on Radio Farda
Analysts Debate Corruption
April 16 -- Paris-based economist Fereidoun Khavand and Tehran-based journalist Isa Saharkhiz and former Iranian Chamber of Commerce Mohammad Behzadian discuss economic corruption in Iran in the context of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's recent attacks on Iran's Central Bank and Economy Ministry on Radio Farda's weekly roundtable "Viewpoints" [text in Persian].
Ahmadinejad Can't Take Criticism, Analyst Says
April 22 -- Tehran-based political analyst Sadegh Zibakalam says disputes such as that revealed in President Ahmadinejad's recent letter criticizing parliament Speaker Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel show Ahmadinejad cannot tolerate any kind of opposition, be it from critics and reformists or even those in his own circle [audio in Persian].
Students Rally In Support Of Jailed Colleagues
April 23 -- A student activist reports that between 1,000 and 1,500 participated in an April 22 rally at Tehran's Amir Kabir University to protest a court decision overturning the acquittal of 3 students as well as the government's increased pressure on students [text in Persian].
Convicted Women's Rights Activist Wonders When She'll Get Justice
April 22 -- Nasrin Jafari, one of three women's rights activists given six month jail terms and suspended lashing sentences for taking part in a 2006 women's rights rally, tells Radio Farda: "Back then, I was beaten up badly. I had bleeding, and my hearing ability was impaired for some time afterwards. They inflicted heavy damage on me, but I still haven't got any response to my complaint" [text in Persian / in English]
Government Closes Workers' Publication
April 22 -- The editor-in-chief of "Rah-e Ayandeh" (Future Path) says the government shut down the magazine because of its reporting on the violation of workers' rights in Iran: "We believe that the suppression of the freedom of expression in Iran is not a transient, simple fact willed by a few...we've been under such pressure for 30 years" [text in Persian].