May 2004
Arrest of 9 Democracy Supporters in Burma - 2004-05-31
Nine young members of the National League for Democracy in Burma were arrested for distributing leaflets advocating for Aung San Suu Kyi's freedom. This peaceful…
Nazi Baghlari's Report: The Need for International Support to Address Afghanistan's Problems
The head of the UN Office in Afghanistan has called for international support to tackle the significant challenges facing Afghanistan. This report highlights the ongoing…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Interview with Kamal Tabrizi, Director of Lizard - 2004-05-30
Nazi Baghlari reports on an interview with Kamal Tabrizi, the director of the popular film 'Lizard'. The discussion highlights the film's impact and Tabrizi's insights…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: Approaching Deadline for IAEA Decision
The International Atomic Energy Agency is nearing a decision on Iran's nuclear activities, prompting increased reactions and efforts from the Iranian government. This situation is…
Reversal of Death Sentence for Hashem Aghajari - 2004-05-29
The Iranian judiciary is moving to reverse the death sentence of Hashem Aghajari, a university professor who criticized clerics. Abdolreza Izadpanah announced that the Supreme…
North Korea Denies Uranium Exports to Libya - 2004-05-29
North Korea has refuted claims that it exported uranium to Libya, as reported by the New York Times, which cited evidence from the IAEA. The…
Helicopter Crash Carrying Officials from Qazvin Province
A rescue helicopter carrying Qazvin officials crashed while attempting to reach earthquake-hit areas, killing six people including the governor. The crash occurred after a strong…
Iran's National Boxing Team Selected for Thailand Competitions
Iran has selected its national boxing team to compete in the King’s Cup in Thailand, with notable athletes Akbar Ahadi and Mehdi Ghorbani making the…
Interview with Kamal Tabrizi, Director of the Film 'Lizard' by Nazi Baghlari
The screening of the film 'Lizard' has been halted in Iran, prompting an interview between Nazi Baghlari and its director, Kamal Tabrizi. This situation highlights…
The Islamic Republic Destroys the Quddus Shrine Ignoring All International Demands - 2004-05-29
The Islamic Republic of Iran is reportedly destroying the Quddus Shrine in Babel, ignoring international calls for its preservation. Diane Ala'i, a Bahá'í representative, highlights…
Nazi Baghlari: Interview with the Spokesperson for UN Refugee Affairs in Geneva - 2004-05-28
A group of Palestinian refugees is returning to Iraq due to dire conditions, while many Iranian Kurds remain stranded in difficult circumstances at the Jordan-Iraq…
Nazi Baghlari Report: Controversial Film 'Lizard' - 2004-05-27
The controversial film 'Lizard', banned in Iran, has been sold to an American company for distribution. A dispute between the producer and distributor has reignited…
Shahid Report: Reprint of Osama bin Laden's Interview in Francois Magazine - 2004-05-27
An interview with Osama bin Laden conducted in 1995 has been republished in the Francois magazine. The article highlights the ongoing interest in bin Laden's…
Architect of Paris Airport Building Claims No Responsibility for Incident
The architect of the Paris airport building, which collapsed and killed four people, denies responsibility for the incident, asserting no design errors were made. The…
Destruction of Forty-Five Buildings and Displacement of Hundreds of Palestinians - 2004-05-26
Israeli forces destroyed 45 buildings in southern Gaza, displacing around 600 Palestinians and resulting in over 40 deaths during a military operation. The operation aimed…
America's Plan to Secure Nuclear Materials Worldwide - 2004-05-26
The U.S. has announced a $450 million initiative to secure nuclear materials globally to prevent their misuse by terrorists or rogue states. Secretary of Energy…
Pentagon Official: The Commander of U.S. Forces in Iraq May Change
A senior Pentagon official indicated that General Ricardo Sanchez, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, may be replaced. This comes amid ongoing controversies regarding…
Iran National Volleyball Team Defeated by China
The Iran national volleyball team lost to China 3-1 in the Olympic qualifying tournament. This defeat follows a previous loss to Canada and a victory…
Arab Leaders Conference: We Will Pursue Reforms in the Arab World - 2004-05-24
The Arab Leaders Conference in Tunisia concluded with a commitment to pursue political and social reforms across the Arab world, emphasizing democracy and women's rights.…
Naming a Basketball Court in Tokyo After Michael Jordan - 2004-05-24
A basketball court in Tokyo has been named after Michael Jordan, celebrating his impact on the sport. Jordan attended the inauguration ceremony, encouraging young players…
Interview with Bahman Aghaei Diba: The Visits of American and Iranian Officials to Russia Almost Simultaneously - 2004-05-23
The article discusses the simultaneous visits of American and Iranian officials to Russia in 2004, highlighting how Iran and Russia are strategically managing their relationship…
The View from Washington: DeSutter on Iran’s Nuclear Program
Paula DeSutter, a U.S. official, expresses deep concern over Iran's nuclear weapons program, emphasizing its violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The IAEA has confirmed Iran's…
Opening of the Arab League Summit
The Arab League summit opens in Tunisia to address political reforms, Israel-Palestine disputes, and the Iraq crisis. Eight member states will be absent, and while…
White House: The Constitutional Review Assembly of Burma Lacks Legitimacy - 2004-05-22
The White House has declared the Constitutional Review Assembly of Burma illegitimate and will extend sanctions against the military government for another year. The U.S.…
Nazi Baghlari: The Book 'Women and Environmental Conservation' Emphasizes the Essential Role of Women
Nazi Baghlari highlights a new UN publication that underscores the crucial contributions of women to urban development and environmental protection. This recognition is significant in…
Interview of Nazi Baghlari with Hossein Zendehroudi, One of the Greatest Contemporary Painters - 2004-05-22
Hossein Zendehroudi, a prominent contemporary painter, has traveled to New York for an exhibition and work. This event highlights the international presence of Iranian artists…
Muammar Gaddafi Disagrees with Arab League Agenda in Tunisia - 2004-05-22
Muammar Gaddafi has expressed his disagreement with the agenda of the Arab League summit in Tunisia and threatened to withdraw Libya from the organization. The…
Washington Newspapers: May 22 - 2004-05-22
On May 22, 2004, Washington newspapers reported on several key issues including the Pentagon's involvement with Ahmad Chalabi, Saudi Arabia's decision to increase oil production,…
Two-Day Summit of Leaders from 22 Arab League Member States in Tunisia - 2004-05-21
Leaders from 22 Arab League countries are meeting in Tunisia to discuss key regional issues including political reforms and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The summit was…
Iran's National Freestyle Wrestling Olympic Qualifiers Concluded
The Olympic qualifiers for Iran's national freestyle wrestling team have concluded, with several wrestlers securing their spots for the 2004 Athens Olympics. Key athletes include…
Nazi Baghlari Report: Independent Committee Investigates Corruption in Oil-for-Food Program - 2004-05-21
An independent committee has been formed to investigate allegations of corruption within the Oil-for-Food program. This inquiry is significant as it highlights issues of accountability…
Nazi Baghlari Report: UN Security Council Resolution Against Israel - 2004-05-20
The UN Security Council has passed a resolution condemning Israel's military actions against Palestinian civilians. The report is provided by Nazi Baghlari from Voice of…
Nazi Baghlari's Report: Human Rights Groups Banned from Attending Torturer's Trial of Iraqi Prisoners - 2004-05-19
Human rights organizations were prohibited from attending the military trial of a soldier accused of torturing Iraqi prisoners. Concurrently, a special advisor to Kofi Annan…
19 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Military Assault on Southern Gaza Strip - 2004-05-18
An Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 19 Palestinians, including civilians. The operation follows recent violence…
Pentagon Stops Payments to Iraqi National Congress
The Pentagon has halted monthly payments to the Iraqi National Congress, led by Ahmad Chalabi, as part of the transition of sovereignty to Iraqis. This…
Constitution Review Assembly Representatives in Burma Meet for the Third Time Today - 2004-05-18
Representatives of the Constitution Review Assembly in Burma are meeting for the third time to draft a new constitution, despite a boycott from opposition figures.…
Formation of Myanmar Constitutional Convention Despite Boycott by Two Major Opposition Parties - 2004-05-17
Myanmar's military is proceeding with a Constitutional Convention despite the boycott by key opposition parties, including the National League for Democracy led by Aung San…
Constitution Drafting Assembly Opened by Military Government in Burma - 2004-05-17
The military government in Burma has opened a Constitution Drafting Assembly despite a boycott from pro-democracy groups. Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the…
Under the Microscope: Pro-Regime Demonstrations in Front of the British Embassy in Tehran - 2004-05-17
On May 17, 2004, pro-regime supporters demonstrated outside the British Embassy in Tehran. Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discussed this event, the ties between Tehran and…
Withdrawal of 'Lizard' from Iranian Cinemas - 2004-05-16
The Iranian film 'Lizard' has been withdrawn from cinemas following pressure from religious leaders. Producer Manoochehr Mohammadi announced the decision after initial bans in a…
Aghajari's Lawyer is Confident that the Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic of Iran Will Overturn His Client's Death Sentence
Hashim Aghajari, sentenced to death for questioning the political power of Iranian clerics, is represented by lawyer Saleh Nikbakht, who believes the Supreme Court will…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Ban on Two Films in Iran and Their Success Abroad - 2004-05-16
Two feature films banned in Iran have started successful screenings in the UK. The report highlights the contrast between domestic censorship and international reception. This…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with Engineer Mahmoud Ghara'cheh Daghi - 2004-05-16
The article features an interview with Engineer Mahmoud Ghara'cheh Daghi, who is notable for being the first Iranian member of a prominent architectural institution in…
Burma's Military Government Begins Work Without the National League for Democracy
The military government of Burma is proceeding with a constitutional assembly without the participation of the National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu…
Hossein Rezazadeh Defended His Championship Title
Hossein Rezazadeh successfully defended his championship title at the World Heavyweight Championship in Norway, lifting impressive weights and winning a $4,000 prize. His Lithuanian competitor,…
Nazie Baghlari: Two Films by Abbas Kiarostami at the Cannes Film Festival
This year, two films by renowned Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami are featured at the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing Iran's cinematic contributions. The films will be…
Interview with Sayeed Saeedi Sirjani: The Situation in Iran and Hashem Aghajari - 2004-05-15
In an exclusive interview, Sayeed Saeedi Sirjani discusses the oppressive atmosphere in Iran that has resulted in the arrest of prominent figures like Hashem Aghajari.…
Martina Navratilova Returns to WTA Singles Competition
Martina Navratilova is returning to WTA singles competition after a 10-year absence, participating in the upcoming French Open. This marks a significant moment in her…
Report by Nazanin Ansari: Arrest of Female Revolutionary Guard Major and a Colonel and the Risk of Their Execution - 2004-05-14
Female Revolutionary Guard Major Zahra Jamali and Colonel Kazem Bagheri have been arrested, facing the imminent threat of execution. This situation highlights the severe consequences…
Red Cross Report on Treatment of Detainees at Guantanamo Bay - 2004-05-13
The Red Cross has criticized the treatment of nearly 600 detainees at Guantanamo Bay, primarily suspected al-Qaeda and Taliban members. The report, based on recent…
U.S. Congress Condemns Iran
The U.S. Congress has passed a resolution condemning Iran for its secret nuclear activities, expressing concerns about its potential to develop nuclear weapons. This resolution,…
Life and Progress in America: Washington Statement - 2004-05-13
The article discusses a conversation with Professor Khalid Bashir Mirza regarding the residents of Camp Ashraf, who are members of the People's Mojahedin Organization of…
U.S. Crude Oil Prices Set New Record at the End of Thursday's Trading
U.S. crude oil prices reached a new high of $41.08 per barrel due to concerns over potential terrorist attacks disrupting oil supplies and strong demand…
An American General Attributes Mistreatment of Iraqi Prisoners to Leadership Failures and Lack of Discipline - 2004-05-12
General Antonio Taguba's investigation into the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners reveals leadership failures and a lack of discipline among American soldiers. While he claims the…
United Nations Faces Difficulties in Transferring Thousands of Sudanese Refugees
The UN is struggling to transfer tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees to safer camps in Chad due to militia attacks. This operation is critical…
Syrian Officials Criticize New US Economic Sanctions Against Damascus
Syrian officials have condemned new US economic sanctions, asserting they will not impact Syria. Prime Minister Otri emphasized the need for better US-Syria relations, while…
Life and Progress in America: Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry - 2004-05-12
Dr. Peter Agre, a physician and biochemist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year. He is among over thirty Nobel laureates from Johns…
With Pentagon Approval, American Senators View Unreleased Photos of U.S. Soldiers' Mistreatment - 2004-05-12
American senators were allowed to view unreleased photos and a video of U.S. soldiers mistreating Iraqi prisoners, with the Pentagon's approval. Secretary of Defense Donald…
Support of Foreign Ministers of Arab League Member States for Establishing Democracy in the Region - 2004-05-11
Foreign ministers of Arab League member states have agreed to support increased democracy and human rights in the region. This decision was announced by Algeria's…
Report Shahid: Interview with Ehsan Naraghi about the World Book Festival in Tehran - 2004-05-11
Ehsan Naraghi, an Iranian author, traveled to Tehran for the World Book Festival and shared his insights on the event. His recent publication adds relevance…
Statements by a Senior American Senator at a Hearing on Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners - 2004-05-11
Senator Carl Levin stated that the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib was a premeditated act, not spontaneous behavior by low-ranking personnel. He expressed…
Russia Asks Its Citizens to Leave Iraq
Russia has urged its citizens to leave Iraq after an attack on Russian contractors resulted in one death and two kidnappings. The Russian embassy is…
Short Leave from Prison for Three Iranian Journalists - 2004-05-11
Three Iranian journalists, Taghi Rahmani, Reza Alijani, and Hedi Saber, have been granted short leaves from prison after being sentenced without trial. Their sentences range…
Gathering of About 600 Students Protesting the Confirmation of Hashem Aghajari's Death Sentence - 2004-05-11
Approximately 600 students protested at Tehran University against the death sentence of professor Hashem Aghajari, who was convicted of blasphemy for criticizing the political power…
Report by Shahid: Interview with Ehsan Naraghi - 2004-05-10
Mohammad Reza Shahid interviews Ehsan Naraghi about his book and the opening of a book festival in Tehran. This event highlights cultural activities in Iran…
President Bush Strongly Supports Donald Rumsfeld Despite Public Protests - 2004-05-10
President Bush publicly supports Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld amid international protests regarding the treatment of Iraqi prisoners. This support follows a private briefing where…
Meeting of Senior Members of the Burmese Democracy Party with Aung San Suu Kyi - 2004-05-09
Senior members of the Burmese Democracy Party met with Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss the party's participation in an upcoming constitutional review assembly. They…
Arab Foreign Ministers' Efforts to Rescue Arab League Summit Plans
Arab foreign ministers are meeting in Cairo to discuss the upcoming Arab League summit amid challenges in reaching consensus on key issues like Iraq and…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Tribeca Film Festival - 2004-05-09
Nazi Baghlari reports on two films that gained significant attention at the Tribeca Film Festival, which is concluding its events tonight. The report highlights the…
U.S. Congress Accuses Sudanese Government of Human Rights Violations - 2004-05-07
The U.S. Congress has condemned the Sudanese government for human rights abuses in Darfur, citing actions that could be considered genocidal. Nearly one million people…
Under the Microscope: President Bush's Meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan - 2004-05-07
President Bush met with King Abdullah of Jordan, discussing the treatment of Iraqi prisoners and other political matters. Dr. Alireza Noorizadeh provided insights on these…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: Reflection of the Confirmation of Hashim Aghajari's Death Sentence in German Press - 2004-05-07
Hashim Aghajari's death sentence was confirmed, prompting coverage and reactions from the German press. This case is significant as it highlights human rights concerns in…
American Soldiers Enter Najaf - 2004-05-06
American soldiers have entered Najaf, increasing pressure on Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr amid ongoing violence. Heavy fighting has resulted in numerous casualties, and a video…
Interview with Ahmad Ghabel and Saleh Nikbakht on the Confirmation of Dr. Hashem Aghajeri's Death Sentence - 2004-05-06
The article features an interview discussing the confirmation of Dr. Hashem Aghajeri's death sentence. Ahmad Ghabel and Saleh Nikbakht, prominent figures in the Iranian legal…
Further Delay in the Deployment of South Korean Soldiers to Iraq - 2004-05-06
South Korea is delaying the deployment of over 3,000 soldiers to Iraq due to lack of response from local leaders and rising public opposition linked…
Interview with Randolph Langenbach, Expert in Historic Building Preservation Technology - 2004-05-06
Randolph Langenbach, an American architect and expert in historic preservation, attended a conference in Bam, Iran, discussing the reconstruction of the Bam Citadel and surrounding…
AFC Champions League; Zob Ahan Misses Out on Advancing to Next Stage
Zob Ahan Isfahan lost 2-0 to Pakhtakor Uzbekistan in the AFC Champions League, failing to secure the points needed to advance. With this defeat and…
Taghi Rahmani, Reza Alijani, and Hoda Saber Sentenced to Prison Without Trial
Three journalists in Iran, Taghi Rahmani, Reza Alijani, and Hoda Saber, have been sentenced to prison without trial, receiving sentences of 7, 4, and 5.5…
Interview with Saleh Nikbakht, Defense Attorney of Dr. Aghajari - 2004-05-05
The death sentence of Dr. Hashem Aghajari has been reaffirmed, prompting an interview with his defense attorney, Saleh Nikbakht. This case is significant as it…
Hamadan Court Upholds Death Sentence for Aghajari
The Hamadan court has upheld the death sentence for Hashem Aghajari, a professor who criticized the clergy in Iran. This decision comes after previous protests…
Hashem Aghajari Refuses to Appeal Death Sentence
Hashem Aghajari, an Iranian intellectual, has declined to appeal his death sentence for blasphemy, which has been upheld by the court. His case has sparked…
The White House and Pentagon Under Pressure for Extensive Investigations into Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners - 2004-05-04
The White House and Pentagon face mounting pressure to investigate the abuse of Iraqi prisoners, particularly following the release of disturbing photographs from Abu Ghraib…
Under the Microscope: Upholding the Death Sentence of Aghajari - Approval of the Chief Justice's Circular in Parliament - 2004-05-04
The article discusses the confirmation of the death sentence for Aghajari and the approval of a circular from the Chief Justice in the Iranian Parliament.…
Production of Benz Cars in Beijing - 2004-05-03
Daimler-Chrysler has secured approval from the Chinese government to produce Benz cars in Beijing, announced after a meeting between Juergen Schrempp and Prime Minister Wen…
Iran's Olympic Football Team Misses Qualification for Athens
Iran's Olympic football team has been eliminated from qualifying for the Athens Olympics after South Korea defeated China 2-0. This result confirmed South Korea's place…