The Guardian - Activists held and campaigners targeted as elections near

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran - Haj Ali Chilan, 103, is currently serving an eight-year prison term at Maku Prison on charges of “cooperating with PJAK [Party of Free Life of Kurdistan],” a local source told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. Chilan, from Zolka Village near Maku, is in dire physical condition as a result of old age and loss of vision, according to the source.

HRANA News Agency – Hassan Sadeghi Khorramdashti and Fatemeh Mosanna with their 17 years old son Nima Sadehi have arrested on January 29, 2013 by security forces but still are in solitaire confinement for more than three months.

Justice for Iran -  May 5, 2013 | Justice for Iran has nominated Houtan Kian, an imprisoned Iranian attorney for a 2013 award presented by Lawyers for Lawyers, a Dutch organization with the aim to help lawyers in danger around the world.This courageous lawyer, whose most recent client was Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, is reportedly banned from prison visits and receiving money through any means, including his personal bank account. A former prison mate of Mr. Kian’s told JFI: “Prisoners are issued a bank card that their family members are supposed to deposit money into it. Prisoners are then able to use the money to purchase items from the prison store. This bank card seems to be the only means for a prisoner to receive money. Without the ability to purchase items at the prison store living conditions become almost intolerable because the quality of the daily food given to prisoners is bad and frui ts are not included in their diet. Houtan Kian has been deprived of his right of obtaining a bank card, which means he has no means of affording items at the prison store…He is unable to buy even one apple. Overall, Houtan Kian is deprived of [multiple] rights, including being deprived of prison visits, phone calls, and from talking to other prisoners.”

Roozonline - New Ways Sought to Implement the Death Penalty

The controversial “Islamic Punishment” law that was rejected by the Guardians Council returned and eventually was passed last week. To the disappointment of human rights activists and the promises of some Majlis representatives, not only stoning is not negated in the law, it is in fact emphasized.

HRANA News Agency – Tehran prosecutor and intelligence forces don’t allow Dr. Rahman Ghahreman Pour the imprisoned journalist come on medical vacation or parole.

Persianbanoo - Dissident blogger Dr. Mehdi Khazali, on day 107 of his hunger strike, is still incarcerated in the high security Intelligence Ministry’s Ward 209 at Evin prison.

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran - Despite the family’s presentation of a property deed as collateral, Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi refused to grant furlough to imprisoned lawyer Abdolfattah Soltani, the latter’s daughter told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. Maedeh Soltani told the Campaign that the Prosecutor refused her father’s furlough request two days before Persian New Year, known as Nowruz, which prisoners are often allowed to spend with their families.

HRANA News Agency – There are more than 206 political prisoners in the 350 and women’s sections of the Evin prison. This includes both who have definite sentences and those who are under temporary arrest.

HRANA News Agency – Although Mohammad Seyfzadeh has served the sentence of 2 years imprisonment, the authorities of the Rajai Shahr prison are refusing to release this imprisoned lawyer and are making a new case for him.

Persianbanoo - The following note was posted by Dr. Khazali’s son, Mohamad Saleh Khazali on his Facebook:

CNN - URGENT ACTION! Iranian Political Prisoner Dr Khazali On Hunger Strike, Near DEATH--How YOU Can Help

TODAY, MARCH 24, 2013 IS   DAY 85 OF DR. KHAZALI'S HUNGER STRIKE! HIS SON HAS ISSUED A DESPERATE APPEAL, STATING IN PART:

UN News Center - An independent United Nations expert today voiced serious concern about the general situation of human rights in Iran, pointing to “widespread and systemic” torture, as well as the harassment, arrest and attacks against human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists.

Persianbanoo - After seventy days on hunger strike, Dr. Mehdi Khazali is in dire health and can barely stand on his feet.

Persianbanoo - It is 66 days since the launch of hunger strike by Dr. Mehdi Khazali imprisoned in the Intelligence Ministry’s Ward 209 of Evin prisonm but the Intelligence Ministry continues to prevent his release.

HRANA News Agency – Eighteen political prisoner who were arrested on security charges started hunger strike since 11 days ago in Rajaie Shahr prison and Ghezel Hesar prison.

Reuters - Iran has stepped up executions of prisoners including juveniles as well as arrests of dissidents who are often tortured in jail, sometimes to death, the United Nations reported on Thursday.

HRANA News Agency – Ahmad Daneshpour Moghadam, political prisoner sentenced to death is being rejected for medical leave by prison’s authorities, in spite of deteriorating health condition.

Universal Tolerance Organization - Honoring the efforts of lawyers who defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed across the country.

Human Rights Watch - Iranian judiciary authorities should allow at least 20 detainees charged with terrorism, in connection with the murder of Iranian nuclear scientists, access to their lawyers and family members. Iran’s judiciary has failed to provide basic information about these cases, even to their families, despite the seriousness of the charges, which carry severe punishments, including death.