Iran Mobilizes to Stifle Opposition Protests - WSJ.com: Via Wall Street Journal / WSJ.com .

BEIRUT—Iranian authorities deployed in force across Tehran Wednesday to conduct last-minute security sweeps and warn residents to refrain from joining antigovernment protests planned for Thursday.

The government typically orchestrates large, carnival-like rallies and demonstrations to mark the anniversary of the Islamic Republic. For this year's events on Feb. 11, the day marking the culmination of the annual celebrations, opposition leaders have called for protesters to demonstrate against the regime. That has set the stage for clashes between authorities and demonstrators, who have taken to the streets repeatedly to protest the outcome of presidential elections in June.

Government officials, meanwhile, ratcheted up threats against any protests Thursday, vowing to confront demonstrators on the streets and calling for government supporters to turn out in large numbers. Iranian officials have branded protesters as agents of foreign powers.

The Iranian judiciary has handed down a number of harsh sentences against protesters arrested in previous demonstrations, including at least 10 pending death sentences.
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Iranian Police Clash With Protesters Over Banned Newspaper: Via Voice of America.

Iranian police clashed with protesters who gathered Monday outside the Tehran office of a reformist newspaper, which was recently banned by authorities.

Witnesses say police dispersed dozens of opposition supporters who shouted anti-government slogans outside the office of the National Trust (Etemad Melli), the newspaper of former presidential candidate Mehdi Karoubi. Some demonstrators were reportedly arrested.

Aides close to Karoubi say Iran's judiciary ordered a ban on the daily Sunday, after it printed his claims that some election protesters were raped while in custody.
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Amnesty Wants Observers at Iran Trials: Via Voice of America.

Human rights group Amnesty International is asking Iran to allow international observers into trials of more than 100 people charged with being involved with protests following the June presidential elections.

Amnesty Secretary-General Irene Khan said in a statement Wednesday it is vital to have an international presence to uphold the rights of the defendants.

She says compelling evidence has been presented by defeated presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi, who alleged that some of the protesters were raped in detention by security officials. Iran's parliament speaker denied the claims of detainee abuse.
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EU, Britain, France Condemn Iran Trial: Via Voice of America.

Iran faces international condemnation after opening its second mass trial of political detainees charged with provoking unrest during protests against Iran's disputed presidential election.

Those on trial Saturday included a French woman lecturer and Iranian employees of the French and British embassies in Tehran.

The European Union and Britain condemned Iran for putting on trial French lecturer Clotilde Reiss and the two embassy employees.

The Swedish-led EU presidency said actions against one EU country, citizen or embassy staff member are considered an action against the entire bloc.  It demanded the detainees be released immediately.
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German Firm Withdraws Threat to Fire Employees in Iran - WSJ.com: Via The Wall Street Journal/WSJ.

Knauf Gips KG, a German building materials company that last week told its employees in Iran they would be fired if they participated in political demonstrations, withdrew the threat on Friday after The Wall Street Journal published an article about the policy.

"Without question, the formulation of the July 21, 2009 letter from Knauf Iran P.J.S.C. was unfortunate and needs to be corrected," Knauf Executive Board Chairman Manfred Grundke said in a statement.

The letter in question, written by Isabel Knauf, a member of the company's founding family who helps oversee its Iranian business, said: "If anybody from our company gets caught demonstrating against the current government, he or she will be immediately dismissed."
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