internet freedom, in which she is expected to discuss the vital role the Internet has played for the Iranian opposition movement. According to the State Department, the speech will lay out the Administration's strategy for "protecting freedom in the networked age of the 21st Century."

NIAC Urges Iranian Government to Abandon the Path of Violence and Oppression
Thursday, January 14, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council calls on the Iranian government to heed the productive proposals of leading opposition figures and abandon the path of violence and oppression.

NIAC Memo: Ancient Persian Legacy Still Plays Role in Revolutionary Iran
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
By: Prof. R. K. Ramazani - Analysis
The crackdown on protesters on December 27, 2009 in Iran, which killed a number of people, touched off unprecedented criticism of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the country's supreme leader, who is seen as ruling by divine approval.

U.S. Decides to Punish Iranian Regime, Not People
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
By: David Elliott - Analysis
The Huffington Post - The continued demonstration of strength by the Iranian opposition has not only showed the increasing isolation of Iran's ruling elite, but also helped cement a dramatic policy shift that has been quietly taking shape in the White House.

NIAC Applauds Shift Toward Targeted Sanctions
Thursday, December 31, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council welcomes the Obama administration's decision to pursue targeted sanctions on Iran's leaders rather than indiscriminate sanctions that would contribute to the suffering of the Iranian people.

Senate, UN Resolutions Condemn Rights Abuses in Iran
Monday, December 28, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Last Tuesday, the United States Senate passed a resolution, "Condemning the Government of Iran for restricting and suppressing freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly, and for its human rights abuses, and for other purposes."

NIAC Strongly Condemns Violence against Iranian Protesters during Ashura
Sunday, December 27, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council strongly condemns the unlawful violence used against Iranian protesters and mourners during Ashura over the weekend. The Council also welcomes the White House's condemnation of the "unjust suppression of civilians in Iran seeking to exercise their universal rights."

White House Statement on Ayatollah Montazeri's Death
Monday, December 21, 2009
By: The White House
We express our condolences on the passing of Iranian cleric Grand Ayatollah Montazeri. He was known and internationally respected for his unwavering commitment to universal rights. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who seek to exercise the universal rights and freedoms that he so consistently advocated.

NIAC Holds Capitol Hill Briefing on Human Rights Situation in Iran
Friday, December 18, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
On December 11, NIAC held a briefing for members of Congress and their staff, discussing the current state of the pro-democracy movement in Iran, and exploring ways in which human rights can be incorporated into US diplomacy with Iran.

NIAC Efforts to Reform Sanctions on Internet Tools for Iranians Successful
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council welcomes the decision by the Obama Administration to waive provisions of US sanctions that have kept important tools for online communication out of the hands of the Iranian people.

Some in Congress Get Smart on Iran
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
By: Patrick Disney - Opinion
The Huffington Post - Two new bills offer a new way forward on Iran. The Stand with the Iranian People Act (SWIPA), led by Rep. Keith Ellison, and the Iranian Digital Empowerment Act (IDEA), led by Rep. Jim Moran, both seek to redefine how Congress approaches the Iran issue, in favor of a smarter, more holistic strategy.

The Iranian Digital Empowerment Act (IDEA)
Monday, December 14, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
IDEA, introduced by Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA), Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC), and Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-MA), will enable average Iranian citizens to access the most powerful tool available for promoting democracy and civil society in Iran: information.

The Stand With the Iranian People Act
Monday, December 14, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
The Stand with the Iranian People Act (SWIPA) changes the course on decades of failed US policies that have hurt the Iranian people and inadvertently contributed to their repression.

NIAC Lauds Introduction of Bills Helping the Iranian People
Monday, December 14, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council welcomes today's introduction of H.R. 4303, the Stand with the Iranian People Act, in the House of Representatives, and applauds the bill's sponsors Representatives Keith Ellison (D-MN) and William Delahunt (D-MA).

U.S.-Iran Policy Up for Debate
Friday, December 11, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
"If we approach diplomacy with the same sustainability, with the same stamina, with the same dedication, with the same determination, that we would pursue a military confrontation then we would see a different picture."

Amnesty International Releases Report Documenting Iran's Human Rights Abuses
Friday, December 11, 2009
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Amnesty International released a report yesterday documenting the Iranian government's human rights abuses before, during and principally after the 12 June election--calling them the "worst in 20 years."

Obama Should End Silence on Human Rights Abuses in Iran
Monday, December 7, 2009
By: Trita Parsi and Dokhi Fassihian - Opinion
The Huffington Post - Before nuclear diplomacy moves towards a premature ending, the Obama administration must act quickly to reinvigorate its human rights agenda.

Reporters Without Borders Launches Campaign To Support Iranian Journalists
Monday, December 7, 2009
By: Bardia Mehrabian and Arsalan Barmand - News
Iranian authorities regard photographers as spies," said "EM," an Iranian photojournalist who has recently sought refuge in France with the help of Reporters Without Borders.

Post-Election Iran: On the Streets and In the Prisons
Thursday, December 3, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
As a prisoner of Iran's Intelligence Ministry, Iason Athanasiadis witnessed a cultural struggle which he says is "by far the most important aspect of what is going on in Iran today if you want to understand it."

Senate Denounces Treatment of Baha'is in Iran
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
By: Matthew Sugrue - News
The Senate passed a resolution yesterday condemning the persecution of Baha'is by the government of Iran.

NIAC Joins Campaign to Make Neda Time Magazine's "Person of the Year"
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
The campaign to nominate Neda for Time's Person of the Year began with ordinary people in Iran. NIAC wants to amplify their voice and enable you to do the same.

NIAC Welcomes Senate Passage of Iran Human Rights Resolution
Friday, November 20, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council applauds the Senate's passage yesterday of S.Res.355, which condemned Iran's deplorable human rights record, urged the restoration of meaningful human rights to all of Iran's citizens, and called for an immediate release of those wrongfully imprisoned in violation of their rights.

Iranian American Survey Shows Support for Human Rights, Diplomacy over More Sanctions
Thursday, November 19, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
A recent poll of the Iranian-American community by the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) reveals greater concern for the domestic affairs of Iran and large support for human rights and democracy.

NIAC Stand's by its Record of Pursuing Peace Through Diplomacy
Friday, November 13, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC is proud of its work to advance US national security through a smarter and more effective policy on Iran. NIAC rejects the insinuations made by Washington Times that its activities are in violation of tax laws, the Foreign Agents Registration Act and lobbying disclosure laws.

Texas Rep. Introduces Resolution Supporting Iranian People's Struggle for Rights
Thursday, November 5, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX) has introduced a resolution expressing continued support for the Iranian people as they stand up for freedom, human rights, and fundamental elements of democracy.

Human Rights and the Battle for Iran
Thursday, November 5, 2009
By: Bardia Mehrabian - News
"It is in the national interest of the United States to press the human rights issue in Iran," said Professor Mehrzad Boroujerdi as part of the first of two panel discussions at NIAC's Capitol Hill conference yesterday.

Experts Suggest Patience, a "Grand Agenda" for Iran Talks
Thursday, November 5, 2009
By: Matt Sugrue - News
"If the only thing [the United States] talks about with the Iranians is the nuclear issue, then our efforts to get out of the last thirty years of futility will fail," said Ambassador John Limbert, a former hostage in the US Embassy in Tehran and currently a professor at the US Naval Academy.

NIAC Condemns Prison Sentence for Iranian American Scholar
Thursday, October 29, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemns the Iranian Justice Ministry's decision to sentence Iranian American Kian Tajbakhsh to 12 years in prison.

The Struggle to Save the Persepolis Artifacts Continues!
Friday, October 23, 2009
By: Matt Sugrue - News
For three and a half years, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) has been the vanguard Iranian-American organization in the struggle to save the Persepolis Collection from forever disappearing into the hands of unknown bidders.

House Denounces Treatment of Baha'is in Iran
Friday, October 23, 2009
By: Matt Sugrue - News
The House of Representatives passed a resolution yesterday condemning the persecution of Baha'is by the government of Iran.

NIAC Condemns Prison Sentence for Iranian American Scholar
Thursday, October 22, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemns the Iranian Justice Ministry's decision to sentence Iranian American Kian Tajbakhsh to 12 years in prison

NIAC Condemns Executions, Recent Human Rights Violations in Iran
Thursday, October 15, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemns a decision by the Iranian Justice Ministry to impose death sentences on three Iranians for allegedly participating in post-election protests.

NIAC Welcomes US-Iran Talks and the Inclusion of Human Rights
Thursday, October 15, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council welcomes the successful first meeting between representatives of the permanent five members of the Security Council plus Germany and Iran yesterday.

Iranian Scholars Urge US to Address Iran's Human Rights Violations
Thursday, October 8, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
108 scholars from the Iranian Diaspora have issued a statement about US-Iranian negotiations, recognizing the need for talks while emphasizing "a constructive dialogue with Iran must address the Iranian regime's recent brutalities."

Former NIAC Associate pens op-ed in Washington Post
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Ali Scotten, a former intern at NIAC, was published with co-author Andrew Albertson in today's edition of the Washington Post. Their featured op-ed, titled "A Human Rights Lever for Iran," highlights the need to address the postelection human rights violations against the Iranian people.

Will the Focus at the UN Be on Ahmadinejad's Human Rights Abuses?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Opinion
The Huffington Post - When Mahmoud Ahmadinejad comes to the UN this week, his biggest fear will be that the visit will be marred by international condemnations over election fraud and the massive human rights abuses taking place in Iran under his watch.

NIAC Urges for Human Rights to be Included in Diplomacy with Iran
Monday, September 14, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
On October 1, the P5+1, consisting of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, are scheduled to begin talks with Iran. The National Iranian American Council strongly urges that human rights play an important role in these talks.

NIAC Memo: To Talk or to Sanction - Obama's Iran Dilemma
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
After masterfully - and unilaterally - changing the atmospherics between the two countries to make it more conducive to the success of diplomacy, while pushing back pressure from Israel and Congress to impose artificial deadlines for any negotiations with Iran, hardliners in Iran pulled the rug from under the feet of President Barack Obama.

NIAC Memo: IRGC Commander Acknowledges Military Involvement in Election Politics
Monday, September 7, 2009
By: Farideh Farhi - Analysis
Islamic Revolution's Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari's speech on September 2, delivered in front of early military leaders of the Iran-Iraq War was the first public acknowledgment of IRGC's direct involvement in the elections and the crackdown.

NIAC Condemns 'Show Trials' and Campaign of Repression in Iran
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council condemns the mass "show trial" of opposition figures and systematic abuse of detainees by Iranian authorities which have led to numerous deaths and injuries in custody.

NIAC Memo: The case for a tactical pause with Iran
Thursday, July 30, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
No one said diplomacy with Iran would be easy. And now, before it even started, the Iranian election crisis has left Tehran politically paralyzed and Washington without a clear diplomatic path ahead.

NIAC Calls for the Release of Kian Tajbakhsh, an End to Political Detentions and Abuse
Monday, July 13, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemns the arrest and imprisonment of Kian Tajbakhsh, an Iranian-American intellectual who was taken from his home in Iran and jailed late last Thursday.

Iran at a Crossroads: NIAC Member Survey
Monday, July 6, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, DC - The violence erupting in the aftermath of the Iran elections has left very few around the world untouched. At NIAC, we have followed the developments extremely closely and have been at the forefront of the debate in the U.S. on how our government should respond. Thanks to your help, NIAC is recognized as one of the key groups shaping U.S. policy towards Iran.

NIAC Memo: Reading Independence Day in Iran
Monday, July 6, 2009
By: Wm. Scott Harrop R.K. Ramazani - Analysis
When Americans celebrate the 4th of July, they often forget that the core purpose of the famous document penned by Thomas Jefferson was to declare independence from Great Britain. Had the colonies failed in that struggle for freedom to govern themselves, the Declaration of Independence's famous "unalienable" rights to equality, liberty, and life would have been rendered not self-evident.

Iran at a Crossroads: NIAC Member Survey
Monday, July 6, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
The violence erupting in the aftermath of the Iran elections has left very few around the world untouched. At NIAC, we have followed the developments extremely closely and have been at the forefront of the debate in the U.S. on how our government should respond.

Act to Stop the Violence in Iran
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
Iranian Americans and people all over the world have been touched by the courage of the Iranian people--and horrified by the violence used against them. Throughout the recent crisis, NIAC has been in contact with the White House almost daily to convey the views of our community, and policymakers have been listening.

NIAC calls on Iranian Government to end political detentions and violence against protesters
Monday, June 29, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran since the country's disputed elections on June 12.

NIAC Welcomes Obama's Strong Condemnation of Violence by Iran's Government
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council welcomes President Obama's condemnation of human rights abuses by the Iranian government and its use of violence against peaceful protesters.

NIAC Memo: What Obama Must Do Now On Iran
Monday, June 22, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Tehran is being rocked. Convinced that the landslide victory of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad June 12 was a fraud, hundreds of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets. Clashes with security forces have left at least 19 dead, according to the official count.

NIAC Calls for New Election in Iran
Saturday, June 20, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council strongly condemns the government of Iran's escalating violence against demonstrators and reiterates its demand that the government cease using lethal force against unarmed protesters and bystanders. The only plausible way to end the violence is for new elections to be held with independent monitors ensuring its fairness.

Amnesty International Denounces Khamenei's Remarks
Friday, June 19, 2009
By: Parisa Ghobbeh
Amnesty International released a statement today denouncing Ayatollah Khamenei's remarks regarding the Iranian post-election demonstrations. Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa program stated, "We are extremely disturbed at statements made by Ayatollah Khamenei which seem to give the green light to security forces to violently handle protesters exercising their right to demonstrate and express their views."

NIAC condemns post-election violence
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council condemns the Iranian government's use of violence against demonstrators in Tehran and cities across Iran. "We condemn the violations of the human rights of the Iranian people," said NIAC President Trita Parsi.

Iran Election Violence: What Should the US Do?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, DC - As the dramatic events in Iran continue to unfold, the thoughts and concerns of all of us here at NIAC are with the Iranian people and with the loved ones of all Iranian Americans who have been affected by the events of the last few days.

NIAC Memo: Why Iran's Presidential Race Could Make a Difference
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
By: Babak Rahimi - Analysis
Iran's presidential election is promising to be a major showdown. In what is shaping up to be a highly contested - yet limited - political arena, the upcoming election arrays competing factions that range from pragmatic conservatives to liberal reformists.

Iran Condemned for Child Execution
Friday, May 1, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Delara Darabi was executed earlier today in Rasht prison for a crime committed when she was under the age of 18. According to Amnesty International, her lawyer was not informed about the execution, "despite the legal requirement that he should receive 48 hours notice."

NIAC Memo: Why Roxana?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Tehran's sentencing of Roxana Saberi to eight years of prison for spying has shocked people inside and outside the country. At a time when President Barack Obama is seeking a dialogue with Tehran, what kind of a signal does Roxana's sentencing send, especially given that the trial failed to meet the basic standards set by international conventions to which Iran is party?

NIAC Condemns Iran's Jailing of Iranian-American Journalist
Sunday, April 19, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
Washington, DC - The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemns the government of Iran's dubious trial and jailing of Roxana Saberi. On Saturday, Saberi was convicted by an Iranian court on charges of espionage and given an eight-year prison sentence.

Iranian woman fearful of execution for crime committed as juvenile
Thursday, April 16, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Delara Darabi, 22, who has been detained in Rasht Prison since 2003 after being sentenced to death for a crime she committed at the age of 17, is "at imminent risk of being executed," according to her lawyer and Amnesty International.

NIAC Welcomes Secretary of State's Appeal for Missing Americans in Iran
Thursday, April 2, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
"We ask Iran to use its facilities to determine the whereabouts and ensure the quick and safe return of Robert Levinson, and grant the release of Roxana Saberi, and permission to travel for Roxana Saberi and Esha Momeni," said Secretary of State Clinton.

NIAC Memo: Iraqi Provincial Elections - What Tehran Has Lost
Thursday, March 5, 2009
By: Babak Rahimi - Analysis
The Iraqi provincial elections have been largely interpreted as a serious blow to Iran. While it signals a major defeat for Iran's hardliners, it is actually a significant strategic victory for its pragmatists.

NIAC Condemns Incarceration of Iranian-American Journalist
Monday, March 2, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
Washington, DC - The National Iranian American Council strongly condemns the recent arrest and incarceration of Iranian American Roxana Saberi and Iran's continuing pattern of human rights violations and targeting of the Iranian-American community. The Iranian-American community is deeply saddened and troubled by this event.

House Resolution Sheds Light on Iran's Violation of Baha'is Religious Freedom
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
By: Sahar Jooshani - News
Last Friday, Representative Mark S. Kirk introduced H. Res. 175, "condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights."

Women's right defender imprisoned in Iran
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Last Thursday, Alieh Eghdam Doost, who was arrested for demonstrating in the June 12, 2006 Hafte Tir Square protest against discriminatory laws, was taken under guard from her home in Fouman City, Iran to the Revolutionary Courts Office of Implementation of Sentences to serve a mandatory 3 year prison sentence. This will be the first sentence implemented in the case of a women's rights activist in Iran.

Tehran condemned over stoning executions
Thursday, January 15, 2009
By: Natasha Assadi - News
Iran's judiciary confirmed on Tuesday that two men convicted of adultery were stoned to death at a cemetery in Mashhad, Iran in December. A third man was spared after he was able to dig himself out of the stoning hole.

International organizations condemn Ebadi persecution
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
By: Aisan Raisdana - News
The headquarters of Shirin Ebadi's Center for the Defense of Human Rights was shut down on December 21 by Iranian authorities just hours prior to a commemoration ceremony for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Iran Raids Human Rights Center
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
By: Hormoz Rashidi - News
Iranian authorities raided the office of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi and her Center for Defenders of Human Rights yesterday, seizing computers and confidential information about clients.

NIAC Memo: Iran's About Face on the Status of Forces Agreement
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
By: Dr. Babak Rahimi - Analysis
The recent approval of the security pact by the Iraqi Cabinet, which would require Washington to withdraw its forces by the end of 2011, marks a new development in U.S.-Iran relations.

NIAC calls on Iranian authorities to honor the human rights of Esha Momeni
Friday, October 31, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
Esha Momeni, a graduate student at the School of Communications, Media and Arts at California State University, Northridge was arrested in Tehran on October 15, 2008 and detained in section 209 of Iran's Evin Prison - an area under the control of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence.

Iranian-American student arrested in Iran, groups call for release
Friday, October 24, 2008
By: Patrick Disney - News
A graduate student from California State University-Northridge has been imprisoned in Iran for more than a week, with calls for her release going unheeded by Iranian authorities, according to rights groups and media reports.

UN issues report on Human Rights in Iran, expresses concern over violations
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
By: Patrick Disney - News
Iran has taken a number of positive steps toward improved economic, social, and political rights, but widespread human rights violations continue and Iranian officials must do more to meet international standards, according to a recent United Nations report.

Iran Backtracks on Vow to Cease Juvenile Executions
Sunday, October 19, 2008
By: Rebecca Schiel - News
Iran's state media outlet announced Wednesday that the practice of executing juveniles will be ended. Additionally, juveniles who had been sentenced to death and are awaiting execution would have their sentences commuted to life with the possibility of parole. The Iranian judiciary later backtracked and said that only executions for drug offenses will be ended.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights Condemns Juvenile Executions in Iran
Thursday, September 4, 2008
By: Rebecca Schiel - News
The Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights at the UN spoke out on the juvenile executions in Iran in a statement this week saying "These executions appear to be in clear violation of international law which contains an absolute prohibition of the death penalty for juvenile offenders."

Iranian Women's Rights Advocates Score Stunning Victory
Thursday, September 4, 2008
By: Rebecca Schiel - News
After experiencing severe criticism and opposition from women's rights advocates, the "Family Protection Bill" was sent indefinitely back to the Judiciary Commission of the Iranian Parliament. It looks as though in this battle, Iran's women's rights activists have been triumphant.

NIAC Statement on Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, August 28, 2008
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council expresses grave concern about the human rights situation in Iran and urges the government of Iran to respect the internationally recognized rights of its citizens.

NIAC position on Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, August 28, 2008
By: NIAC Statement
NIAC has issued a position statement on the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran. The statement expresses grave concern about the human rights situation in Iran and urges the government of Iran to respect the internationally recognized rights of its citizens.

Amnesty International Condemns Iran for Youth Execution
Thursday, August 21, 2008
By: Hormoz Rashidi - News
Amnesty International condemned Iran for the July 19 hanging of Reza Hejazi and called on Tehran to halt all executions of juvenile offenders in accordance with International Law. Hejazi was executed in Isfahan central prison for his involvement in a murder when he was 15 years old.

Amnesty International condemns human violations against Kurds in Iran
Friday, August 1, 2008
By: Farid Zareie - News
Amnesty International recently published a 57-page report condemning the cultural discrimination and human rights abuses that the estimated 12 million ethnic Kurds living in Iran face. The report cites dozens of cases where alleged Kurdish criminals were subjected to flawed trials, inadequate defense, and excessive penalties including numerous cases where the defendants were sentenced to death.

Mass Executions at Evin Prison in Iran
Monday, July 28, 2008
By: Arash Hadjialiloo - News
According to Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, 29 executions by hanging occurred on Sunday morning at Evin Prison in Tehran. An article from the BBC reports the prisoners had been charged with a wide array of crimes including murder, rape, armed robbery and drug trafficking.

Iran Human Rights Violations Continue New Cases of Stoning and Arrests
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
By: Arash Hadjialiloo - News
New developments in Iran's foreign policy have yet again allowed its human rights violations to go widely unreported. As of July 15, the BBC had reported Iran plans to stone "at least" eight women and one man for various sex crimes, ranging from adultery to incest and prostitution. The lawyers representing the women have warned that all nine people could be executed at any moment despite a 2002 moratorium on stoning ordered by Iranian judiciary chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi. It is believed that at least three people have been executed by stoning in Iran since the supposed suspension.

Iranian Civil Society Urges US to End "Democracy Fund," Ease Sanctions
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
By: Patrick Disney - News
A group of Iranian scientists, humanitarians, and social service workers has sent a letter to President Bush and members of Congress urging them to abolish the controversial "Iran Democracy Fund" and to ease US sanctions on Iran. According to the group, this will allow greater collaboration through people-to-people exchange and strengthen the cultural and educational ties between our two countries

NIAC Memo: Larijani's Election Can Boost Congressional Diplomacy
Thursday, June 5, 2008
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Iranian Nobel prize laureate Shirin Ebadi has long argued that the United States and Iran need to have a dialogue with each other at three different levels: between their executive branches, between their civil societies and between their legislatures.

Iran Sentences Juvenile Offender to Death, Defies International Treaties
Thursday, June 5, 2008
By: Caroline Tarpey - News
Iranian citizen Mohammad Feda'i faces execution for a murder he committed in reported self-defense when he was 17 years old. According to an alert by Amnesty International, Feda'i was "convicted after an unfair trial" in which his testimony was inadequately reviewed and for which he did not have full and fair legal representation. "As a state party to both the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Iran has undertaken not to execute juvenile offenders: those convicted of crimes committed when they were under the age of 18," Amnesty International reports. The judges' written verdict acknowledged that Feda'i committed murder in self-defense and did not have "adequate" representation. Yet, the judges handed down a death sentence in the same document.

Iranian NGOs to U.S.: "Don't Send us Money."
Monday, June 2, 2008
By: Arash Hadjialiloo - News
Massachusetts Representative Bill Delahunt ended the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight hearing by echoing words he heard from Iranian Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in response to increased American pro-democracy funding: "We hear from Iran, for example, 'don't send us money, it stigmatizes us.'"

Human Rights Situation in Iran Continues to Deteriorate, Groups Report
Thursday, May 22, 2008
By: Patrick Disney - News
Iran continues to rank second in the world for executions, according to Amnesty International, with 317 people put to death last year. That figure nearly doubled the number of prisoners executed in Iran the previous year. Only China performed more executions in 2007.

Shirin Ebadi answers questions
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
By: NIAC Staff - News
For many Iranian Americans, Shirin Ebadi is a household name. As an Iranian lawyer and human rights activist--and the first Iranian Nobel Peace Prize recipient (2003)--her efforts are a point of pride for the Iranian-American community, many of whom hope to follow her lead.

Video of NIAC's Senate Conference Panel I
Thursday, April 24, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC's Senate conference "Breaking the US-Iran Stalemate" is now available on youtube. Below are the clips from Panel I: New Majles, New Challenges?

Video of NIAC's Senate Conference "Breaking the US-Iran Stalemate"
Thursday, April 24, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC's Senate conference "Breaking the US-Iran Stalemate" with Senator Dianne Feinstein, Ambassador Tom Pickering and Dr. Hans Blix is now available on youtube.

Human Rights and Islam in Iran
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
By: Daniel Robinson - News
At a February 15 briefing at the Women's Foreign Policy Group, Dr. Abdulaziz Sachedina, argued that the U.S. must pursue dialogue with Iran, and that dialogue must start with the human rights question. We cannot remain indifferent to any culture or community that fails to respect human rights for any person," he said.

Questions Remain about Iran Democracy Fund
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By: Emily Blout - News
In a controversial move last month, Congress appropriated $60 million for a package of State Department programs designed to "promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Iran," in part, by funding the activities of Iranian dissident groups.

NIAC Memo: Iran's "Unduly Provocative" Act against the US Navy?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
Unduly provocative" was the term used by Vice Admiral Kevin J. Cosgriff, who commands U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, to characterize the incident that just took place between the Islamic Revolution's Guard Corps and the US Navy

NIAC Memo: Iran in the Shadow of Annapolis
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
In light of the National Intelligence Estimate on Iran released last week, the Bush administration's choice to exclude Iran from the Annapolis meeting in late November looks all the more foolhardy.

Kar: The Mother of Democracy is Freedom of Expression
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
By: Sam Fayyaz
South Hadley, Massachusetts Prominent attorney, author, and human rights activist Mehrangiz Kar urged a predominantly student audience at Mount Holyoke College to "work on promoting discussion on human rights in Iran" earlier this October. Kar's lecture "'With Determined Spirits: Activism and Contemporary Women's Rights in Iran," was the inaugural event in Holyoke College's special lecture series "Bearing Witness" sponsored by the Weissman Center for Leadership and the Liberal Arts.

WSJ Op-ed Attacks Iranian Americans for Backing Iran's Leading Democracy Activists
Friday, October 19, 2007
By: NIAC Staff
For Immediate release Contact: Trevor Fitzgibbon Fenton Communications 202 246 5303 Washington DC The debate on the controversial Iran "democracy promotion" program reached new heights on Monday. A Wall Street Journal op-ed attacked Iranian Americans echoing the calls of Iranian activists to reprogram the State department funding. The funding has played into the hands of the Iranian government and divided Iranian activists, opponents point out.

Groups Urge Congress to Stop Funding Failed Iran "Democracy" Program
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
By: Emily Blout
For Immediate release Contact: Trevor Fitzgibbon Fenton Communications 202 246 5303 Washington DC - Twenty-six organizations issued a joint letter today calling on Congress to eliminate or reprogram the $75 million proposed for the State Department "Iran democracy promotion" programs. The groups, citing overwhelming opposition to the program by activists inside Iran, urge Congress to reconsider the program due to the harm it has done to the very values and people the US funding aims to assist.

NIAC Welcomes Release of Iranian Americans
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
By: NIAC Staff
Contact: Trevor FitzGibbon Fenton Communications 202-246-5303 Concern for other prisoners remains Washington DC - The National Iranian American Council welcomes the release and impending repatriation of three Iranian Americans detained in Iran for the past several months. Just one day after Haleh Esfandiari's departure from Iran, authorities have returned the passport of Parnaz Azima and have announced the release of Kian Tajbakhsh on bail. NIAC remains cautiously hopeful that a fourth Iranian American, Ali Shakeri, will soon be released as well.

NIAC Publishes Transcripts and Video of Human Rights Conference on Capitol Hill
Thursday, August 23, 2007
By: NIAC Staff
Washington DC - The transcripts and video of the National Iranian American Council's conference on Human Rights in Iran on July 26, 2007 on Capitol Hill are now available online. The conference, titled "Human Rights in Iran and US foreign policy op" featured numerous high-power speakers, including Alex Arriaga (Amnesty International), Joe Stork (Human Rights Watch), John Tirman (MIT), Laura Secor (The New Yorker) as well as Congressmen Jim Moran (D-VA), Mike Honda (D-CA) and Tom Tancredo (R-CO).

Iran Human Rights Violations, US Policy Criticized at NIAC Conference
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
By: NIAC Staff
Washington DC - "I am incensed by what has happened to Haleh Esfandiari," said Congressmen James Moran (D-VA) addressing a packed room on Capitol Hill last Thursday. Moran, an outspoken critic of human rights violators, was just one of the many distinguished panelists who spoke at NIAC's second major Capitol Hill policy conference of the year. The arrest of Dr. Esfandiari and other Iranian Americans, the Virginia lawmaker continued, was an indication of the "utter lack of courage and conscience on the part of the current Iranian leadership. It's inexcusable and it shows how isolated Tehran has become."

NIAC Memo: Iran's Security Outlook
Friday, July 13, 2007
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
Widespread apprehension attended the June 2005 election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, at least among those Iranians who had approved of the country's direction under the reformist clerics led by President Mohammad Khatami.

NIAC Memo: Iraq - One-Sided Focus on Iran's Role Counterproductive
Thursday, July 12, 2007
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
Too often overlooked in the U.S.-Iran policy debate is the reality that for either the U.S. or Iran to achieve their objectives in Iraq, the other must be relatively successful as well. It is this complexity and interdependence that underscores the danger of painting U.S.-Iran relations in Iraq as a zero-sum game.

Congress Debates Need for Change in Democracy Rhetoric Towards Iran, Middle East
Thursday, June 14, 2007
By: Emily Blout
Washington DC - At a Subcommittee hearing in the House of Representatives yesterday, academics and Congressmen wrangled over the issue of the US human rights double-standard and "democracy promotion" in Iran. The International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight Subcommittee hearing entitled "Is There a Human Rights Double Standard? U.S. Policy Toward Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Uzbekistan" was the second in a series addressing the disparities in US foreign policy.

Representatives Moran and Van Hollen Call for Release of Esfandiari
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
By: NIAC Staff
Washington DC - Representatives James Moran (D-VA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) have taken the lead in Congress in calling for the release of prominent Iranian American scholar Dr. Haleh Esfandiari. Dr. Esfandiari was imprisoned by Iranian authorities on May 8 after months of interrogation. She is accused of being a spy and plotting to foment a 'soft' revolution in Iran.

NIAC condemns arrest of Iranian American scholars
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
By: NIAC Staff
Contact: Trevor FitzGibbon Fenton Communications 202-246-5303 Iranian hardline factions seek to prevent diplomacy through these egregious acts Washington DC - The National Iranian American Council condemns the imprisonment of respected social scientist Kian Tajbakhsh by Iranian authorities on May 11 and calls for his immediate release. Tajbakhsh is the fourth individual with dual US-Iranian citizenship to be detained in the last few weeks by the Iranian government.

NIAC deplores Tehran's arrest of Iranian-Americans
Thursday, May 10, 2007
By: NIAC Staff
Contact: Trevor FitzGibbon Fenton Communications 202-246-5303 Statement by Dr. Trita Parsi, National Iranian American Council Washington DC - Tehran's arrest of several Iranian-American visitors to Iran, including most recently a prominent Iranian-American academic, is a deplorable step that has sent chills throughout the Iranian-American community. The inexplicable targeting of Iranian-American individuals is causing great concern in a community that cherishes the ability to visit Iran and maintain close contacts with friends and family there, despite the tense political situation between the two countries.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch Condemn Detention of Iranian Women
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
By: Sara Shokravi
Washington DC - Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned last Sunday's arrests of 33 women activists in Iran. The arrest followed a peaceful demonstration by the women in their Campaign for Equality which sought to reform discriminatory legislation against women.

NIAC Memo: Iran Is Key to Course Change on Iraq
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Two political earthquakes hit the United States this week. On Tuesday, the Democrats took control of Congress, and the following day, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was replaced by Robert Gates, a member of the senior Bush's foreign policy team.

NIAC Memo: Iran's French Offer - Can It Bridge The Political Divide?
Monday, October 2, 2006
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
Iran floated the idea of a French consortium this morning, led by EURODIF, to oversee Iran's uranium enrichment activities. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana noted that the idea was "interesting" and should be examined further.

Akbar Ganji Favors Nonviolent Resistance to Policies of the Islamic Republic
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian - News
The once imprisoned journalist and writer's visit to the USA was intended to raise awareness about human rights violations and to appeal for the release of other political prisoners in Iran.

Senate Appropriators Fully Fund Iran Democracy Initiatives
Friday, April 21, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian - News
On April 5, 2006, the Senate Appropriations Committee by a wide margin approved a war and hurricane relief supplemental spending plan which included $75 million in funding for Iran pro-democracy programs.

Iran Ethnic Minorities Seek US Help to Topple the Iranian Regime
Monday, March 6, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian and Billy Dume - News
A consortium of political ethnic opposition leaders from Iran appealed for active US support against the Iranian government in Washington today. Delivering remarks to Congressional staffers, the panel comprised of spokespersons for exiled Kurdish, Azeri, and Arab groups, who all advocated for external and internal support to end what one panelist described as 80 years of "systematic cultural genocide" by Iran's Persian majority.

AN ISLAMIC REFORMATION?
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
By: NIAC Staff
Reza Aslan author of the highly praised "No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and the Future of Islam," gave a spirited dinner lecture at Au Pied Bistro in Georgetown Sunday. The issue at hand is Islam, and, more specifically, the future of this; or, as Aslan puts it, its evolutionary "reformation."

Aslan: Isolation of Iran Enables Human Rights Violations
Sunday, September 25, 2005
By: NIAC Staff
Reza Aslan, author of No god but God, deemed the current U.S. strategy to overthrow Iran's regime as "failing," in a program hosted by the Bay Area Iranian American Democrats (BAIAD) on September 22.

Brownback Panel: Human Rights Situation in Iran Deteriorating
Friday, June 17, 2005
By: Ehsan Tabesh - News
Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), at a hearing on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe this past Thursday, described the human rights situation in Iran as "deteriorating."

9/11 Commission Report and NSEERS: Request For Stories
Tuesday, May 4, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Shirin Ebadi, the Iranian lawyer and human rights activist awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003, spoke on "Islam, Democracy and Human Rights" at the University of Maryland, College Park, while receiving an honorary doctorate from the university.

NIAC Representatives Tour Bam, Meet With Relief Organizations
Monday, February 23, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC representatives Dokhi Fassihian and Hadi Ghaemi toured the earthquake-devastated city of Bam on January 22-23.

Dr. Mansour Farhang Addresses Human Rights and Democracy in Iran
Saturday, March 29, 2003
By: Hiromi Hayashi - News
On Tuesday, March 25, Former Iranian Ambassador to the UN, Dr. Mansour Farhang, gave a lecture entitled "Iran: The Challenge of Theocracy to Universal Human Rights Advocacy" at Georgetown University. The meeting was organized by Amnesty International and "Students for Progress & Development in Iran".