United for Iran Calls on Tech Companies to Stop Blocking Internet Services

United for Iran Calls on Tech Companies to Stop Blocking Internet Services

Jun 28, 2012

While American and European companies provide unmatched platforms for free expression and citizen journalism, misapplications of export regulations have created a chilling effect on the free flow of information to those living under repressive regimes. We are writing to urge you to take necessary steps to ensure important Internet communication services provided by your companies are not unnecessarily blocked for individuals in sanctioned countries.

In places such as Iran, Cuba, Sudan and Syria, online media has emerged as a sanctuary to debate ideas, report human rights…

Watch: Iran – Behind The Electronic Curtain

Watch: Iran – Behind The Electronic Curtain

Apr 9, 2012

In his March 20 Nowruz message to the Iranian people, President Obama said “the United States will continue to draw attention to the electronic curtain that is cutting the Iranian people off from the world. And we hope that others will join us in advancing a basic freedom for the Iranian people: the freedom to connect with one another, and with their fellow human beings.”

Iran prepares for staged elections with crackdown on dissent

Iran prepares for staged elections with crackdown on dissent

Feb 22, 2012

United for Iran is deeply concerned about the escalating crackdown by the Iranian government on expression and assembly ahead of the March 2 parliamentary elections. Since the start of 2012, more than 100 Iranian citizens have been detained for non-violent political activism surrounding the elections and two have reportedly died in custody. Opposition parties, high profile political…

Podcast 43: Internet Censorship in Iran- Interview with Mehdi Yahyanejad

Podcast 43: Internet Censorship in Iran- Interview with Mehdi Yahyanejad

Dec 19, 2011

We all use the internet. But what does it mean to use the internet in a country where freedom of speech is under assault? This week, we talk to Mehdi Yahyanejad, the founder of the Balatarin, the Persian language version of Reddit or Digg. Mr. Yahyanejad talks about the importance of Balatarin for human rights activism and social mobilizing. He also tells us the many different ways the…

The Case of Saeed Malekpour: Web Developer Jailed Since 2008 (Updated 2/16/12)

Oct 31, 2010

Saeed Malekpour is a 35-year-old prisoner of conscience who was imprisoned in October of 2008 while visiting his terminally ill father in Iran, for case of relating to “internet offenses.” The charges brought against Saeed include “Taking action against national security by designing and moderating adult content websites;” “Agitation against the regime;” “Contact with foreign entities;” “Insulting the sanctity of Islam;” and “Insulting the Supreme Leader and President.” He could be charged as “Corrupter of the Earth” (Mofsed fel-Arz), a charge that is punishable by the death sentence. Saeed continues to deny these vague allegations.