The level of reporting for the Stephen Lawrence murder trial may be correct, but there is certain other news that seems to have slipped from our radar. I would like to know what is happening to Ms Sakineh Ashtiani in Iran.
If the lack of news reporting is keeping her alive, then due credit to the Iranian authorities. We can all be quick to condemn but it's also important to give credit where it is due.
Now would be an excellent time for Iran to release Ms Ashtiani. To do so would be to seize the moral high ground in this saga. As any decision to release Ms Ashtiani would be made without any obvious external influence or pressure. Therefore Iran would be doing so of their own accord as a sovereign nation. The Iranian authorities could make the move and taunt the West. Especially if they accepted the Brazilian offer to grant Ms Ashtiani asylum. By taking this action, the Iranian authorities would be creating a win-win situation. They would seize the moral high ground, remove the problem to another Continent, and make new friends.
If you stop and think about it, then you realise that it's all too easy. But if it's not happening, then I would like to see some news coverage so that the case of Ms Ashtiani is not forgotten.
Showing posts with label Human Rights Ms Ashtiani. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Human Rights Ms Ashtiani. Show all posts
5 July 2011
2 November 2010
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani
In my humble opinion, the widely reported decision by the Islamic Republic of Iran that the execution Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani is imminent; is wrong on every level. The execution will not make the matter disappear. It would be far better for the authorities to accept that execution is wrong, and instead embrace the offers of asylum that have been made to the Republic by World statesmen who are concerned about the execution.
Those that think that World opinion doesn't matter are naive to the extreme. It does matter, and the execution will strengthen and not diminish World resolve. It is time for the Islamic Republic of Iran to rethink its strategy. Iran has so much to offer the World, and it's quite sad that so much negativity is generated when so much good could exist.
Please don't execute Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Instead, release her into the care of those that have offered asylum. The rewards will far outweigh the perceived quick win. It is a mistake to believe that undertaking the execution, in the face of World opinion, will strengthen the Republic's position. The outcome will be contrary to what the Republic is hoping to achieve. Whereas the release of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani would be a huge step forward for the Republic. An opportunity to rebuild its position on the World stage. It's time to stop looking at tactics and to start thinking of strategy.
The hardest part of 'change', is to listen. No one likes to be told what to do, and when we are told, we usually don't like what we hear. It doesn't matter if you are a small child, a Managing Director, a politician, or Head of State. The theory is the same, we like to make choices, and not do what we are told, or do something out of choice, that then looks to the casual onlooker as if it was done because we were told. To be blunt no one has the right to tell the Iranian authorities what to do.
Instead, I make this plea as a humble person, as someone without influence and with nothing to gain. Please, please, please release Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani.
Those that think that World opinion doesn't matter are naive to the extreme. It does matter, and the execution will strengthen and not diminish World resolve. It is time for the Islamic Republic of Iran to rethink its strategy. Iran has so much to offer the World, and it's quite sad that so much negativity is generated when so much good could exist.
Please don't execute Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Instead, release her into the care of those that have offered asylum. The rewards will far outweigh the perceived quick win. It is a mistake to believe that undertaking the execution, in the face of World opinion, will strengthen the Republic's position. The outcome will be contrary to what the Republic is hoping to achieve. Whereas the release of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani would be a huge step forward for the Republic. An opportunity to rebuild its position on the World stage. It's time to stop looking at tactics and to start thinking of strategy.
The hardest part of 'change', is to listen. No one likes to be told what to do, and when we are told, we usually don't like what we hear. It doesn't matter if you are a small child, a Managing Director, a politician, or Head of State. The theory is the same, we like to make choices, and not do what we are told, or do something out of choice, that then looks to the casual onlooker as if it was done because we were told. To be blunt no one has the right to tell the Iranian authorities what to do.
Instead, I make this plea as a humble person, as someone without influence and with nothing to gain. Please, please, please release Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani.
19 August 2010
Ms Ashtiani
The case of Ms Ashtiani in the Islamic Republic of Iran is still ongoing. The Australian newspaper ran an excellent impartial article on the topic today. Pressure on the Iranian authorities to re-consider their position has increased rather than decreased. That is a sign of World view, and how strongly people feel about Ms Ashtiani's situation.
At a time when Iran could make friends and build bridges, for some strange reason the authorities won't budge. According to The Australian they have even declined the offer from Brazil to grant Ms Ashtiani asylum. Indeed, the paper explains that the case of Ms Ashtiani in the Islamic Republic of Iran has become a Big Issue for the forthcoming October Brazilian elections.
All I can say is; well done to the Boys from Brazil. And the girls of course. Cometh the time, cometh the man. Who would have guessed that it would be from Brazil? You see, we never know do we? Just when we think that we understand everything, something else comes along and surprises us.
At a time when Iran could make friends and build bridges, for some strange reason the authorities won't budge. According to The Australian they have even declined the offer from Brazil to grant Ms Ashtiani asylum. Indeed, the paper explains that the case of Ms Ashtiani in the Islamic Republic of Iran has become a Big Issue for the forthcoming October Brazilian elections.
All I can say is; well done to the Boys from Brazil. And the girls of course. Cometh the time, cometh the man. Who would have guessed that it would be from Brazil? You see, we never know do we? Just when we think that we understand everything, something else comes along and surprises us.
23 July 2010
Just in case
Just in case you thought that I had moved on from the situation faced by Ms Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani, as I Blog about Human Rights Racism and the Colonisation of Wales and Africa. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but some things are simply too important. Regular readers will accept that the Blog threads will not seamlessly connect. Hey ho, that's insignificant compared to standing up for what you believe in. If you believe in something that matters then sign the petitions at:
http://stopstonningnow.com [http://stopstonningnow.com/sakine/sakin284.php?nr=50326944&lang=en] (11,000 signatures),
http://www.avaaz.org [http://www.avaaz.org/en/stop_stoning/?cl=651962225&v=6766] (529,000 signatures)
http://freesakineh.org ( 129,000 signatures)
And visit and add the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Sakineh-Mohammadi-Ashtiani-from-being-Stoned-to-Death-in-Iran/123908540984923 (45,000 people)
None of the above values are insignificant figures. It really is a case of the people of the World standing united and arguing as to why Ms Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani should be released.
21 July 2010
Response
I had my first acknowledgement of my letters concerning Ms Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani today. The response came from Portugal and is evidence that we can all make a difference if we try, and that our words will not go unheeded if we can become vocal enough. Why don't you set aside a few minutes and write a letter to someone regarding something that you hold as important. Be it Human Rights issues, or something else that you feel is unjust.
20 July 2010
Human Rights
 |
| Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani |
My academic studies have taught me that in many ways all countries are still uncivilised for a variety of reasons, and that all societies are still in the developmental helix of the civilising process. Western societies that consider themselves civilised, may not be as special as they think they are. The fine line between advancement and decivilising was shown in Bosnia. That was a comparatively recent deflection in the process. Nevertheless, Bosnia is evidence of the existence of a fine line that can be unexpectedly crossed. Societies do advance in their own way, and at different rates, and will take different paths. At some stage in their evolution, a country that might now be regarded by some as uncivilised could still be recognised as the 'cradle of civilisation'. While Western powers are in the ascendancy it is easy to label others and to criticise their way of life.
It does not necessarily follow that by being criticised, that something is wrong. What is totally acceptable to one group of people may be utterly unacceptable to others. My non judgemental approach to the widely publicised case of Ms Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani, is to plead with the authorities in three separate letters as to why they should release Ms Ashtiani. My arguments are not based on abhorrence or criticism. They are merely reasoned arguments about how societies develop and interact for the greater good of everyone. Two of these letters have been posted in the Blog and all three of the letters have been sent to the Iranian Embassy in London. The letters to the Embassy have either been sent as stand alone emails or with an embedded link to the Blog.
Please refer to Blog posts of the 08 July 2010 and the 18 July 2010 regarding Ms Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani or check out the Blog Labels at the bottom of this page if you struggle to find the relevant posts.
18 July 2010
Your Excellency, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of the Islamic Republic of Iran
This is an Open Letter to the President of Islamic Republic of Iran to release Ms Ashtiani. Blog readers and followers are also referred to Blog entries 08 July 2010 and one made earlier on the 18 July 2010 regarding the circumstances that Ms Ashtiani finds herself. I have been quite moved by the situation since first reading about it in The Times while I was at our flat in Cardiff undertaking some repair work. I stopped that work and started writing letters and Blogging about Ms Ashtiani. This third letter, has been written because my previous two letters went unanswered."... Your Excellency, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of the Islamic Republic of Iran
I have written to you on several occasions via the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran that is based in London. I have also sent my letter electronically to other persons that may have access to your email and as such can forward communications. I am yet to receive a reply, and suspect that in the main, this is due to my humble status.
I have written to you and published one of these letters on my Blog because I care for people and I am therefore concerned about the case of Ms Ashtiani. I have taken a non judgemental stance and instead attempted to engage with you through reasoned argument. The Blog has been read by people from 22 countries and that figure increases daily. The essence of the Blog is about people, cultures, and civilisation. The Blog may be set against a background of Africanism, but it really examines and comments upon social matters. Irrespective of the issues under comment; be it African, Welsh or matters from another Country. The origin doesn't matter, as it's about the link and the value of a topic to the broader debate. In particular the Blog examines the Civilising Processes that we all participate in, and the social and economic science nature of these processes. An examination of the Civilising Processes (that show that Western society is not yet civilised) was the fundamental reason for asking you to release Ms Ashtiani.
I yet again write an open letter and ask the Islamic Republic of Iran to release Ms Ashtiani. Not because of World opinion, but because you decide that it is the correct thing to do. I have explained in my two previous letters that the Republic could grow stronger from making such a decision. President Obama spoke of offering his hand if Iran would unclench its fist. These are good words, but they were probably written for effect.
I’m not so certain that the hand of Iran is clenched at all. Misunderstood yes, but then again domestic matters are often relevant to domestic circumstance. That position is fine. I have explained in my other letters, that the decisions made by a sovereign state are unique to that State. But the Islamic Republic of Iran can now move forward to embrace the wider community and in making that significant step it can make Iran stronger. Deciding to release Ms Ashtiani is a painless decision, but one that will strengthen the Republic. I yet again urge you to take the next step and start to portray the Islamic Republic of Iran as a caring State that now wants to take its place in World affairs. You have been out on a limb for far too long, now is the time to take an active part in the Civilising process that makes the World a safer and stronger place..."
You can contact me at rba@hotmail.co.uk
Wants and desire
I want to write about the gates, my new friends from the Cameroon, and our Anniversary meal. In fact I really desire the opportunity to tell you about the many meals that I have eaten in the last few months at some wonderful and not so wonderful restaurants and cafes around Wales. But that all pales into insignificance compared to the urgent need to still press the Islamic Republic of Iran for the release of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Who followers and readers of this Blog will know was sentenced to Death by Stoning.
I read of Ms Ahtiani's intended fate while at our flat in Cardiff, after an extremely hard day of prepping the gates for painting. When I read the story in The Times it was in the early hours of the morning and the story was on Page 27. I was horrified by what I read, and was moved to stop working on the gates and instead add a page or two to the Blog and then write the first of two letters that I sent to both the U.N. and the Iranian Embassy in London. After updating the Blog and writing and sending the letter, I went about my business for the day. After a lot more hard work I ended up at Cafe Nero in Cardiff and then read The Times to find that the story had spread overnight from Page 27 to dominate the front cover and the main pages of The Times. Well done to the The Times for taking such a strong stance in such an important matter.
I followed up the initial letter with a second, in which I again set out my position and reasoned arguments. I have learnt that all too often, people shy away from the evidence and reasoned argument of a debate and instead immerse themselves in the emotive dialogue of defence. Sometimes, some things, cannot be defended.
My academic hero is Norbert Elias. Again, followers and readers of the Blog will know of his stature and worth. My academic hero from the United Kingdom is World renowned Professor Andrew Linklater. His work on Harm in World Politics is to say the least 'eye-opening'. Professor Linklater cares for people, and I suppose that my caring nature was enhanced by my exposure to his teaching.
Just when you think that you have all of your heroes in position, and can proceed to buy the Box Set. Along comes a new contender, on this occasion a beautiful looking lady by the name of Nazanin Afshin-Jam. I can advocate her beauty without appearing sexist, as the delightful looking Nazanin is a former Miss World Canada. But her recent beauty is not enhanced by her looks, but by her position as a Human Rights Activist. I have read about Nazanin, because on the 17 July 2010 (our Anniversary), The Times was still running material regarding Ms Ashtiani and The Islamic Republic of Iran. This article was on the 'Opinion' page and was written by Nazanin Afshin-Jam.
Check out http://freesakineh.org/ and http://www.nazaninafshinjam.com/ and while you are at the former Website, take the time to add your name to the petition concerning Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. And if you can find some new and relevant addresses for me to send my two letters to the Islamic Republic of Iran; then please drop me a note at rba@hotmail.co.uk
I read of Ms Ahtiani's intended fate while at our flat in Cardiff, after an extremely hard day of prepping the gates for painting. When I read the story in The Times it was in the early hours of the morning and the story was on Page 27. I was horrified by what I read, and was moved to stop working on the gates and instead add a page or two to the Blog and then write the first of two letters that I sent to both the U.N. and the Iranian Embassy in London. After updating the Blog and writing and sending the letter, I went about my business for the day. After a lot more hard work I ended up at Cafe Nero in Cardiff and then read The Times to find that the story had spread overnight from Page 27 to dominate the front cover and the main pages of The Times. Well done to the The Times for taking such a strong stance in such an important matter.
I followed up the initial letter with a second, in which I again set out my position and reasoned arguments. I have learnt that all too often, people shy away from the evidence and reasoned argument of a debate and instead immerse themselves in the emotive dialogue of defence. Sometimes, some things, cannot be defended.
My academic hero is Norbert Elias. Again, followers and readers of the Blog will know of his stature and worth. My academic hero from the United Kingdom is World renowned Professor Andrew Linklater. His work on Harm in World Politics is to say the least 'eye-opening'. Professor Linklater cares for people, and I suppose that my caring nature was enhanced by my exposure to his teaching.
Just when you think that you have all of your heroes in position, and can proceed to buy the Box Set. Along comes a new contender, on this occasion a beautiful looking lady by the name of Nazanin Afshin-Jam. I can advocate her beauty without appearing sexist, as the delightful looking Nazanin is a former Miss World Canada. But her recent beauty is not enhanced by her looks, but by her position as a Human Rights Activist. I have read about Nazanin, because on the 17 July 2010 (our Anniversary), The Times was still running material regarding Ms Ashtiani and The Islamic Republic of Iran. This article was on the 'Opinion' page and was written by Nazanin Afshin-Jam.
Check out http://freesakineh.org/ and http://www.nazaninafshinjam.com/ and while you are at the former Website, take the time to add your name to the petition concerning Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. And if you can find some new and relevant addresses for me to send my two letters to the Islamic Republic of Iran; then please drop me a note at rba@hotmail.co.uk
8 July 2010
Keep Hope Alive
I managed to find six addresses and sent a copy of my letter to:
You could also write a letter and send it to these and to any other relevant addresses that you can find. Remember, the only thing that makes change happen is people. Five minutes of your time could add 40 years to the life of Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Unlike my error, mention your country of origin. It is after all a shrinking World and peoples from across our World would benefit from better communication and improved understanding. I forgot to mention that I am from Wales. It was an oppressed Country that was conquered. But I could bet on the fact that in some distant past our people were guilty of some act that would be regarded as barbaric by others. It is simply that we have evolved beyond our past, as Africa and others evolve beyond theirs. Let us remember to ‘Keep Hope Alive’ and hope that the Republic of Iran will commute the sentence and allow Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani to rejoin her family.
info@iran-embassy.org.uk
consulate@iran-embassy.org.uk
npillay@ohchr.org
urgent-action@ohchr.org
Iran_team@amnesty.org
saneif@hrw.org
You could also write a letter and send it to these and to any other relevant addresses that you can find. Remember, the only thing that makes change happen is people. Five minutes of your time could add 40 years to the life of Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Unlike my error, mention your country of origin. It is after all a shrinking World and peoples from across our World would benefit from better communication and improved understanding. I forgot to mention that I am from Wales. It was an oppressed Country that was conquered. But I could bet on the fact that in some distant past our people were guilty of some act that would be regarded as barbaric by others. It is simply that we have evolved beyond our past, as Africa and others evolve beyond theirs. Let us remember to ‘Keep Hope Alive’ and hope that the Republic of Iran will commute the sentence and allow Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani to rejoin her family.
Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani
I need to deflect from my usual course of writing about Africa, and instead ask you to spare some thoughts for Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani who is under sentence of death by stoning in the Republic of Iran. I repeat below a letter that I have written this morning. I now intend to spend the next few hours in this astonishing heatwave indoors searching for an address to send the letter. If you know who to send the letter to, then please copy and paste and forward to the address that you have in your possession.
I hold a Social and Economic Masters Degree and run an African and Social Science Blog at http://rbabennett.blogspot.com and would say that all in all compared to what many others do or hold; this no big shakes. But the one thing that could come across to those that read my Blog, and those that meet me in the street; is that I care about people.
I am interested in how Civilisations evolve along their development and time helix, and look to Norbert Elias as my academic hero. I see the significant events of history that present a darker side to human nature, as mere deflections that do not impede the natural improvements that occur through evolution. I am not bright enough to be regarded as an academic, but I have a good value set and believe in equality for all. I stand against oppression, but recognise that freedom of speech is not always in the States best interest. Somewhere out there, there is a label that could be assigned to someone like me.
I am none judgemental and do not challenge the right of someone to do something. I believe that we all make choices, and these choices shape our future and our position in the World. Choices made by a leader, can place a nation on the World stage for the right reasons. I do warm to nations that engage in Statecraft and International Politics for the greater good of everyone and not just those that live, work, and play within their society.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has often found itself on the World Stage for the wrong reasons. The rhetoric or the manoeuvring has sometimes been mistimed, and yet, on more than one occasion the Republic has displayed its other side, and by doing so has won World opinion. The case of Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani (The Times, 7 July 2010) is an example whereby Iranian politicians can win through with ease. I urge you not to execute Ms Ashtiani, but instead set her free with the five years of imprisonment and the 99 lashes as fair warning to others who breach the rules that govern your society and in doing so take the next natural step on your developmental helix of the civilising process and cease death by stoning.
I ask you as an average citizen, who has no political alliances, and has nothing to gain from asking you, and has nothing to gain by you accepting the request. I do not challenge your right, I simply plead to your instincts. At some point from now into the future, the Islamic Republic of Iran will stop death by stoning and will stop executing people. Given that in the development helix that outcome is certain, then why not put the mechanism in place now, and thereby take the Moral High Ground in World affairs?
Roger Bennett
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