Humans are important, and so are their rights. Whether you are someone whose rights have been violated, or someone who is fighting to stop the violation of somebody else's rights, you know how important the issue is.
In the fight for human rights, we should put aside our differences and join forces. Tyranny is strong, and it must be countered with unity among those who are fighting it. However, we should also be careful not to turn this campaign into a pawn shop where virtually anything can be bought or sold! In order to be a humanitarian, one has to care deeply about the rights of others and avoid association with, let alone cooperation with, people or governments who violate those rights, have dubious records, or are accused of criminal activity.
Nazanin Afshin Jam’s human rights campaign is an important one. She has probably helped save lives and we should wholeheartedly acknowledge and support that. That said, there is a dark side to her personality that must be addressed. Who is she really? How much do we know about her, other than the info that she and her promoters feed us with? How much do we know about the people who support her or whom she associates with? Is she eally the independent advocate of human rights she claims to be?
Let’s have a look:
Nazanin Afshin Jam is an artist (singer) signed with Bodog Music, an international music label owned by Bodog Entertainment whose owner and boss is the billionaire, Calvin Ayre.
Now, there is nothing wrong with being an artist and a human rights activist at the same time. But when being an artist involves associating closely with people who have a dubious record, then we have a problem! Calvin Ayre sits on top of a gambling empire which the US Department of Justice considers illegal and harmful to the public welfare. If Ayre landed in the US today, he would be arrested on criminal charges. In a situation dire as this, Ayre needs a lot of good PR, and it may be that he is using Afshin Jam as a tool to soften his negative image and gain prestige. The question we need to ask is simple: how do we know if Afshin Jam’s human rights motives are genuine? That is the first question. A more important question would be: why on Earth should a human rights activist be associated with a man who runs an illegal business?
And to make matters worse, there is another serious allegation against Calvin Ayre: prostitution. Last year, police raided Ayre's home in Costa Rica, suspecting that he was hosting an illegal prostitution ring. He, of course, denied the charges. Who knows, maybe he was telling the truth! But that’s beside the point. The point is not whether he told the truth or not in this particular case. The point is that this man has a dubious record. Nonetheless, Afshin jam is professionally involved with him. Again, my question is simple: how can somebody who cares about the rights of women and works to end their plight in Iran and the wider Muslim world be associated with a figure whose business may involve prostitution?
I wholeheartedly hope what I have said in this article is baseless. I am a human rights activist myself, and the last thing I want to do is question the credibility of someone fighting for the rights of others. But, as much as I believe that we should fight together for human rights, I also believe that we should not let our struggle be misused by people whose only aim is to further their own (illegal) interests.
In a world filled with dictators and hypocrites, a world full of torture chambers and death squads, honesty and genuine commitment on the part of human rights activists are not only virtues but necessities. Without these qualities there is no real difference between people who defend human rights and people who violate them.
It is up to us to protect human rights from people who want to use it for profit-making and face-saving.
Person | About | Day |
---|---|---|
نسرین ستوده: زندانی روز | Dec 04 | |
Saeed Malekpour: Prisoner of the day | Lawyer says death sentence suspended | Dec 03 |
Majid Tavakoli: Prisoner of the day | Iterview with mother | Dec 02 |
احسان نراقی: جامعه شناس و نویسنده ۱۳۰۵-۱۳۹۱ | Dec 02 | |
Nasrin Sotoudeh: Prisoner of the day | 46 days on hunger strike | Dec 01 |
Nasrin Sotoudeh: Graffiti | In Barcelona | Nov 30 |
گوهر عشقی: مادر ستار بهشتی | Nov 30 | |
Abdollah Momeni: Prisoner of the day | Activist denied leave and family visits for 1.5 years | Nov 30 |
محمد کلالی: یکی از حمله کنندگان به سفارت ایران در برلین | Nov 29 | |
Habibollah Golparipour: Prisoner of the day | Kurdish Activist on Death Row | Nov 28 |
Guilty Until Proven Innocent
by Mehdi on Tue Oct 23, 2007 05:12 PM PDTSeems to me that the writer is saying that Nazanin Afshin Jam is guilty until proven innocent. He has really stretched his imagination to come up with some "crimes" committed by Nazanin. I don't know Nazanin but reading this you definitely get the idea that the writer is at least paranoid. Reading the comments however, it seems that this write-up has to do with some other animosity. Maybe because Nazani is close to Reza Pahlavi and that bothers the writer? Sorry, but there is nothing in this article other than accusations and assumptions. And also, since when US government calling someone a criminal has meant anything remotely related to ethics and morals?? What planet have you lived on? If they call somebody criminal it is only because they don't like competition!
Civilized!
by small fish (not verified) on Tue Oct 23, 2007 12:50 AM PDTguys,
I think we should behave in a more civilized manner and avoid 'khaleh zanaki" comments. Also, no character assassination please! AND- we should stop talking about each other’s boobs. Boobs are personal, the issue is not!
afshin-jam ur implants shouldn’t keep you from Cing reality
by fifis bookstor (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 07:00 PM PDTNazanin you are so immature and you dont make sense ever. We are watching you. I know you feel left out and dying to get any time of attention and this whole blog is your 15 minutes of fame sweetheart when you are out of Calvin Ayre's bed! So spread your legs some more and shine in the light of the bs in pretending you are someone else!
nazi aka Valentina K. keep on writing and discrediting yourself
by to sista of Nazanin Afshin Jam (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 06:55 PM PDTwe know you are sick in the head or wouldn't take your 2 year old to a rap party! just keep tooting your horn.
To: Masoud Rauf
by Jane M (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 06:51 PM PDTMy name is Jane M, and am a real character, a human rights activist ,a mother of 23 years old son who is on drugs, and very much involved with many human rights organizations in various part of US and UK but can't recall which is which and who is who. All information you asked are answered on google. Just search Calvin Ayre's name! Ah! Don't forget! You can reach Nazanin Afshin Jam on her personal site by clicking on info@nazanin.ca , I am sure some one from her volunteer, humanitarian staff (read: sweatshop workers where she slaves away people and doesn’t even pay or appreciate them) will get back to you.
Lily akaCarmen Schultz keep on writing and discrediting yourself
by sista of Carmen Schultz-mazi (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 05:44 PM PDTWe know you are sick in the head, just keep tooting your horn.
To: Masoud Rauf
by Jane M (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 05:38 PM PDTMy name is Jane M, a Chartered accountant, a human rights activist,a mother of 23 years old son, very much involved with many human rights organizations in various part of US and UK.
All information you asked are answered in this site, including :a note written by David E, Oct 21 10.38, tittled: "to aka Ali Niknam..." , a note from Abi Jacques written oct 21 11.11. tittled "I agree with your article...."
a note, written tittled "Lily Mazahery your finger print is all over.."
If you need more information, you can check www.nazanin.ca or click on www.stochildexecutions.com (you can sign and support the cause if you will)
further more, there are many other sites including Bodog.com, Bodog.net, www.Bodoglife.net that most probably can answer all your question(s). However to save you time, I believe David E's note, as mentioned above would certainly answers all of your questions.
You may search Google, Google Video; if above is not satisfactory.
Most celebrities receive hundreds or thousands of emails a DAY, and in most cases they are on the road performing, delivering speechs, involved in interviews etc. and their emails are manged by other professionals. As also mentioned in this site; in celebrities' life everything is on the table, there is no hidden agenda, Miss. Afshin jam's is not exceptional. You can reach her personal site by clicking on info@nazanin.ca , I am sure some one from her volunteer, humanitarian staff will get back to you.
BUT WHY?
by Carmen Schultz-Mazi (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 05:30 PM PDTI don't think the problem with Afshin Jam is her motives. I'm pretty sure she's sencere in what she's doing. But she's got a problem and that's her immaturity. She doesn't really understand ALL that it takes to be a human rights activist. She thinks having a good heart, some cash and a celebrity status is enough. Well, it's not!
She complains that Persians don't pay enough attention to her campaigns and she'd right; we don't! But why? Maybe the reason is because we don't fully trust here. YET!
100% OF PROCEEDS BEING DONATED TO STOP CHILD EXECUTIONS CAMPAIGN
by arthur miller (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 05:17 PM PDTPRESS RELEASE-
New York, NY - (October 22, 2007) - On November 1st, Bodog Music recording artist Nazanin will be releasing her newly recorded Christmas song titled "On Christmas Day." The song can be downloaded on the Bodog e-store by going to www.nazanin.ca. In a true season of giving, the cost of the song is being given away for any amount of donation and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Stop Child Executions campaign. Stop Child Executions Campaign was co-founded by Nazanin to raise awareness about this issue, and more importantly to put an end to one of the most heinous manifestations of the death penalty -- its use against children. Additionally the single will be available for sale on Itunes.
“While we are gathered by the fire singing Christmas songs, I want the children in the cold prison cells in Iran to know that they are not forgotten. I want them to feel hope that they have another chance at life. We are a completely volunteer based organization, so every penny goes directly to the campaign."
According to the United Nations, a child is a person under the age of 18. Despite the fact that the government of Iran has signed International Covenants that forbid them to execute anyone who has allegedly committed an offence before the age of 18, they continue to do so. Amnesty International has documented 24 executions of child offenders in Iran since 1990. In many cases, these minors have been imprisoned until the age of 18 and then executed. Currently, there are over 80 minors on death row in Iran.
Over the years, human rights activist Nazanin has witnessed child offenders in Iran being saved and even released from prison through international pressure as seen in the cases of Nazanin Fatehi and Sina Paymard.
To download the single visit www.nazanin.ca and for more information on Stop Child Executions visit www.stopchildexecutions.com.
Nazanin also has released the second single “I Do” from her current album which is nearing the Top 30 on the AC Charts. The first single “Someday” reached the #7 spot at the FMQB Adult Contemporary Charts.
Lily MazaheriYour implants shouldn’t keep you from seeing relity
by fifis bookstore (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 05:15 PM PDTLily you are so immature and you dont make sense half the time. We are watching you. I know you feel left out and dying to get any time of attention and this whole blog is your 15 minutes of fame sweetheart. So spread your wings and shine in the light of writing the article in pretending to be Ali Niknam.
Afshin Jam: Your implants shouldn’t keep you from seeing reality
by fifi Jacquezzi (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 05:04 PM PDTNazanin Afshin Jam and her friends are the biggest idiots. They copy their stupid comments and blame it on other people just because people are not dumb! Truth speaks louder than David Etebari, Nazanin Afshin Jam, and the rest of their gang. Instead of reposting your fake Humanitarian efforts what about telling us about your sweatshops where you slave away people and don’t even pay them! A shoe factory worker gets higher salary than what Nazanin Afshin Jam and her gang of millioners pay to their workers. Come on Nazanin! Your implants shouldn’t keep you from seeing the reality of what is going on in your manufacturing facility also known as www.stopchildexecutions.com and whatever else you and your boss are doing! WE ARE WATCHING YOU.
Nazanin dedicated her life to the underpriveleged since age 12
by reposted by Abi Jacques (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 04:29 PM PDTCelebrity's life is an open book for every one to read , but unfortunately no one can or have the time to search and find the facts, therefore we mostly rely on what we read and sad enough, some individuals pick and choose what they like to report and that's what we see in most blogs and reports.
What make a difference in a report/blog is separation of facts and allegations/accusation.
Here what we know for fact:
Bodog is a multi facet legal entertainment company, including on-line gambling (similar to what's happening in Las Vegas), entertainment ring-fightings and have many artist singers.
Aside from business venture, where with a click of a mouse, any one can learn more, there are other news worth knowing about:
Bodog foundation has a center for orphanage in Russia, taking care of abandoned children infected with HIV from HIV parents.
Bodog is heavily involved in "cruelty against animal" in China and so far donated millions of dollar for their protection.
Bodog is an international company, with many competitors world wide, obviously, the man in charge of the company travels all over the world, if there is any issue, specially for a men with such a profile, is it difficult to pin him down? specially if US government allegedly is after him?.
It's in record in Costa Rica that when there was a major photo or film shooting, neighbor(s) or a competitor complained for after- hour noise and police were called.
And regarding Nazanin; these are the fact that we know and these are "public domain" information: she was involved in humanitarian causes since she was in high school, and later on joined the Red Cross, long before becoming a singer, song writer, long before she was Miss Canada and Miss World 1st. runner up. Her involvement in Tsunami, Bam's earth quick, teaching, lecturing as volunteer, informing corporation,public, schools and universities the effect of land mind on children, cycle of poverty and hunger on children are among many other humanitarian activities that she was involved or initiated on her own.
Her involvement in women movement, and gender equality including her none stop devotion world wide for saving under-aged lives is among her latest activities.
We know through her interviews and reports that she spent all her personal and some of family's money helping many unfortunate/needy people including gathering $42,000.00 "blood money"/bail money for Ms.Fatehi,(www.helpnazanin.com). We learned that 100% of her income for her up-coming Christmas song will be donated to help saving lives of children and under aged young people in Iran and elsewhere.(stopchildexecutions.com )
She always says that fame is her platform for helping voiceless people. She says "People listen more to celebrities and not the politician". "people know the name of Paris Hilton's dog, but do not know who is the head of United Nation"
Her activities in gender equality have opened many eyes in Iran and middle east while brought up the women issues in front of international news and cameras and that have created many window of opportunities for women around the world to demand for their rights and that initiated many rallies, petitions for equality and freedom.
She has dedicated her life (including receiving serious threat from Islamist), her energy entirely for human rights issues, including using her own money because this is her passion. (check out her Bio (www.nazanin.ca), view some of her interviews in You-tube, and Google's video.)
Does she deserve to get this kind of bashing? I guess you can not make every one happy all the time.
As an international singer (she sings English and French), what would be her benefit from Iranian community? (her entire album downloaded as soon as it was available on line and according to reports, thousands copied it free of charge; thanks to Iranian compatriots who made it possible!!).
Is this a perfect world or what?
Ali : Your accusatory and allegation in a format of "information" is dubious. Your note ended with conclusion of "guilty verdict" while you were a judge, a jury and finally an executioner.
You tried very well to hide your true face among so- called "informative" sentences, but any one with an average IQ can see what you are trying to portray, is not totally innocent, and that makes me believe you could be one of a hidden man in closet working for Islamic Republic, and I hope and prey that I am wrong.
I am appauled by these comments..........so childish
by Sudabeh Taymor (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 04:25 PM PDTThe only good thing out of all this is that i have just learned about the great organization co-founded by Ms. Nazanin Jam and will be making a large donation to help the children on death row.
Lily Mazahery just re-confirmed her identity by recopying ......
by An-on-a-mouse (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 04:12 PM PDTHey Lily
you obviously are so stupid that you have copied in reverse all bad comments that are made about you. You are such a fool because no other person would keep coming on this site minute after minute to re-copy the text but in reverse to put Ms Afshin-jam down. You are truly a stupid. You are hated by everyone you curly afro headed hairy persian woman. Wizard of Oz has a new meaning.
Nazanin! you better work independently!
by fsc (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 03:43 PM PDTDear Ms. Azarin Sadegh,
The person and persons you are referring as the saviors of Mr. Torabi do not work for the love of Humanity. Their presumably humanitarian work to save life in Iran with their theatrical figure aka Nazanin Afshin Jam does not change the truth behind the seen. As the Canadian reporter for Forbes states Calvin Ayre has lost a great deal of money since FORBES published the article on his business. Money and fame is the main criteria for Ayre, and Peter Carol (Afshin-Jam’s brother-in-law) therefore they have chosen Afshin Jam as their puppet. If Ms. Afshin Jam wants to be known as a real humanitarian she better work independently. She can’t have Bodog as her financial supporter and ask us to believe she is an independent human right activist.
Nazanin Afshin-Jam is saving Ali Mahin Torabi
by Azarin Sadegh repeated (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 03:12 PM PDTI have to tell you that I am using my real name and I defend Nazanin through my own personal experience. Since a few weeks I have been trying to help Ali Mahin Torabi. The day I started this effort, I had no hope and Ali's family was pretty certain that he had no real chance and it was already too late. So everyone was certain that he was going to get executed at the end of Ramadan. Yet, I wrote an article and I sent hundreds of emails. The organization that responded first to my email was StopChildExecutions founded by Nazanin. Not only they sent their lawyer to help with Ali's case (It is a fact confirmed by Ali’s family), but also they contacted Amnesty International. Later, I found the email address of a spokesman for Amnesty International and contacted him and he told me that they were already aware of his case (guess by who?) and they are working on making the case part of their Urgent Actions calls.
Last week European Union and Amnesty International, both released letter and press releases addressed to Iranian government to urge them to save Ali's life. There is a new petition to sign on Amnesty Internatioal site that is their campaign to save him by sending letters to Iranian authorities. I have already signed both petitions and the letter sent to Ayatollah Khamenei and Shahrudi. (By the way, I haven’t seen your name there, Mr. Niknam!)
Even, Ali's family was interviewed by Reuters and the report of his ordeal has been spread throughout internet. Since that day Ali (who had already accepted to die young) has finally found some light in his heart and his mother feels less desperate. His family doesn't stop sending me their prayers and their gratitude for all these organizations that worked so hard to make it happen, even if his life isn’t saved yet. maybe Nothing is won for sure, but at least through the chain of events of last weeks, I saw how Nazanin Afshin-jam did her best to help Ali.
I really don't care about any nameless and faceless person that keeps accusing Nazanin. It is very easy for anyone to verify her record of actions as a public figure. But it is much easier to accuse her without giving any reliable proof, and with a bunch of baseless name calling.
A least Nazanin is doing something. But Mr. Ali Niknam, How about you? What have you done lately to save humanity?
Hi I am a real person! My
by Masoon Rauf (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 03:03 PM PDTHi
I am a real person! My name is Masood Rauf and I am an artist and a human rights activist. I have worked with a number of human rights organizations in the past and have helped save the lives of several ex-political prisoners in Iran and Turkey.
The points raised by Mr. Niknam in his article should be addressed. If it's true that Ms. Afshin Jam is associated with a gambling mogul, then we should know why. Such association can hurt her cause as well as ours.
I have known about Ms. Afshin Jam for quite some time now and I have always appreciated what she has been doing. But her friends are not doing a good job in defending her aganist Mr. Niknam's argument by their nervous reactions. As an onjective observer I'd like to see Ms. Afshin Jam step forward and explain her relationship to Mr. Ayre. It's not too much to ask of a human rights activist. We're all in this together.
Respectfully
Lily Mazahery: Your finger print is all over ,
by Jane M (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 01:02 PM PDTNow that your name is revealed (no more hiding), you should cut your losses and stop doing what you have been doing for last couple of years; attacking innocent people, under all kind of false names (all your actual past IPs are available). What is your gain? This act of you is childish, foolish and self destructive.
Instead, as Azarin said in this post, help others to save life, including Ali Mahin Torabi (post his plea in your site), and 80 other under-aged children awaiting execution. Check this site : www.stopchildexecutions.com and sign the petition, we all watching you!!.
Use your site promoting the cause (we all watching you). According to your ex-associates and as your site shows, you did not help Nazanin Fatehi and never ever participated on this world-wide campaign, you even refused mentioning her name in your site, while the entire world were using her photos (but you used her photo selling T shirt), Isn't it strange?. Is this a personal vendetta or what?. You are against who? Well; the answer is clear, What Miss Nazanin Afshin Jam has done to you? Do you call yourself a human rights activist? What's wrong helping innocent, helpless people? If you have some personal problem, seek professional help, your colleagues/associates will be delighted seeing you happy once again for a change.
Now you have an opportunity to participate in www.stopchildexecutions.com and with that you can be proud member of a reputable international humanitarian center.
You can still sell T shirt as you did at the time of Ms. Fatehi's campaign. (You created a separate site, called "coffee Express", later on due to complains and questions about integrity of the sales, you dismantled it, but IP and records are available) You used Ms. Fatehi's name and photos on T shirts, but you forgot! paying the money to the victim and forgot mentioning her name in your site!!? WOWWW!!. Your site records show, as well as your ex-associates can testify that you refused to mention Ms Fatehi's name in your site.
You even refused to sign the petition(wow!). This is not a personal game, we are dealing with life of innocent people for God sake, wake up!. Last but not least, I hope Miss Afshin Jam and others who were effected/harmed with your baseless, malicious personal attack will forgive you.
I leave it at this for now.
Lily; Life is too short, become a better person and enjoy life. Help others if you can, direct your destructive energy for something constructive, if that's difficult, at least stop harming fellow human beings.
100% OF PROCEEDS BEING DONATED TO STOP CHILD EXECUTIONS CAMPAIGN
by arthur miller (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 11:16 AM PDTPRESS RELEASE-
New York, NY - (October 22, 2007) - On November 1st, Bodog Music recording artist Nazanin will be releasing her newly recorded Christmas song titled "On Christmas Day." The song can be downloaded on the Bodog e-store by going to www.nazanin.ca. In a true season of giving, the cost of the song is being given away for any amount of donation and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Stop Child Executions campaign. Stop Child Executions Campaign was co-founded by Nazanin to raise awareness about this issue, and more importantly to put an end to one of the most heinous manifestations of the death penalty -- its use against children. Additionally the single will be available for sale on Itunes.
“While we are gathered by the fire singing Christmas songs, I want the children in the cold prison cells in Iran to know that they are not forgotten. I want them to feel hope that they have another chance at life. We are a completely volunteer based organization, so every penny goes directly to the campaign."
According to the United Nations, a child is a person under the age of 18. Despite the fact that the government of Iran has signed International Covenants that forbid them to execute anyone who has allegedly committed an offence before the age of 18, they continue to do so. Amnesty International has documented 24 executions of child offenders in Iran since 1990. In many cases, these minors have been imprisoned until the age of 18 and then executed. Currently, there are over 80 minors on death row in Iran.
Over the years, human rights activist Nazanin has witnessed child offenders in Iran being saved and even released from prison through international pressure as seen in the cases of Nazanin Fatehi and Sina Paymard.
To download the single visit www.nazanin.ca and for more information on Stop Child Executions visit www.stopchildexecutions.com.
Nazanin also has released the second single “I Do” from her current album which is nearing the Top 30 on the AC Charts. The first single “Someday” reached the #7 spot at the FMQB Adult Contemporary Charts.
Who do you "work for"?
by David ET on Mon Oct 22, 2007 07:21 AM PDTAKAs: Ali Niknam, n-sedge, fsc, shirin_b , giant gains , behzad mamali, BU, morceaux, Fred
People you attack at least are known by name and their records... What is your identity and who do you "work for"?? What have you done??! What is your record?!
Do you really expect the readers to believe a nameless faceless internet multiple ID with no identity and records? ...You do underestimate the reader's intelligence :-)
Nazanin Afshin-Jam's records speak for itself.
David Etebari
Ayre and Carol's theatrical figure
by fsc (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 06:48 AM PDTDear Ms. Azarin Sadegh,
I appreciate the update on Mr. Ali Mahin Torabi’s case. The person and persons you are referring as the saviors of Mr. Torabi do not work for the love of Humanity. Their presumably humanitarian work to save life in Iran with their theatrical figure aka Nazanin Afshin Jam does not change the truth behind the seen. As the Canadian reporter for Forbes states Calvin Ayre has lost a great deal of money since FORBES published the article on his business. Money and fame is the main criteria for Ayre, and Peter Carol (Afshin-Jam’s brother-in-law) therefore they have chosen Afshin Jam as their puppet. If Ms. Afshin Jam wants to be known as a real humanitarian she better work independently. She can’t have Bodog as her financial supporter and ask us to believe she is an independent human right activist.
Lily Mazahery, at least have
by fs (not verified) on Mon Oct 22, 2007 04:48 AM PDTLily Mazahery, at least have the courage to write in your own name aganist Nazanin Afshin Jam instead of making all these fake ID's.
Nazanin Afshin-Jam is saving Ali Mahin Torabi
by Azarin Sadegh on Mon Oct 22, 2007 12:46 AM PDTI have to tell you that I am using my real name and I defend Nazanin through my own personal experience. Since a few weeks I have been trying to help Ali Mahin Torabi. The day I started this effort, I had no hope and Ali's family was pretty certain that he had no real chance and it was already too late. So everyone was certain that he was going to get executed at the end of Ramadan. Yet, I wrote an article and I sent hundreds of emails. The organization that responded first to my email was StopChildExecutions founded by Nazanin. Not only they sent their lawyer to help with Ali's case (It is a fact confirmed by Ali’s family), but also they contacted Amnesty International. Later, I found the email address of a spokesman for Amnesty International and contacted him and he told me that they were already aware of his case (guess by who?) and they are working on making the case part of their Urgent Actions calls.
Last week European Union and Amnesty International, both released letter and press releases addressed to Iranian government to urge them to save Ali's life. There is a new petition to sign on Amnesty Internatioal site that is their campaign to save him by sending letters to Iranian authorities. I have already signed both petitions and the letter sent to Ayatollah Khamenei and Shahrudi. (By the way, I haven’t seen your name there, Mr. Niknam!)
Even, Ali's family was interviewed by Reuters and the report of his ordeal has been spread throughout internet. Since that day Ali (who had already accepted to die young) has finally found some light in his heart and his mother feels less desperate. His family doesn't stop sending me their prayers and their gratitude for all these organizations that worked so hard to make it happen, even if his life isn’t saved yet. maybe Nothing is won for sure, but at least through the chain of events of last weeks, I saw how Nazanin Afshin-jam did her best to help Ali.
I really don't care about any nameless and faceless person that keeps accusing Nazanin. It is very easy for anyone to verify her record of actions as a public figure. But it is much easier to accuse her without giving any reliable proof, and with a bunch of baseless name calling.
A least Nazanin is doing something. But Mr. Ali Niknam, How about you? What have you done lately to save humanity?
Afshar Jam saved nobody
by shirin_b (not verified) on Sun Oct 21, 2007 11:34 PM PDTCan anybody tell me how Afshar Jam saved the life of Nazanin from execution? Afshar Jam sits in comfort, takes photos with Reza Pahlavi (and thus puts the life of people she claims to defend inside Iran in danger), and claims in an interview linked in her site that she has acted as a liaison between Nazanin and her lawyers in Iran! How ridiculous that can be? Naznin's attorneys in Iran had no contact with Afshar Jam, defended Nazanin based on their own conscience (voluntarily and for free), and certainly didn't need Afshar Jam to liaison anything. Afshar Jam has made noise about Nazanin's case, which is certainly a good thing, and has definitely given a good feeling to Nazanin's tormented family. But claiming that she has saved Nazanin and getting credit for that? Give me a break. I call that hypocrisy and riding the waves to build publicity. I'm amazed how you people who have been presumably educated, modernized, and intellectualized in the west buy this publicity hunt and therefore discredit the efforts of those who truly helped Nazanin, i.e. her hard-working lawyers inside Iran.
To: BU
by AT (not verified) on Sun Oct 21, 2007 08:29 PM PDTIn response to your comment of " Marijuana smoking fest and fairs!":
Listen, I'm not trying to put you down; you have your ideas I have mine, we tend to disagree, but tha's fine!
As long as I know what is correct for me and I don't step on anyone's toes by disregarding their rights, or breaking any laws!
Just for general info, NO my parents did not take us to marijuana smoking fests and fairs. They took us to some parties and wedding celebrations and functions where at times a number of people had drinks!
They also took us to hundreds of events where no alcoholic beverages were ever served!
In all these years, as kids, we were safe and happy when we were out with them and never once were we witnesses to any form of vulgarity, disrespect or profanity quite unlike what I find in some of the comments here)!
But I did come to witness all sorts and forms of things as I grew older and became a teenager, at school and later, both in Europe and in the US...( I was no longer living in Iran)
My point is not how I grew up ... it's the fact that juding people who are attempting to make a difference serves no purpose!
Are you 100% positive she (N) is a "bad" person???
If the answer is "yes" ... we tend to disagree, and so be it.
***
Nazanin a lot of people are counting on you, do what you can! Thanks!
areh inam bebinin in
by behzad mamali (not verified) on Sun Oct 21, 2007 07:30 PM PDTareh inam bebinin in dokhtar-e GOL waseh cheh admai kar mikoneh!!
//www.forbes.com/video/?video=fvn/billionaire...
Nazanin your are a wonderful role model and "fershteh"
by behzad mashadi (not verified) on Sun Oct 21, 2007 07:23 PM PDTFaghad website in dohtareh golo bebinin.
www.stopchildexecutions.com
Ba oon websito keh baraeh Nazanin Fatehi doroskard.
www.helpnazanin.com
These poor iranian kids on death row at least have some hope!
My 2 year old daughter Persia was dancing
by valentina K (not verified) on Sun Oct 21, 2007 07:12 PM PDTOf course I took my 2 year old daughter to this event! In fact she had a great time.The loud music coming from a world class orchestra didn't bother her at all! She even danced on the dance floor and was really cute. Our cocktails didn't affect her either, she had her own drink, a nice warm bottle of milk. No illegal activity as the corupt minded writer of this piece suggests by trying to defame the kind acts of a true human rights hero. Also we take our kids all over the world with us. They are international and our 2 year old daughter, now 3, has been over 268 flights in her short little life. We don't leave them with babysitters in a foreign country, contrary to the suggestion of one of the blog responses of how we should deal with our children. When its suitable, we take and will continue to take our kids everywhere with us. Obviously that night when the raid happened, it was a suitable place. Thanks but no thanks for suggestions from people to tell us how to raise our kids.
My parents were, and to this
by AT (not verified) on Sun Oct 21, 2007 02:34 PM PDTMy parents were, and to this day in their 70s are responsible parents, and we did go with then to functions where hard liquor was served!
The 3 of us -2 males one female - are successful professionals and have strong family values (all in our 40s w/children of all ages).
So stop this nonsense of liquor and irresponsibility!
No one was visibly drunk at these functions! No one behaved irrationally!
***
Continue your great work Nazanin.
"MY 2 year old daughter-named PERSIA-was at this "Raid"
by Valentina K. (not verified) on Sun Oct 21, 2007 01:59 PM PDTFor the record, My husband and I and our 2 year old daughter, Persia, were at Mr. Calvin Ayres house in Costa Rica where FOX Television from America where producing a TV show for a Calvin Ayre TV Special. It was a fantastic and wonderful evening with lots of celebrities flown there from all over the world and an unbeleivable amount of TV cameras covering this event. Obviously there was no prostitution or any illegal activity going on. 2 hours into this evening, the house was "raided" by the Costa Rican police as they had noise complaints from neighbours and that something unusual was going on for this quiet neigborhood. They must of assumed that there was illegal activities going on. They showed up and to their surprise saw that it was a TV show produced by FOX Television and there was no such thing. They even saw children there eating ice cream with their nannies and their parents. There were no arrests, and the police were very embarrased. They heavily apologized to Mr. Calvin Ayre and all the guests. That was the evening. Its just so crazy how one person in the tabloid media can change a story so much as try to ruin someones name. And of course some people just believe everything they read and you can't effect these closeminded people. Nevertheless.
Yes Mr. Calvin Ayre runs a giant multimedia and online gaming and entertainmet company. There is nothing illegal here. Visit their webiste www.bodoglife.com You can watch some great music videos, play some poker, watch some mixed martial arts and then read about the newest entertainment news. It is alot of good clean fun.