Newsletter Free Jamal!
Wednesday 31 March 2010
Global day of action for Jamal.
Today, Wednesday 31 March is a global day of action with protests in Vancouver, Toronto, Washington DC, London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Tokyo. Full reports to follow.
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Mission in Japan
Special Rep Farshad Hosseini arrived in Japan on Monday to lobby the Ministry of Justice, UNHCR and Jorge Bustamante, the UN’s special rapporteur on the human rights of migrants. And of course to see and speak with Jamal.
The global day of action for Jamal is coinciding with Mr Bustamante’s press conference in Tokyo to report on the findings of his mission. Farshad spoke at today’s press conference and spoke afterwards with Mr Bustamante and was also interviewed by several journalists on Jamal’s situation and the situation in Iran. Farshad reports that Mr Bustamante’s finding of the situation of migrants in Japan indicates that there are indeed serious issues that need to be addressed by the Japanese government, but more to come on this.
At 12 noon Farshad also attended a protest outside the detention centre in Tokyo where Jamal is held while simultaneously detainees inside protested too. There was another protest in front of the Ministry of Justice.
NB Mr Amemiya, a retired professor has published a book about refugees in Japan and part of the book is about Jamal and his situation. Mr Amemiya has met with Mr Bustamante and has given him the book.
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Visit to the Japanese embassy in London
At a follow-up visit to the Japanese embassy in London last week, Bahram Soroush (IFIR) and I saw First Secretary of the embassy Mr Yokote.
He told us that he had contacted the Japanese immigration authorities who are part of the Ministry of Justice in Japan and he said that the ‘experts on Iran’ saw no compelling reason not to deport Jamal. We explained to him the extent of Jamal’s activities and the danger he faces if he were to be returned to Iran. We talked at length about the human rights situation in Iran and Mr Yokote assured us that the Japanese government is aware and concerned about the situation. He stressed that Japan is not like Iran and that Japan is a democratic country. He vehemently denied any underhand dealings with the Iranian regime or any kind of pressure that Japan might be under from Iran. However, the only advice he had for us was to complain via the official channels in Japan. We asked him to relay our demands for Jamal to the Japanese government. We also informed him about the global day of action for Jamal and announced our presence in front of the embassy on 31 March.
Patty Debonitas, London, UK
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Reason for Jamal’s asylum application refusal
Farshad Hosseini informed us that Jamal’s asylum application was refused because the Ministry of Justice said that Jamal’s activities in Japan are not important enough for the Islamic Republic of Iran to persecute him if he were going be deported to Iran and also that the party he belongs to, the Worker-communist party of Iran, is neither big nor important enough in Iran for the Islamic regime to have an interest in Jamal. (We beg to differ!)
Farshad Hosseini also informed us about a drive by the Japanese government to deport many asylum seekers without legal position to clear a ‘backlog’. That means that last year alone 100.000 refugees were deported. And another 170.000 are on the list.
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Interview with Jamal
We have spoken to Jamal and have an interview with him which will be available soon
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Letters of support
Recently, CAW, the National Automobile, Aerospace, Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada, CGT and SUD unions in France, the Iranian-Canadian Centre in Victoria, Canada have all sent letters on behalf of Jamal to their respective Japanese embassies and consulates. The Persian Gay and Lesbian Liberators group in the UK has also sent their full support to the Free Jamal! campaign.
Please keep your letters and messages of support coming. Jamal needs them!
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Petition
We now have an online petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/Jamal10/petition.html
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Protest
Send protest letter to the Japanese Ministry of Justice and UNHCR in Japan straight from our online site:
http://hambastegi.ruzeroshan.com/jamalS/jamal291.php?nr=90828065&lang=en
We encourage you to also send your letter of protest to your local embassy/consulate. The link for addresses is here: http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html
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Other things to do
Suleiman Sigarchi from Canada has visited the office of a Member of Parliament and has also written to all other MPs about Jamal’s case. Please raise the issue with your MP.
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Other news
Mission Free Iran, a Washington-based group has staged its second Sunday protest this week in front of the Japanese embassy in Washington DC.
Amnesty International is in touch with Jamal’s lawyer and is checking into his legal situation.
For full info on the campaign and activities please go to our blog: http://freejamal.blogspot.com
Contact:
Patty Debonitas
+44 (0) 750 797 8745
freejamalcampaign@gmail.com
freejamal.blogspot.com
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Monday, 29 March 2010
Sunday, 28 March 2010
IS Vacouver's act
Iran Solidarity - Vancouver organises a hang out place (Patog) every Sunday 5 to 7 PM at 672 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC as its act of solidarity.
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Iran Solidarity on Trafalgar Square
We from Iran Solidarity UK spoke to people on Trafalgar Square about the case of Jamal Saberi today; an Iranian activist who has been detained in Japan to be deported to Iran. We let them know about the global day of protest on his behalf this coming Wednesday 31 March.
Friday, 26 March 2010
International League of Women's Rights act of solidarity
The International League of Women's Rights (LDIF), an NGO created by Simone de Beauvoir, is popularizing the message the League proclaimed at the foot of the Statue of Liberty by denouncing the Islamic veil as an insult to liberty, regardless of its size, form or color. The following slide show presents the photos taken during this manifestation. They have sent it to Iran Solidarity as an act in support of the women's liberation movement in Iran.
To see the video on youtube, click here.
To see the video on youtube, click here.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Siba Shakib's act of solidarity
See filmmaker Siba Shakib's message of solidarity:
THANK YOU!!! Just discovered your page and would like to offer any kind of support.
As a filmmaker and writer all my work and effort is going in the same direction. SEPARATE religion and state, liberate societies from forced religiosity.
THANK YOU!!! Just discovered your page and would like to offer any kind of support.
As a filmmaker and writer all my work and effort is going in the same direction. SEPARATE religion and state, liberate societies from forced religiosity.
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Meeting in Stockholm Sweden in solidarity with women in Iran
Independent World Report organised a meeting in Stockholm Sweden today as an act of solidarity with women in Iran. Equal Rights Now Spokesperson, Mahin Alipour, is a speaker at the event.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Global Day of Action against the anti-refugee policies of the Japanese government - 31 March 2010
23 March 2010
Press Release FCJ 1004
The Free Jamal! campaign announces 31 March 2010 a Global Day of Action against Japanese anti-refugee policies to coincide with the end of UN Special Rapporteur Jorge Bustamante’s mission to observe the human rights situation of migrants in the country and his scheduled press conference on that day in Tokyo.
Free Jamal! calls on all members and supporters of the campaign to hold demonstrations in front of Japanese embassies and consulates on 31 March to express their strongest objection at the Japanese government’s treatment of refugees.
Free Jamal! supports the struggle and the demands of thousands who are detained in the prisons of the Japanese Immigration Authorities and are highlighting the treatment of Jamal Saberi - a well-known women, worker and human rights’ activist for the people of Iran - by the Japanese Ministry of justice as a clear example of the unjust behaviour by the Japanese government towards refugees.
Free Jamal! demands the immediate release of Jamal Saberi, the repeal of his deportation order and that Japan must grant him refugee status.
Special representative of the Free Jamal! campaign, Farshad Hosseini, will be present in Tokyo next week to support the Global Day of Action locally.
The Japanese government and its Ministry of Justice should be aware that the whole world is watching their misbehaviour towards refugees and migrants, including Jamal Saberi who has been at the frontline of defending refugee rights in Japan for 18 years.
On 31 March Japanese officials will recognise that intending to deport Jamal Saberi as well as any underhand dealings with the Islamic Republic of Iran will be exposed and will cost Japan dearly as a consequence. The Free Jamal! campaign with all its members and supporters are determined to free Jamal Saberi and to realise all demands.
Hambastegi - International Federation of Iranian Refugees
Contact
Free Jamal! campaign: Patty Debonitas
Tel: +44 750 797 8745
Email: freejamalcampaign@gmail.com
Special representative in Japan: Farshad Hosseini
Tel: + 31 681285184
Email: farshadhoseini@yahoo.com
freejamal.blogspot.com
Press Release FCJ 1004
The Free Jamal! campaign announces 31 March 2010 a Global Day of Action against Japanese anti-refugee policies to coincide with the end of UN Special Rapporteur Jorge Bustamante’s mission to observe the human rights situation of migrants in the country and his scheduled press conference on that day in Tokyo.
Free Jamal! calls on all members and supporters of the campaign to hold demonstrations in front of Japanese embassies and consulates on 31 March to express their strongest objection at the Japanese government’s treatment of refugees.
Free Jamal! supports the struggle and the demands of thousands who are detained in the prisons of the Japanese Immigration Authorities and are highlighting the treatment of Jamal Saberi - a well-known women, worker and human rights’ activist for the people of Iran - by the Japanese Ministry of justice as a clear example of the unjust behaviour by the Japanese government towards refugees.
Free Jamal! demands the immediate release of Jamal Saberi, the repeal of his deportation order and that Japan must grant him refugee status.
Special representative of the Free Jamal! campaign, Farshad Hosseini, will be present in Tokyo next week to support the Global Day of Action locally.
The Japanese government and its Ministry of Justice should be aware that the whole world is watching their misbehaviour towards refugees and migrants, including Jamal Saberi who has been at the frontline of defending refugee rights in Japan for 18 years.
On 31 March Japanese officials will recognise that intending to deport Jamal Saberi as well as any underhand dealings with the Islamic Republic of Iran will be exposed and will cost Japan dearly as a consequence. The Free Jamal! campaign with all its members and supporters are determined to free Jamal Saberi and to realise all demands.
Hambastegi - International Federation of Iranian Refugees
Contact
Free Jamal! campaign: Patty Debonitas
Tel: +44 750 797 8745
Email: freejamalcampaign@gmail.com
Special representative in Japan: Farshad Hosseini
Tel: + 31 681285184
Email: farshadhoseini@yahoo.com
freejamal.blogspot.com
Monday, 22 March 2010
Yagmur Karan's message of solidarity
Iran Solidarity received the following message of solidarity today:
Freedom for all Women!
Yagmur Karan
Freedom for all Women!
Yagmur Karan
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Magnus Nielsen's act of solidarity
Magnus did his act today in Trafalgar Square. No photos available.
IS Vancouver's act
Iran Solidarity - Vancouver organises a hang out place (Patog) every Sunday 5 to 7 PM at 672 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC as its act of solidarity.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Iran Solidarity UK's act in Trafalgar Square
Iran Solidarity UK celebrated Iranian New Year in Trafalgar Square today.
To see video footage, click here or see below embedded video:
To see video footage, click here or see below embedded video:
Friday, 19 March 2010
Iranian New Year with Iran Solidarity UK
Iran Solidarity UK will be celebrating Iranian New Year with music and dance tomorrow, Saturday 20 March, from 12:00 on Trafalgar Square in London. Come and join us!
Contact: email iransolidarityuk@gmail.com or call 07507978745
Contact: email iransolidarityuk@gmail.com or call 07507978745
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Leslie Horscroft's act of solidarity with the people of Iran
Leslie Horscroft writes:
Please be assured of my continuing support,
Strength to your arm, The world needs such as you, and yours.
Please be assured of my continuing support,
Strength to your arm, The world needs such as you, and yours.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Vince's act of solidarity with the people of Iran
Vince writes:
I totally agree the islamic regime in iran has to be stopped and the leaders thrown behind locked doors or worse. I have also sent the link to all of the people whom I subscribe to on you tube. They are some of the biggest channels on you tube I hope they can help spread the message. Keep up the fight you are NOT ALONE.
I totally agree the islamic regime in iran has to be stopped and the leaders thrown behind locked doors or worse. I have also sent the link to all of the people whom I subscribe to on you tube. They are some of the biggest channels on you tube I hope they can help spread the message. Keep up the fight you are NOT ALONE.
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Human Rights Watch Film Festival London
IRAN: VOICES OF THE UNHEARD + Q&A (UK Premiere)
presented in association with Article 19’s Iran programme
Davoud Geramifard's stunning documentary brings us the untold story of Iranian secularists through three fascinating characters—each from a distinct social, economic and educational background but all sharing a love for their motherland and a need for a country free from political repression and theocracy. Filmmaker in attendance.
Curzon Soho: Friday 19 March 18.30
ICA: Saturday 20 March 18.00
Ritzy: Sunday 21 March 14.00
NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS
presented in association with Brightwide - watch think link act
A personal and understated social commentary, Bahman Ghobadi’s No One Knows About Persian Cats succeeds in opening up a world that few outside of it know, showing that urban-under-30s in Tehran may have more in common with their peers in any big city than people realise.
Ritzy: Saturday 20 March 21.00
ICA: Wednesday 24 March 21.00
Find out more about these and other films.
Ivan Martin's act of solidarity
In his act of solidarity, Ivan Martin writes:
I wish you continued success in the fight for freedom of expression in the intolerable regime of Iran. I would wish to see all religious control and suppression throughout the World defeated, as should all compassionate people. Good luck and very best wishes to you all in your campaign.
I wish you continued success in the fight for freedom of expression in the intolerable regime of Iran. I would wish to see all religious control and suppression throughout the World defeated, as should all compassionate people. Good luck and very best wishes to you all in your campaign.
Monday, 15 March 2010
Message of solidarity from Pirooz
Here is an email message from Pirooz:
One of the things that makes me a proud Iranian is people like you outside Iran and also those inside who bravely confront the face of evil in the streets of our beloved occupied country Iran. I am grateful to people like you who show the real face of Iranians to the west, for so many years they didn't know the REAL Iranians! I wish you and you campaign the BEST. Let's hope you wake them up before it's too late!!! Love & Bless, Paayandeh IRAN
One of the things that makes me a proud Iranian is people like you outside Iran and also those inside who bravely confront the face of evil in the streets of our beloved occupied country Iran. I am grateful to people like you who show the real face of Iranians to the west, for so many years they didn't know the REAL Iranians! I wish you and you campaign the BEST. Let's hope you wake them up before it's too late!!! Love & Bless, Paayandeh IRAN
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