The SESAME project was conceived with CERN in Geneva as a model and took 20 years to get off the ground. The first synchrotron, which accelerates electrons and produces light used to study matter, has been operational since 2017. Whilst wars and crises have directly affected member countries in the Middle East, the laboratory has continued to operate.
The daughter of the former president was charged with inciting riots. About 80 people have been killed so far, with another 1,200 arrested. President Raisi says he is "saddened" by the death of the 22-year-old Kurdish woman, but threatens an iron fist to stop "chaos". From his US exile, the sone of last shah calls what is happening as the first women’s revolution in modern times. Former prisoner Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe expresses solidarity with Iranian women.
Christian groups release a statement slamming the young woman’s death and the "systematic oppression" of women. They demand "freedom and equal rights" for all Iranians. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities intensify their crackdown, arresting at least 20 journalists, while protests spread abroad: hundreds of women took to the streets in Qamishli, in Syria’s Kurdish region.
The fighters, from Syria, Lebanon and Iraq, call themselves 'volunteers from the Islamic lands'. They say they want to collaborate with the ayatollahs to suppress internal dissent triggered by the killing of the young woman at the hands of the morality police. President Raisi announces an iron fist. At least 80 killed, hundreds arrested.
The death of the 22-year-old Kurdish woman turns the spotlight on the Gasht-e Ershad, which monitors compliance with Islamic norms. Since the Islamic revolution of 1979, the clampdown on customs has been increasing 'step by step'. The hijab symbolises the protest for freedom and rights, especially for women. Demonstrations continue, at least 40 cities involved. Over 30 people killed in clashes.
Appearing before India’s Supreme Court, a senior Indian government official cited ongoing protests in Iran over Mahsa Amini’s death as evidence that the hijab is “not essential”, that to protect India’s secularism, it should not be worn with school uniforms. Some 2,000 intellectuals sign a letter against the ban, which they deem “a hate crime”.
The wave of demonstrations following the death of the young woman at the hands of the 'morality police' has not subsided. Irna speaks of one 'auxiliary' killed and four officers injured in the clashes; at least three victims among the demonstrators. The Supreme Leader sends a loyalist to the family as a sign of condolence; protesters shout "death to the dictator" Khamenei.
The wave of indignation over the death of the young woman arrested for not wearing the hijab continues. Her father denies rumours of pre-existing 'chronic illnesses'. From social networks to the streets there is a widespread feeling of anger against the abuses of the security forces, who reject the accusations calling them "cowardly".
Today's headlines: Metropolitan Antonij reports Pope Francis has requested a new meeting with Patriarch Kirill; ceasefire holds between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; protests in Iran over the death of a young woman detained for violating headscarf regulations; pork prices in China mount, about 70% year-over-year; Phnom Penh set to issue final verdict on Khieu Samphan.
In the wake of the Ukraine war, the Emir of Qatar Al Thani appeals to Russia and the West, saying his country cannot replace Russian natural gas, which remains "essential to the global market”. For Iran, this situation provides an opportunity to raise its visibility and offer its natural gas in exchange for a lifting of sanctions.
Some 25 people have been convicted this year, compared to 15 for the whole of last. Likewise, 58 people have been arrested in the first half of 2022, against 72 for the whole of 2021. Iranian authorities uses spurious charges to silence minorities, and arrest people on national security and espionage charges. Muslim converts and Farsi speakers are particularly targeted. For Muslims, joining another religion is strictly prohibited.
For Prime Minister Edi Rama, “incontrovertible evidence” proves Iran’s involvement in a July attack that targeted Albania’s public services, administration, and an Iranian exiled group. Before leaving, embassy staff burnt documents.
The government has announced that it is using the technology against girls and women who break the hijab law, but its first use dates back to before 2020. Over 300 people have been arrested for protesting against the law. Women can be denied their civil rights and lose their job if their social media profile is inconsistent with Islamic rules. Meanwhile two LGBTQ+ activists are sentenced to death.
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