Saeed Mortazavi: butcher of the press - and torturer of Tehran?

[lindisfarne]

Source: Times Online

The Iranian regime has appointed one of its most feared prosecutors to interrogate reformists arrested during demonstrations, prompting fears of a brutal crackdown against dissent.

Relatives of several detained protesters have confirmed that the interrogation of prisoners is now being headed by Saaed Mortazavi, a figure known in Iran as “the butcher of the press”. He gained notoriety for his role in the death of a Canadian-Iranian photographer who was tortured, beaten and raped during her detention in 2003.

“The leading role of Saeed Mortazavi in the crackdown in Tehran should set off alarm bells for anyone familiar with his record,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, the Middle East and North Africa director of Human Rights Watch.
..
Mr Mortazavi became notorious for his role in the death of Zahra Kazemi while in Iranian custody on July 11, 2003. Kazemi, a freelance photojournalist with dual Iranian-Canadian nationality, was arrested while taking photographs outside Evin prison, Tehran, during an earlier period of reformist unrest in the city, also ruthlessly repressed.

Read more: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6570089.ece

[peacetalksforall]

1. Iran parallels the U.S. Vile creatures in Iran. Vile creatures in the U.S.

The energetic youth who believed what they were taught as children about loyalty to values and idealism - there and here. People who want to live in peace - there and here. People who want to trust - there and here.

[Bankhead_ATL]

2. And people wonder why Obama is trying to keep the US out of it...nt