Category: Iran

Well attended vigil


Strong attendance at 121st vigil

March 2026

Around 36 attended the 121st vigil and it was pleasing to welcome some passers-by who stopped to join in. Nearly half the cars sounded their horns. Here is a video of the vigil. The vigils started because of the horrific events on October 7th and the ensuing violence in Gaza where the death toll stands at 72,267. The violence continues and around 4 weeks ago, both Israel and the US have started a bombing campaign in Iran and very recently, Israel has started a ground and bombing campaign in Lebanon. In the past few days, the Houthis in Yemen have recommenced their campaign sending missiles towards Israel.

There has never been a sign of the local MP Mr John Glen at any of the vigils nor any mention of them in his weekly column afforded to him by the Salisbury Journal. Mr Glen has claimed in the paper to be a proud member of the Conservative Friends of Israel group. Another member of the Labour party version is the Trade Minister highlighted in our previous post (see link below).

Use of white phosphorus

The violence seems set to continue with civilian casualties mounting on all sides but mostly in Iran and Lebanon. A particularly troubling development last week was a report by Human Rights Watch producing evidence that Israel is using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon. White phosphorus is a chemical substance dispersed in artillery shells, bombs, and rockets which ignites when exposed to oxygen. It can set homes, agricultural areas, and other civilian objects on fire. Technically, it is not a chemical weapon.

Under international humanitarian law, the use of airburst white phosphorus is unlawfully indiscriminate in populated areas and does not meet the legal requirement to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm. The effects on humans is fearful. Biology Insights report ‘direct contact with white phosphorus leads to severe and immediate localized damage, primarily through chemical and thermal injuries. White phosphorus ignites spontaneously when exposed to air, typically at temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 degrees Celsius. This ignition initiates a highly exothermic reaction, releasing significant heat and causing the substance to burn fiercely at temperatures between 800 and 2500 degrees Celsius. The burning continues until the phosphorus is consumed or deprived of oxygen.

‘The resulting burns are profoundly painful and can be full-thickness, extending through all layers of the skin. White phosphorus particles readily adhere to skin and clothing. Because the substance is highly lipid-soluble, it can penetrate deeply into underlying fatty tissues, muscles, and even bone. This deep penetration leads to extensive tissue necrosis [death of cells] at the point of contact‘.

Inhalation is also extremely painful and causes lung damage and possibly renal failure.

‘Beyond horrific‘

A 2023 Amnesty report described its use then as ‘beyond horrific’. The weapon also contaminates the ground and makes its future use problematic for agriculture. Since most villages in the area are dependent on agriculture it has profound economic effects as well.

Hastings protest by Jewish people

This short moving video taken by Hastings Jews for Justice is a protest against Israel’s planned execution law for Palestinians only. Palestinians in Israeli prisons are already tortured, abused, starved and raped. They will be hanged if this law is enacted. There is no appeal. They claim it is state-sanctioned murder. HJJ calls on all MPs to condemn this vile law. Please add your name to the HJJ letter here: https://forms.gle/gnEgkRs553z5Yi617 HJJ Website: https://www.hastingsjewsforjustice.org/ This Guardian article provides an update on the progress through the Knesset.

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Photo & video: Peter Gloyns

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Talk by ex-Iranian prisoner in Romsey


Anoosheh Ashoori tells of his ordeal in Evin prison, Iran

March 2026

Anoosheh was seized suddenly in 2017 by four men who, after checking who he was, bundled him into a car where he was blindfolded. Thus began 5 years of incarceration in fearful conditions mostly in the infamous Evin prison in Tehran. He never knew what his ‘crime’ was but it was later to emerge it was connected with the £400m tank deal with the UK that ensnared Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe as well.

Anoosheh came to Romsey on 18 March to give a talk organised by the Romsey Amnesty group about his

experiences. He described the terrible conditions: cells packed with men with primitive hygiene facilities, hearing the screams from the women’s part of the prison, the terrible food which led to great weight loss, and long periods in solitary confinement. And the endless interrogations.

But in amongst the suffering there was also some slivers of hope and light. He described what became the ‘Evin University’. Since many intellectuals, writers and others seen as a threat to the regime were imprisoned, there were many opportunities for people to learn from one another and offer mutual support. There were teaching groups, one involved the writing of short stories. They all helped to maintain some sense of sanity.

He was strongly influenced by Victor Frankl who had survived the Holocaust and his book Man’s Search for Meaning. He offered some insights into suffering following his three years in the camps including Auschwitz. Suffering can cease to be suffering if it is imbued with meaning he suggested.

Like Nazanin, he was a hostage. This raised the question – as with her captivity – of the role of the British government in trying to secure his release. They were keen for family and supporters not to make a fuss because, they claimed, delicate negotiations were continuing and any such fuss would upset them. ‘Do not go public’ his family and supporters were advised This was always doubtful and the basic reason was the £400m the UK government owed the Iranians for the non-delivery of the tanks destined for the Shah’s regime. Both had become tangled up in this long-running row.

Current war

His talk took place three weeks into the current war where Israel and the US have bombed many areas of Iran in an attempt to prevent the Iranians developing a nuclear weapon and to force regime change (it is thought: the precise objectives are unclear). This has led to the closure of the straight of Hormuz and huge economic effects around the world. Which prompted questions from the audience about the current situation and whether he was optimistic.

It did not sound as though he was. He thinks the campaign will simply lead to further problems, echoing many who think that attempting to change a regime by bombing it is unlikely to be successful. He also said the IRGC is ‘like a cancer’ meaning it was deeply embedded in Iranian society and thus difficult to dislodge. He was asked about celebrating his release: he doesn’t because he cannot help but think of those who are still incarcerated in Evin and other prisons in Iran.

What should we do? he was asked. ‘Speak as loudly as possible’ he answered and his comments appeared to be directed at the government. It was a piece with his earlier comments about the role of the UK government during his imprisonment and the desire of the Foreign Office to keep a low profile and not make a noise. His advice was to counter that. His second comment was ‘perseverance always pays off’.

Summary

It is always humbling to listen to someone who has experienced great suffering and come out the other side. His lack of bitterness was noteworthy. He spoke of his desire in prison to run the London marathon, if and when he got out, which he has more than once. He was not optimistic about the country’s future and the current war will not change things. His description of the ‘Evin University’ shows that even in such terrible conditions, the human spirit can shine through which must be a sign of optimism in itself.

Congratulations to the Romsey Amnesty group for organising this talk which was well attended.

Additional material from New Internationalist. Image: Salisbury Amnesty

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Ex Iranian prisoner to tell his story


Anoosheh Ashoori will speak in Romsey

March 2026

PAST EVENT – see later report of the event itself.

The story of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been widely told and she has become a household name. A BBC film was made of her ordeal and she came to Salisbury to speak. Iran is in the news at present with the bombing campaign being carried out by Israel and the US one aim of which – it is thought – is to rid the nation of the current regime, the regime which thought seizing hostages was a good idea.

Along with Nazanin was the rather less well-known Anoosheh Ashoori (pictured) a dual national businessman who spent 5 years in Evin prison in Tehran at the same time as Nazanin. He is coming to Romsey on 18th March to talk about his experiences. The talk starts at 7pm at the United Reform Church, SO51 8EL. The talk has been organised by the Romsey Amnesty Group.

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Yet more violence in the Middle East


Vigil continues with Israeli and US attacks on Iran

March 2026

For 118 weeks now, we have held a vigil in Salisbury with the theme peace in the Middle East. Around 30 attended yesterday (7 March) and the hope must be that one day it would end. Any such hopes were dashed last week when Israel led an attack on Tehran and other Iranian cities followed by the Americans. They claim that all Iranian air defences are destroyed together with their air force and navy. The attacks continue and Israel has now restarted its attacks on Lebanon.

The objectives of the latest campaign are unclear. One aspect is to destroy Iran’s nuclear ambitions which President Trump has already claimed were destroyed. The other is to enable regime change and initially that appears to have happened because the late supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei and his top aids, were tracked to a location enabling them to be assassinated. There was a hope that the people of Iran would rise up and evict the regime.

Thus the violence has continued and taken on a new life. There have been many implications well aired in the press: retaliation from Iran and its dramatic effects on the Gulf states, the closure of the Straights of Hormuz with its effects on oil and gas prices and the closure of the important air hub at Dubai. International stock markets have fallen and energy prices have risen dramatically.

It has also had ramifications for UK politics basically between those who think we should support Israel and the US and those who do not think yet more bombing and violence is a way to conduct foreign affairs. Arguments have surfaced about Britain’s role in offering support via its bases in Fairford Gloucestershire, Cyprus and the Indian Ocean. Initially denied, within days they were made available to the Americans.

The most damaging feature of this latest violence is the erosion of international law. Attacks on foreign states has rapidly become normal behaviour. As ever, it is not the leaders and politicians who suffer, but those at the receiving end of missile, drone and bombing attacks.

“The escalating crisis in the Middle East poses a grave threat to multilateralism and to the integrity of the international legal order. Unlawful acts by parties to the conflict, particularly those committed by influential states, not only endanger civilians across multiple countries, but also accelerate the erosion of the global norms that are essential for the protection of human rights and global peace and security.” Agnès Callamard, Secretary General, Amnesty International. (March 3rd)

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Vigil on the day war threatens in Middle East


The 117th vigil took place on the day Israel and US attack Iran

March 2026

Reports today (March 1st) that Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead killed by an air strike from Israel. President Trump promised to end foreign wars yet here we are with US and Israeli forces engaged in bombing Iran. There have been retaliations by Iran. The UK’s involvement is as yet unclear but RAF jets are reported to be airborne in defence of some Gulf states and no doubt other assistance has been offered.

About 30 attended the 117th vigil in Salisbury in what seems almost a forlorn hope of seeing peace in the region. To engage in yet more military actions with all the tens of thousands already dead, seems an utterly pointless exercise which may bring short-term advantages but has no prospect of longer term stability.

Both Israel and the US are concerned by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Yet no mention is ever made that Israel is a nuclear state. The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation estimate the country has 90 such weapons and sufficient nuclear material for another 100. Considerable secrecy surrounds this fact and needless to say western media almost never mention it.

Part of the rationale for these recent attacks is to rid Iran of its murderous leadership the head of which appears to have been killed yesterday. The idea that the death of Khamenei is going to lead to some kind of peaceful conclusion and regime change is fanciful. Even if the current regime is deposed in some kind of coup or insurrection, who knows who or what will replace them? There is no obvious successor and the immediate outcome is likely to be instability. This action is more to do with domestic troubles being experienced by Messrs Trump and Netanyahu. And what about the Board of Peace?

Israeli supporting press are broadly in favour. Bringing peace, human rights and stability to a country by dropping bombs on it seems an odd way to go about things. We tried that in Iraq…

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Iran adds to the turmoil in the Middle East


Severe turmoil in Iran with grievous human rights abuses

January 2026

Events are moving fast on the world stage. Last week saw huge uprisings in many towns and cities throughout Iran with security forces using violence in an attempt to quell them. Numbers of dead are unknown due to the internet and phone cut offs but are estimated to be at least 2,000. Help was promised by the US president but so far none has appeared and it is difficult to imagine how outside help of any kind would improve matters.

In Gaza, violence continues and 450 have died since the ceasefire. Life for people living there is desperate with inadequate food and medical supplies and living in tented communities. Over 71,000 dead who are known about, thousands more lie in the rubble. Israel is reported to be considering a fresh assault on Gaza City.

News of the Board of Peace was available and names include Donald Trump as chair and other are Tony Blair, Marco Rubio. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. There are no Palestinian names on the lists of the Board itself or on the subcommittees. Prospects for its success are dim. Vladimir Putin is reported to have been invited.

Vigil

We continue with our vigil and we held the 111th on Saturday with around 40 in attendance. One of the regular attendees has written to the local MP Mr John Glen to ask why he has never responded to emails about the vigils:

“You seem to have taken a policy of not responding to these emails.  I would be interested in your thoughts on the current situation in Gaza and to learn something of the extent to which you are able to transmit these messages from a group of your constituents to your parliamentary colleagues.  As you are my MP, this doesn’t seem a lot to ask.  I will put this letter on Salisbury CND’s website and add your reply to it, should such a reply be forthcoming“.

Mr Glen has never acknowledged the vigils in his weekly Salisbury Journal and a search of They Work for You website reveals that he has made no meaningful contribution in Parliament to the grievous situation there. He is reported to be a member of the Conservative Friends of Israel, the largest such lobby group in Parliament. A previous post analysing our three MPs and their voting record on this topic can be read here.

A video of the vigil can be accessed here. Video and image courtesy of Peter Gloyns.

Past event

Talk by Peter Oborne on Wednesday at 7pm. Copies of his book will be available at the discounted price of £10 (cash only).

Oborne flyerDownload
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Florida and Iran: Key Insights from Recent Death Penalty Report


November 2025

We are pleased to attach the current death penalty report for mid October to mid November thanks to group member Lesley for the work in compiling it. Florida features quite strongly as does Iran which is executing young people – a truly horrific act. There is also material on Israel which is considering laws for Palestinians quite different from the Jewish population, an example of apartheid which operates there. We note as ever that even though China makes a brief entry, the country is believed to execute more of its citizens than the rest of the world combined but details are a state secret.

Report October – November (Word)Download

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Material on this site is free to use by other Amnesty or human rights groups.

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Big increase in executions in Iran


This year has seen a further increase in executions in Iran

May 2025

The BBC reported that in 2024, 901 people were believed to be executed in Iran representing a 6% increase over 2023 when 853 were put to death. 31 were women. The chosen method is hanging often in public. The main reasons are murder, rape and drug crimes but also the vague ‘corruption on earth’ used to describe people opposed to he theocracy. Minority groups are also hard hit.

There seems no let up with 343 put to death in the first four months of this year representing a significant increase over the same period in 2024.

Iran joins other countries like China, North Korea and Vietnam which use the penalty extensively. Details of numbers are a secret in those countries. In China it is believed to be thousands. The killing spree has been widely condemned by a range of agencies.

Sources: BBC, Death Penalty Information Center, France 24, Amnesty International.

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Amnesty publishes Death Penalty report


Report for 2024 published

April 2025

The report highlights a sharp increase in numbers executed – the highest level since 2015 – but the number of countries holds steady. Amnesty has recorded 1,518 executions in 2024 a 32% increase over the previous year. A problem with producing statistics of this nature is that countries who are major users of the penalty, keep their figures a secret. China for example, believed to be the world’s largest executioner with thousands of its citizens executed each year – does not publish figures regarding them as a state secret. Another secretive nation is Vietnam where, similarly, the numbers are a state secret, and Belarus and Laos who release limited information. The figures are accordingly a minimum estimate of the actual numbers executed. The full report can be accessed here (pdf).

The penalty is not solely used to put to death people who have committed serious crime, but is used as a repressive tool. Saudi Arabia (image), and Iran, for example use the penalty to stifle dissent, targeting human rights defenders, protestors, dissidents and political opponents. There is also a disproportionate use of the penalty against minorities particularly religious minorities. Iran, which executed no less than 972 individuals last year, uses the penalty to execute those who challenge, or who are perceived to challenge, the Islamic Republic. It is also noted that these regimes have poor levels of justice. Defendants are often tortured to secure confessions and are denied access to lawyers. It is highly likely, not to say probable, that many wholly innocent people lose their lives.

Another trend is the use of the penalty as part of drugs programmes against dealers and users.

There is little sign, and very little evidence, that the penalty is some kind of deterrent, an argument frequently put forward for its retention or return. The leader of UK’s Reform party for example recently called for its reintroduction following the dreadful murder of three little girls which took place in Southport*. YouGov surveys show mixed views among Britons about the penalty. Generally, people are opposed but there is more support for its use among Conservative voters. The strongest support comes from the 65+ age group. Attitudes do change however, following a particularly unpleasant murder of a child, a policeman or as a result of terrorist activity. It was last used in 1964, suspended in 1965, abolished in 1969 and completely abolished in 1998 when treason was removed (different dates in Northern Ireland).

The group publishes a report on its use each month and last month’s report is available here.

*Town in northern England

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Nazanin talk at Cathedral


Talk by Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe inspiring for those who heard it

March 2025

UPDATE, 12 March: For those who would like to revisit the talk, the Cathedral has produced a recording, available until 17th March. 19 March: now removed.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was interviewed in Salisbury Cathedral by the Rt Revd Bishop of Sherborne, Karen Gorham, about her experiences of being imprisoned in Iran and life after her release. Unfortunately, the sound system was such that many could not hear large chunks of what was said, some claiming only being able to hear a quarter of the discussion.

The local group was pleased that the Bishop, Nazanin and her husband all mentioned the role played by Amnesty and the introducer mentioned the local group in particular.

The event was a sell-out with nearly 1,000 people in attendance. It took place on International Women’s Day.

Nazanin made the point that there was a difference between being political prisoner and a hostage.

Being a hostage brought with it a different set of rules since what the legal case was did not matter. She also said you only appreciate freedom when you don’t have it for a long time. After release she found ‘adjustment quite difficult’. For a long time she said ‘my body was free but my mind was in prison’. Even meals were difficult because she found the rush of having to eat in prison was difficult to shake off.

She discussed the Boris Johnson affair. Johnson blurted out that Nazanin was in Iran to ‘train journalists’ which was untrue: she was there on holiday. This was used by the Iranian authorities against her. It took a long time for Johnson to meet her and he failed explicitly to apologise for his error despite the effect it had on her confinement. Both have been extremely critical of the British government during her ordeal.

Richard, her husband spoke about the ‘of the kindness of strangers’ . He also spoke of the role of Amnesty and of the symbolic nature of the Amnesty logo of a candle in a coil of barbed wire.

We apologise for the partial nature of this post for reasons outside our control. Image, Amnesty International.

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