Another reminder there is no free press in Iran. Reporters Without Borders ranks the Regime as one of the most repressive nations—the Regime is classified at 173 of 180 ranked countries. See “Germany warns reporter that Iran could take her as political hostage,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, May 3, 2020.
As a lawyer, I understand the value of the group representing the profession—to debate, reform, provide competent representation, strive for justice in soceity, the list is long. When you read this article you realize how much the Regime wants to control the country and to keep legal issues from having lawyers involved at all. Shocking. “More Than 12,000 Lawyers In Iran Reject Move To Dismantle Bar Association,” Radio Farda, May 3, 2020.
So either it happened, or it didn’t. Will Iran’s version hold up? The Iranian consulate in Herat dismissed the reports. “Probe into claims Afghan migrants forced into river by Iran guards,” AFP, Guardian, May 3, 2020. See also “Afghanistan investigates reports Iran guards forced migrants into river,” BBC, May 3, 2020.
Iran holds the annual threatening demonstrations of Quds Day on the last Friday of Ramadan. It is the only event in the world in which one country calls for the destruction of another. This is the first time I can think of it has been cancelled! “Iran Cancels Annual al-Quds Day anti-Israel Protests Amid Pandemic,” Haaertz, May 3, 2020. “Iran weighs holding its anti-Israel ‘Quds Day’ amid pandemic,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 3, 2020.
Yes, read the headline again. There are billions of dollars of profit at stake. These countries are trying to steal the research on a vaccine. “Hackers from Iran, Russia Target UK Universities to Steal Vaccine Secrets,” Asharq Al-Awsat, May 3, 2020.
“Paper of Iran’s leader accuses Germany of terrorism in antisemitic tirade,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, May 3, 2020.
Iran claimed 47 more fatalities from coronavirus on Saturday, reported Sunday. “Iran’s coronavirus death toll rises 47 to 6,203,” AA, May 3, 2020.
I rarely put on my blog what The Express says, as it carries sensational-type of news. But this story has enough of a reality feel—ferrying millions of dollars from Iran to Lebanon in suitcases for Hezbollah—that I will post it and look for verification. “Iranian spies ‘smuggle millions to terrorists’ in Lebanon and Syria,” Marco Giannangeli, Exress, May 3, 2020.