Central Bank: 14 Million Iranians Living Below Poverty Line
October 20 -- Paris-based Economist Jamshid Asadi tells Radio Farda: "Unfortunately, the number of impoverished people - in a country located on one of the largest oil and gas fields in the world - has increased daily since Mr. Ahmadinejad became president." [Read in Persian]
California State University Student Arrested in Tehran
October 21 -- Women's rights activist Esha Momeni was arrested by Iranian authorities in Tehran while conducting research for her master's thesis, which focuses on the One Million Signature Campaign. Momeni's lawyer told Radio Farda: "Unfortunately, around 50 people involved in the [women's rights] One Million Signature Campaign have been arrested so far on baseless charges such as 'disturbing public opinion.' Why is raising awareness of women's rights in society so frightening for the regime?" [Read in Persian / Read in English]. Also, Radio Farda's program on women's issues, "The Other Voice," takes a look at the many achievements Iranian women have made around the world. [Read in Persian]
Will Iran's Presidential Election Bring Change?
October 21 -- Radio Farda's weekly roundtable, "Viewpoints," brought three experts together to discuss the impact of Iran's upcoming presidential election. Dariush Homayoun, former Information Minister under the Shah, was joined by journalist Isa Saharkhiz and Professor Alireza Haghighi. [Read in Persian]
Fate of Arrested Azeri Students Unknown
October 17 -- Students demonstrated at Bu Ali Sina University in Hamedan, southwest of Tehran, against the continued detention of Azeri students and called for their release. "This summer, a number of Azeri students were arrested and it's been 70 days since we've heard anything from them," one student activist tells Radio Farda. [Read in Persian]