Hajir is a journalist currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. In Iran, Hajir worked as an editor and reporter for the Jaras and Kalemeh websites. Now residing in Sweden, Hajir works as a freelance journalist with the Voice of America (VOA) and BBC Persian. Additionally, he has authored a series of ...

Tension between voters and Iranian protesters in Sweden outside the polling station of the Islamic Republic's embassy

28 Jun 2024  |  ir.voanews.com  |  Persian  |  Elections

Tension arose between voters and Iranian protesters in Sweden outside the polling station of the Islamic Republic's embassy. The article highlights the conflict between those participating in the elections and those protesting against the Iranian government.

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Islamic Republic of Iran

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Potkin Azarmehr is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Khamenei’s Son Suspends His Religious Lectures

27 Sept 2024  |  spectator.org  |  English  |  Succession

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's Supreme Leader, has unexpectedly suspended his religious lectures, sparking speculation about his future role in Iran's leadership. While some view this as a move towards succession, others suggest security concerns or clerical scrutiny as reasons. Mojtaba's increasing visibility and connections within Iran's power structures suggest a potential dynastic succession, despite criticisms of his religious credentials. The article explores the implications of his potential leadership, suggesting a mix of austerity and pragmatic reform to secure legitimacy and reduce tensions.

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Islamic Republic of Iran IRGC Hezbollah

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James Brooks is a journalist based in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Children of imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi accept the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf

10 Dec 2023  |  Texomashomepage.com  |  English  |  Iran Protests

Narges Mohammadi, an imprisoned Iranian activist, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her activism in women's rights, democracy, and against the death penalty. Her teenage twins, Kiana and Ali Rahmani, accepted the prize in Oslo on her behalf. Mohammadi, currently in a Tehran prison, has been a prominent figure in the protests following Mahsa Amini's death. Despite being barred from attending, Mohammadi's message of hope and resistance was conveyed through her children's speeches. The Nobel Committee praised her lifelong struggle for human rights, and the event highlighted the broader fight for women's rights in Iran and globally.

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Islamic Republic of Iran Nobel Committee

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Una Cilic is a multimedia journalist, currently based in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Jailed Iranian Nobel Laureate Mohammadi Temporarily Released On Medical Grounds

04 Dec 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Nobel Peace Prize

Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist, has been temporarily released from prison for medical reasons following surgery. Her release, however, is not a medical furlough, meaning her time outside will be added to her sentence. The United Nations has called for her unconditional release, highlighting the ongoing human rights issues in Iran. Mohammadi has been a vocal critic of Iran's government and has faced multiple imprisonments over the years. Her recent Nobel Peace Prize was accepted by her children in Oslo, where she criticized Iran's government. The article underscores the international advocacy for her release and the broader human rights concerns in Iran.

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Islamic Republic of Iran United Nations

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Norma Costello is a journalist based in Dublin, Ireland.

The Capital of Iran Has a Burger Joint Dedicated to an IRA Hunger Striker

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Revolutionary Movements

In Tehran, a burger joint named 'Bobby Sands' honors the IRA hunger striker, reflecting Iran's deep respect for martyrdom. Founded in 1982, the restaurant is a cultural symbol, with its owner Mohammed expressing admiration for Sands' sacrifice. The article explores the historical and cultural connections between Iran's revolutionary ideals and Sands' legacy, highlighting the unique intersection of food and political reverence.

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Islamic Republic of Iran IRA British Embassy

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Ahmed Fathi is a UN Correspondent and, global affairs analyst based in New York, NY and available for international assignments.

Escalating Tensions in the Middle East: The High Stakes Game of Geopolitics

10 Oct 2023  |  www.amerinews.tv  |  English  |  Israel-Palestine Relations

Recent escalations in the Middle East have seen Hamas launching rockets towards Israel, resulting in significant casualties and a swift military response from Israel. The conflict appears to be aimed at disrupting normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel, backed by the United States. The situation has drawn varied international reactions, with the US affirming support for Israel, the EU condemning Hamas, and the UN calling for diplomatic efforts. The crisis threatens to further destabilize the region, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.

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Islamic Republic of Iran Hamas Muslim Brotherhood Israeli Air Force United States Saudi Arabia European Union United Nations UN Security Council

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Ali Fathollah-Nejad is a political scientist based in Berlin, Germany.

Iran's Regime Loses More and More Support: How an Election Became a Fiasco for the Rulers

01 Oct 2023  |  www.tagesspiegel.de  |  German  |  Protests

The article discusses the declining support for Iran's regime, highlighted by the historically low voter turnout in recent elections. Despite official claims of high participation, actual figures suggest widespread disillusionment. The regime's legitimacy is further eroded by internal corruption, economic struggles, and a disconnect between its rhetoric and actions. The growing public dissatisfaction, evidenced by protests and election boycotts, poses a significant challenge to the regime's stability. The West faces the task of interpreting these signals and adjusting its Iran policy accordingly.

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Islamic Republic of Iran Revolutionary Guards Guardian Council

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I am a photographer and multi-platform visual journalist primarily covering South and Southeast Asia.
At the moment, I'm based In Ireland.
My work has been published in :
Aljazeera English, CNN.com, The Bangkok Post, Dumbo Feather, ESPN the Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, The Independent (UK), ...

It was a warzone. Iranian security forces beat, shot and detained students of elite Tehran university, witnesses say, as crackdown escalates

03 Oct 2023  |  Egypt Independent  |  English  |  Iranian Government Crackdown

Iranian security forces, including the Revolutionary Guard Corps, violently cracked down on students at Tehran's Sharif University, detaining and shooting at them during protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. The protests, which have spread across Iran, are driven by grievances over economic issues, civil rights, and ethnic marginalization. Despite the government's harsh response, including the use of banned gases and threats, the demonstrators, particularly the younger generation, remain defiant. The Sharif University Students Islamic Association has called for a halt to classes until all detained students are released, while solidarity actions continue in Tehran. The Iranian regime faces its most significant domestic challenge in years, with little indication of concessions.

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Sharif University Students Islamic Association Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Sharif University Amnesty International

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I am Sina Ghanbarpour, born in Ahvaz, Iran.
I started working in Iran in 1999. I worked in newspapers such as "Doran Emrooz", "Hayat No", "Hamshahri", "Etemad" and "Payam e Ma". During these years, I wrote reports for the magazine "Zenan". Also, from 1993 to 2013, I was the editor of a magazine ...

Railway Crisis; Iran's Railway Industry Derails

11 Dec 2023  |  iranwire.com  |  Persian  |  Economic Challenges

Iran's railway industry faces a severe crisis due to a shortage of locomotives and grounded trains, disrupting intercity travel. The demand for train tickets far exceeds the available capacity, with significant issues arising from the purchase of Siemens and Alstom locomotives, which are not well-suited to Iran's infrastructure and climate. The article highlights the impact of past government decisions, including the transfer of the railway company to the Social Security Organization as debt repayment, which has exacerbated the industry's challenges. Experts emphasize the need for better maintenance, investment, and strategic planning to address these issues.

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Islamic Republic of Iran Railways Iranian Railways Social Security Organization

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I am an Iranian-American Journalist and Iran Analyst.
 When I was 14 I was lucky enough to get a work experience placement at newspaper in Iran. That was begining, From 1997 through today and I have worked with such as great Media inside and outside of Iran. 
I worked as a beat reporter for many ...

Iranian President, Saudi Crown Prince Speak For First Time Since Diplomatic Ties Restored

10 Oct 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Middle East Politics

Iranian President and Saudi Crown Prince engage in their first conversation since restoring diplomatic ties, marking a significant step in Middle Eastern diplomacy. The article also covers the low voter turnout in Iran's presidential election, reflecting public disillusionment with the regime. Reformist candidate Masud Pezeshkian and hard-liner Saeed Jalili will face off in a runoff, with Pezeshkian's supporters advocating for change. The article highlights the broader political landscape, including Canada's designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization and the ongoing challenges faced by Iranian activists and reformists.

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Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Islamic Republic of Iran Saudi Arabia

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Niloofar Gholami is a journalist based in Ankara, Turkey.

I'm currently working as a social media manager covering Iran's news. I have experience of working on a documentary as researcher and episode writer.
I speak English fluently and Persian as a native.
I'm a political activist and news ...

Iran 'morality police' under scrutiny after girl put in coma

10 Oct 2023  |  www.dw.com  |  English  |  Political Repression

Activists have accused Iran's 'morality police' of beating 16-year-old Armita Geravand in Tehran, resulting in her falling into a coma. The incident, which occurred at a metro station allegedly due to her not wearing a hijab, has led to her hospitalization at a military hospital with strict security and no family visitation allowed. This event echoes the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, who died in custody of the 'morality police', sparking significant anti-government protests. Iranian officials claim Geravand fainted due to low blood pressure, but activists and international observers are skeptical, demanding the release of full video footage. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has called the situation 'unbearable' and an independent international investigation has been demanded by the NGO Iran Human Rights.

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Iran's government news agency (IRNA) Iran's Sharq newspaper Iran's Faraz Daily Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force Iran's 'morality police' Hamshahri newspaper

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Michael Horowitz is a journalist based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

Israel’s Moment of Peril — and Promise

01 Jun 2024  |  The Jewish Voice  |  English  |  Abraham Accords

The article reviews Michael Horowitz's book 'Hope and Despair: Israel’s Future in the New Middle East,' which examines Israel's current geopolitical challenges and opportunities. It highlights the threat posed by Iran and its proxies, as well as the improved relations with Arab states through the Abraham Accords. The book critiques the Palestinian Authority's leadership and the lack of progress in peace talks, while also noting the impact of U.S. administrations on regional dynamics. Despite some omissions, the book is praised for its detailed analysis of Israeli and Palestinian politics.

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Islamic Republic of Iran Israel Defense Forces Palestinian Authority United States Trump administration Biden administration

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Meir Javedanfar is a journalist based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

Inside Iran’s Quds Day Celebration of October 7

23 Jun 2024  |  nationalinterest.org  |  English  |  Terrorism

Iran's Quds Day, marked on the last Friday of Ramadan, was used by the Islamic Republic to promote anti-Israel sentiment and celebrate the October 7 attacks by Hamas. The event included a conference titled 'Flood of the Free,' attended by leaders of U.S.-designated terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials praised the attacks and reiterated threats against Israel. The event also coincided with the mourning of IRGC officers killed in Damascus, which the regime used to boost public participation. Despite claims of increased turnout, many Iranians, especially the youth, remain indifferent or opposed to the regime's hostile policies towards Israel, which have led to diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions.

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Palestinian Islamic Jihad Islamic Republic of Iran Hamas Hezbollah Ansarallah IRGC

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Amir kalhor is a journalist.

Forbidden love

05 Nov 2023  |  www.derrynow.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

The article reflects on the stark contrast between the acceptance of LGBTQ individuals in Derry, United Kingdom, and the persecution they face in Iran. It highlights the history of tolerance towards homosexuality in Iran during the Pahlavi era, which changed after the Islamic Revolution when Sharia laws were implemented. The current Iranian government promotes gender reassignment to align with traditional gender roles, while homosexuality is not recognized as an identity and is met with discrimination, harassment, and violence.

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Islamic Republic of Iran

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Niranjan Marjani is a journalist based in Vadodara, India.

Ripples in World Waters

15 Mar 2024  |  raksha-anirveda.com  |  English  |  Security

The navies of Iran, China, and Russia conducted a naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman to enhance security and stability in the region. This exercise, named Security Bond-2024, aimed to strengthen maritime trade security, combat piracy and terrorism, and foster multilateral cooperation. The Iran-China-Russia alliance impacts the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the broader Indo-Pacific Region. Iran's maritime strategy focuses on asymmetric warfare and aligning with US adversaries to counter Western influence. China and Russia, as non-resident powers in the Indian Ocean, have strengthened their strategic presence through cooperation with Iran. The Western Indian Ocean, though less focused on by the Quad, remains crucial for countering China's influence. The trilateral cooperation between Iran, China, and Russia extends beyond the Red Sea, affecting the entire Indian Ocean.

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Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy Islamic Republic of Iran Navy Iranian Navy Chinese Navy Russian Navy US Navy Houthis Quad Belt and Road Initiative

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Youhanna Najdi is a journalist.

What message is Iran sending with the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd?

30 Oct 2024  |  www.dw.com  |  Croatian  |  International Relations

The execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-American citizen, by Iran has sparked international condemnation, particularly from Germany, whose officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, have expressed strong disapproval. Sharmahd was accused by Iran of leading a terrorist group and was executed amidst claims of torture and denial of legal rights. His daughter, Gazelle Sharmahd, criticized both the German and American governments for their inaction. The execution is seen as a message from Iran to suppress dissent, especially as the regime faces internal and external pressures. Human rights organizations warn of potential further executions of political prisoners in Iran.

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Islamic Republic of Iran German Foreign Ministry Amnesty International

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Spanish journalist based in İstanbul, Turkey. Currently working for newspapers, TV, radios and video agency –as a producer– from Istanbul and also from the region of the Middle East. I use to cover topics such as politics, migration or social issues. Regular contributor for CNN, Ruptly, Ara, El ...

Iran prepares for legislative elections marked by apathy and a call for boycott

29 Feb 2024  |  www.france24.com  |  Spanish  |  Political Unrest

Iran is set to hold legislative elections on March 1, with over 60 million Iranians eligible to vote for 290 parliamentary seats and 88 members of the Assembly of Experts. The elections are expected to be dominated by conservatives, amid widespread discontent over economic crises, protests, tensions with the West, and Iran's support for Russia in the Ukraine war. Human rights groups and critics have labeled the electoral process as unfair due to the disqualification of reformist and liberal factions. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has called for high voter turnout to 'save the country,' while public figures and activists, including Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, have urged a boycott. The death of Mahsa Amini in police custody has fueled feminist-led protests and a call for non-participation as a form of protest.

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Assembly of Experts Parliament of Iran Islamic Republic of Iran

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Filippo Poltronieri is a journalist based in Rome, Italy.

Who are the Iranians of Rome and how they live the conflict

21 Apr 2024  |  RomaToday  |  Italian  |  Conflict

The Iranian community in Rome is growing and diverse, partly due to the harsh repression of dissent in recent years. The community is concerned about the conflict involving drone and missile attacks on Israel, with individuals like Jasmine, who runs a business in central Rome and has family in both Israel and Tehran, feeling particularly anxious about the safety of their relatives.

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Islamic Republic of Iran

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Journalist interested in human rights and International news.
Coverage of Ukrainian crisis in 2014 from Kiev and Crimea.
Reporting conditions of Syrian and Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan. Investigation about violation of human rights towards Kurds in Southeastern Turkey. Feature Photo ...

What Remains of Mahsa Amini's Death and the Iran Protests One Year Later?

01 Oct 2023  |  inshallah.substack.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

One year after Mahsa Amini's death in police custody, the protests in Iran have highlighted the deep cultural, social, and political disconnect between the Iranian state and its society. Despite severe crackdowns, the movement has shifted to civil disobedience, with women and Gen Z at the forefront. The regime remains unyielding, and significant reforms have not been implemented. The protests have also influenced international politics, particularly the U.S. stance on the Iran nuclear deal. The Iranian diaspora has played a crucial role in supporting the protests, although internal disagreements have posed challenges.

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Iranian military Islamic Republic of Iran U.S. government

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LISA SCHLEIN is a freelance journalist based in Geneva, Switzerland.  My reporting is largely centered around United Nations activities, including human rights, humanitarian (refugee and migration) issues, international political events, health, environment and development with a focus on Africa.  
...

UN calls for halt to all executions in Iran as numbers surge

30 Apr 2024  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Death Penalty

The United Nations, led by human rights chief Volker Türk, has expressed deep concern over the rising number of executions in Iran, urging the country to halt all executions and consider abolishing the death penalty. In 2024, at least 901 people were executed, with many cases related to drug offenses and the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini's death. The UN highlights the lack of transparency in Iran's judicial system and calls for adherence to international standards, which restrict the death penalty to the most serious crimes. The International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran reported significant human rights violations, including the execution of women and minors.

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International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran Islamic Republic of Iran United Nations

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Richard Spencer is Middle East Correspondent for The Times of London, based in Beirut, Lebanon.

How powerful is Iran? The alliances Tehran has built around the world

15 Apr 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Military Alliances

Iran has built a network of alliances around the world by intertwining Shia Islamism and revolutionary anti-imperialism. These alliances include support from North Korea, Venezuela, and Russia, and extend to groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Iran's strategy involves using proxy organizations to exert influence and provoke adversaries like Israel without triggering all-out war. Despite its extensive network, Iran's direct military capabilities are limited compared to the US and Israel. The regime believes that sustained pressure and shifting global sentiments will eventually lead to Israel's collapse.

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Islamic Jihad Islamic Republic of Iran Hezbollah Hamas Houthis US Navy Israeli Air Force

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Jeff Stein has covered the spy agencies, military affairs and foreign policy in Washington for nearly 40 years. From 2013 to 2019, he was Newsweek's national security correspondent and SpyTalk columnist. His SpyTalk column originated in 2005 at Congressional Quarterly, where in 2003 he was the ...

U.S., Qatar agree to stop Iran from tapping $6 billion fund after Hamas attack

12 Oct 2023  |  www.seattletimes.com  |  English  |  Conflict

U.S. officials and Qatar have decided to prevent Iran from accessing a $6 billion humanitarian assistance account following a Hamas attack on Israel. This move, announced by Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, could have significant geopolitical consequences and has led to bipartisan criticism in the U.S. The Biden administration has faced accusations of indirectly funding the attack through the deal, which it has denied. The funds, originating from Iranian oil sales and transferred to Qatar, were intended for Iranian entities, not the government, for humanitarian purposes, subject to U.S. approval for each transaction. The administration has not publicly ruled out the possibility of unfreezing the funds in the future.

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Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran U.S. Department of the Treasury Hamas

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Will Tizard is a travel and business journalist and documentarian based in Prague, Czech Republic. He covers the film sector in Central and Eastern Europe for Variety and writes about the arts and culture for Time Out, National Geographic guides and Louis Vuitton.
With more than 20 years' ...

Mohammadi Blasts Iran's 'Despotic' Regime In Smuggled Nobel Acceptance Speech

10 Dec 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Nobel Peace Prize

Narges Mohammadi's children accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf, delivering a speech condemning Iran's oppressive regime. Mohammadi, a prominent advocate for women's rights, has been imprisoned since 2021. The article also covers the recent death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, which has significant implications for Iran's political landscape. Raisi, known for his hard-line stance and human rights abuses, was a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The crash has triggered a power struggle within Iran's conservative establishment, with various figures being considered for leadership roles. The article includes reactions from international and domestic stakeholders, highlighting the complex dynamics of Iranian politics and the ongoing struggle for human rights.

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Islamic Republic of Iran Nobel Committee Evin Prison

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