Saturday's Daily Briefing on Iran

DoctorZin reports, 6.11.2005:

Special Report: Iranians Unite! Pro-Democracy Iranians Boycott Islamic Republic'’s Rigged Anti-Democratic Elections

In an historic show of unity, Iranian opposition leaders together drafted and signed the following declaration. The leaders represent a broad spectrum of Iranian groups around the world calling for a boycott of the June 17th Presidential election. READ MORE

More than 17o leaders have signed it, still others are seeking to. It is important to let the media know that Iranians from a range of political views are now united in boycotting the June 17th election.

Also important:

• I have begun a schedule of Pro-Democracy events for the coming week. I hope this will be helpful to news editors looking to follow the events in Iran. It will be updated regularly. Check for updates under the daily briefing list in our right sidebar.
  
• There is now a photo pool, Iran Elections 1384 on Flickr for pictures related to the election.

Here are a few other news items you may have missed.

• Agence France Press, reports that Reza Pahlavi is in LA, urging a polls boycott and launches a hunger strike.
• The Economist thinks Iran's presidency still matters quite a bit.
• The Times UK reported that student revolutionaries learn hard lessons about the regime they created.
• Amir Taheri looks at the Iranian election and his thoughts on the best of a bad choice.
• The US Alliance for Democratic Iran discusses the second reinvention of Rafsanjani.
• Middle East Online reported that Rafsanjani sees nuclear deal with EU. In other words, "if I get elected, EU, don't challenge the election results."
• Mr. Bedhi (Iranian blogger) reported that the candidates of the right wing are focusing almost completely on economic issues.
• Radio Free Europe reported on Iran: new worries arise over military involvement in election.
• Iran Focus reports Iran students plan protest against government crackdown.
• International Herald Tribune reported that the reformist camp finds itself facing a fork in the road: a decision to vote or to boycott.
• Africasia reported that reformist candidate Moin was attacked at a campaign rally Friday.
• BBC News says that missing Iran writer, Ganji, spoke out. Update: He gave an interview while "missing." He is now back in Evin prison and has resumed his hunger strike.
• ABC.net.au reported the IAEA confirmed Iran has halted its nuclear activity.
• YahooNews reported that Iran hardliners fear a defeat in the election.
• SMCCDI asks for help in stopping the Iranian government's illegal election polling places on U.S. soil. The Financial Times also reported.
• SMCCDI reported a coalition of Iranian groups has announced a protest against the violation of women rights in front of Tehran University, Sunday June 12. Adnkronos International added details.
• Iran va Jahan reported on the lack of Human Rights in Iran. A MUST READ!
• Melanie Phillips's Diary complains Britain and Europe are missing the big story about Iran.
• Iran Focus reported Iran' s Supreme Court has upheld a sentence for a young man's eyes to be gouged out and sprayed with acid.
• Middle East Online reported that actor Sean Penn is in Iran to cover the election. On, brother.
• The US Alliance for Democratic Iran explains why Iran's elections are a farce.
• And finally, more photos of Iranian Pro-Democracy forces.