Religious Women Serving in Non-Catholic Institutions in Africa Urged to Report Sexual Harassment Cases against Them
New Age Islam News Bureau
02 Nov2024
· Religious Women Serving in Non-Catholic Institutions in Africa Urged to Report Sexual Harassment Cases against Them
· Pope condemns "massacre" of women and children in Gaza
· Empowering Muslim Women: Refugee Support And Domestic Violence Awareness Through Food Catering
· MarziaPathan who shot into fame guiding traffic assumes political role
· Activists Condemn Taliban’s Ban On Afghan Women Praying Aloud In Presence Of Others
· Lebanon woman accused of raping two minor victims for several years
· SAFF winning Bangladesh women's football team arrive in Jamuna
· Gauff hopes WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia can 'open doors' for women's progress
· After JamshidSharmahd's execution, a daughter demands answers
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Religious Women Serving in Non-Catholic Institutions in Africa Urged to Report Sexual Harassment Cases against Them
01 November, 2024
By Agnes Aineah
Female Women members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSAL) experiencing sexual harassment and abuse in non-Catholic institutions, where they serve in Africa have been urged to speak out.
It emerged in the testimonies that Sr. Prof. Agnes Lucy Lando gathered for her book, “Moving into the Unreached Pastoral Frontiers: Making Visible the Impact of Catholic Sisters working in non-Catholic Institutions”, that women Religious serving in non-Catholic contexts are victims of sexual advances from their male seniors.
Those who spoke to the Kenyan member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega (SMK) who lectures at the Kenya-based Daystar University said that declining to these advances earned them public ridicule and other forms of unfair treatment, including being denied promotions at their workplaces.
In a Wednesday, October 30 discussion on Sr. Lando’s book, Pro. Mary Getui, who lectures at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) told women Religious serving in non-Catholic settings not to suffer in silence.
Describing the question about the sexual advances towards women Religious as “dicey”, the Seventh Day Adventist said, “When it comes to issues of chemistry, it is possible that a man could get attracted to a Catholic Sister. But we also need to remember that even in our African culture and Christian teachings, there are sacred objects. And I want to think that Catholic Sisters are sacred objects.”
“A man who starts to develop such chemistry towards a Catholic Sister needs to think twice because a Sister is consecrated and needs to be respected as such,” Prof. Getui said at the event that was held at the Paulines Communications Centre in Westlands, Nairobi, a facility under the auspices of the Pious Society of the Daughters of St. Paul (FSP).
She urged women Religious to speak to someone should they find it difficult to handle sexual advances from their male colleagues, including their seniors.
Prof. Getui said, “I urge a Sister who finds herself in such circumstances to be true to her calling, and to seek administrative assistance because we have Human Resource policies that handle matters of sexual harassment at workplaces.”
“Before they go the administrative way, which can sometimes be very messy, the Sisters could try to go through a mediator, someone who can make it clear to this senior person that they are overstepping the Sister’s boundaries,” the Kenyan don said.
Also weighing in on the issue of abuse, Prof. Damaris Parsitau, the Director of the Nagel Institute for the Study of World Christianity at the Calvin University in the U.S observed that Catholic Sisters are not immune to issues affecting women in general, including sexual abuse, violations, discriminations and lack of promotions.
“Catholic Sisters are just like any other woman out there, especially in certain parts of Africa, where sexual advances have been normalized,” Prof. Parsitau said.
She said that Catholic Sisters encounter the same tensions and violations that women in society generally encounter.
What makes the situation most profound for the women Religious, the Kenyan don said, is their vow to celibacy.
According to Prof. Parsitau, Catholic Sisters’ vow of celibacy makes them “sort of vulnerable to sexual advances.”
“Catholic Sisters are thought to be cleaner than the rest of the women. They are perceived to be very vulnerable, and too humble to decline sexual advances,” she said, and added, “Some of the people making these advances are very powerful people in society.”
She described what Catholic Sisters endure as “a very unfortunate reality,” adding, “We must acknowledge that it exists and speak out. I think Sister Lando is very brave to be able to highlight this challenge because this is a situation that Catholic Sisters have continued to grapple with in silence.”
Prof. Parsitau underlined the need for the Church to address power hierarchies and to protect women Religious from all forms of abuses.
The US-Based Kenyan don observed that outside Catholic institutions, women Religious are most vulnerable. In non-Catholic institutions, she said, Catholic Sisters are away from spaces that allow them to feel safe and comfortable.
“I call upon those institutions to put mechanisms in place to ensure that these Sisters are respected. Every institution should have a sexual violence policy that should protect women that work there,” Prof Parsitau appealed, adding that there should be counselling and support for survivors of abuse.
The book “Moving into the Unreached Pastoral Frontiers: Making Visible the Impact of Catholic Sisters working in non-Catholic Institutions” is the latest by Sr. Lando, the widely published University professor.
Published by Paulines Publications Africa (PPA), the book is her attempt to shine a light on the experiences and impact of women Religious serving in non-Catholic institutions, especially within the Eastern and Central regions of Africa.
The challenges of women Religious are diverse, including lack of Eucharistic celebrations and access to other Sacraments, mistreatment by those in authority at their places of work, as well as being perceived as “outsiders” in some of the institutions. Others experience sexual abuses, and other forms of abuses, and are unfairly denied promotions at their workplaces.
Speaking during the October 30 event at Paulines Communication Centre, the Secretary General of the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), Sr. BridgitaMwawasi emphasized that Sr. Lando’s book is the first step towards making the work of Catholic Sisters visible.
“Many of our Sisters serve in places where there is no government. They go there motivated by service to humanity rather than the desire to be seen or heard. Their work remains invisible. We do not hear their stories, yet they are the people making the greatest impact on the ground,” Sr. Bridgita said.
Asked what the Church can do to support women Religious serving in non-Catholic institutions within the ACWECA region, the Kenyan member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa (SSJ) said, “The Church must have a deliberate program for these Sisters. Include them in pastoral plans of the Dioceses and Congregations.”
“At ACWECA we are beginning to think critically about this pastoral gap, to strategically map out where these Sisters are, and to ensure that we have services for them. We must ensure that we have programs that not only target them but also those they serve,” she said.
Sr. Bridgita shared that while Catholic schools allow other faith leaders to come in and to offer their members pastoral care, the same cannot be said of Catholics in all non-Catholic institutions.
In his address at the book discussion, Fr. Prof. Lawrence Njoroge, who lectures at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) lauded what he described as an ecumenical understanding at the Kenyan institution where he said students and staff have organized themselves in Small Christian Communities and celebrate Holy Mass freely.
“I however know of a university, one very close to JKUAT, that would never allow for Catholic presence, either of a Priest or a Sister,” Fr. Njoroge said.
He proposed that conversations be initiated between managements of non-Catholic institutions and their Catholic counterparts before Sisters are sent there to prevent future instances of religious segregation.
Also contributing to the book conversation, the Vice Chancellor of Daystar University, Prof. Laban Ayiro, lauded the commitment of Sr. Lando to making the impact of Catholic Sisters visible in her book.
Prof. Ayiro noted that by focusing on the work of women Religious in non-Catholic institutions, the book challenges traditional narratives, and brings attention to what he described as vast pastoral frontiers.
The Kenyan professor highlighted the various instances in which Sr. Lando faced opposition at Daystar University just because she was a Catholic Sister. This included her appointment as the university’s director of research, following which Prof. Ayiro says he was told he was making “a huge mistake.”
But Sr. Lando had performed exemplarily in the position, Prof. Ayiro said, and added, “Today, research at Daystar University is alive. Through her efforts, we managed to get a research van. We made so many networks and so many conferences, and I want to thank Sister Lando for that.”
He said that he was mulling over assigning Sr. Lando to a more senior position at the university. “This is not because of anything else, but her output… Sisters do deliver,” Prof. Ayiro said.
He challenged future researchers on the issues raised in Sr. Lando’s book to “go into intellectual caves” and chronicle experiences of Catholic Sisters on a broader geographical scope to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the global impact of women Religious.
Sr. Lando’s book is applicable in community engagement, Prof. Ayiro noted, and explained, “The experiences of Sisters can serve as models for how faith-based organizations can engage effectively with secular institutions, advocating for social justice and community well-being.”
“Life is about service. And the services that the Sisters are providing must be brought to the fore,” Daystar University VC said, adding that the book could also guide pastoral leaders in understanding the challenges faced by religious individuals in non-Religious contexts, potentially informing training and support systems.
The book, Prof. Ayiro further said, is applicable in interfaith dialogue in addressing common societal issues, fostering common understanding and unity in what the Kenyan professor described as “increasingly diverse communities.”
Source:aciafrica.org
https://www.aciafrica.org/news/12764/women-religious-serving-in-non-catholic-institutions-in-africa-urged-to-report-sexual-harassment-cases-against-them
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Pope condemns "massacre" of women and children in Gaza
02-11-2024
Israeli strikes on Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip (REUTERS)
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As the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square on Friday, All Saints' Day, Pope Francis, once again offered and asked for prayers for peace in the world.
A prayer for the victims of war
As he often does, Pope Francis turned his thoughts to Ukraine, to Myanmar, and to South Sudan before asking for peace in the Middle East. "Brothers and sisters, war is always a defeat, always!" said the Pope. He described warfare as being "ignoble", explaining that "it is the triumph of lies and of falsehood, seeking maximum gain for oneself and maximum harm for the adversary, trampling on human lives, the environment, infrastructure—everything; and all masked by lies".
Pope Francis added that in warfare countless innocent lives are lost, and turned his thoughts in particular to "the 153 women and children massacred in recent days in Gaza".
Closeness to victims of a terror attack in Chad
Pope Francis then turned his thoughts to victims of a recent attack in Chad. Fourty soldiers were killed on the 27th of October when members of the jihadist group Boko Haram attacked an army base near the Nigerian border. The Pope expressed his closeness to the victims and to their families.
Prayers for victims of Valencia's storm
The Pope also asked for prayers for the people of the Iberian Peninsula, and especially for Valencian community, devastated by the “DANA” storm. The Pope prayed "for the deceased and their loved ones, and for all the families affected", adding "may the Lord support those who suffer and those who bring relief. Our closeness to the people of Valencia".
Source:vaticannews.va
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-11/pope-francis-prayers-chad-victims-attack-peace-palestine-israel.html
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Empowering Muslim Women: Refugee Support And Domestic Violence Awareness Through Food Catering
| Nov 1, 2024
Photo courtesy: Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation
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The Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation (TMWF) recently hosted a food-tasting event, showcasing their program.
“Food for Good,” which supports refugee and domestic violence survivor women through catering. The event offered attendees a delicious variety of Mediterranean dishes and served as an awareness-raising platform for this vital social initiative.
“Food for Good” was originally founded in 2017 under “Break Bread, Break Borders,” to help refugee women. These women often face barriers such as language skills and transportation issues, making it difficult to find employment. By working together on catering projects, they have overcome these challenges.
“We used to help each other with transportation,” said Claudia Bitroy, the program’s food manager and coordinator. “If one had a car, she would take all of the cooks with her.”
Today, the program is run under the umbrella of TMWF and has expanded its mission to include survivors of domestic violence. During the event, Bitroy shared the significance of the partnership with TMWF, highlighting how it extends the reach and impact of their work.
The event provided an opportunity to hear from TMWF’s Chief Operating Officer, Samar Chatila, who shared her perspective on the organization’s growth. Having joined as a volunteer in 2013, she has witnessed the foundation’s evolution from its first shelter to a broader range of services, including the “Food for Good” program.
“We are here to promote ‘Food for Good,’ to let people be aware of this great opportunity,” said Chatila. “They can order from us, help these women be on their own, and raise their kids decently. This is our main mission.”
As part of its initiative for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, TMWF has released a Public Service Announcement video series that highlights abuse in minority cultures, offered in several languages. The series also covers how to identify domestic emotional abuse, available in Arabic and Urdu, as well as awareness of teen dating violence.
“The main reason why women stay with their abuser is the financial issue,” Bitroy said. “If we give her at least financial independence, it will help so much.” The catering program provides the participants not only with job training but also with opportunities to achieve financial independence, empowering them to support their families and build a new life free from abuse.
The atmosphere at the food-tasting event was lively, with attendees enjoying the healthy, flavorful Mediterranean dishes that have become a hallmark of the program’s catering services. The meals, made with halal ingredients, catered to a wide variety of dietary preferences, with flexibility to meet any budget.
“We work with their budget and preferences,” Bitroy explained, adding that their ability to accommodate requests, such as gluten-free options, has helped to build their reputation in the community.
What began as a support network for refugee women has become much more impactful. As Bitroy expressed, “We see ourselves as a sisterhood.”
This sense of community was palpable throughout the event, and the women behind the program were more than just colleagues—they were a family.
“We are all refugees. We’ve been through the same trauma. So if I’m sad or down or anything, they are my first people to talk to,” Bitroy said, hoping that others who join the program will find the same sense of support.
The Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, through initiatives like “Food for Good,” continues to foster empowerment and resilience among women facing adversity. By leveraging the healing power of food and community, they are helping to build a brighter future for refugee and domestic violence survivors alike.
Source:wisconsinmuslimjournal.org
https://wisconsinmuslimjournal.org/https-americanmuslimtoday-com-details-d7a3e2db-355a-4c8e-b6b0-eb10e9c0f7e1/
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MarziaPathan who shot into fame guiding traffic assumes political role
02-11-2024
A young woman wearing a hijab is directing traffic on the streets of Mumbra, a muslim majority area Mumbai and a video of this scene posted on social media makes her a social media sensation two years ago. During Ramadan, this young woman and her friends manage traffic late into the night, even till 2 AM, in Mumbra.
She is MarziaShanuPathan, a social worker from Mumbara, Mumbai, maharashtra.
Through her social work, Marzia is always in the spotlight. She voices concerns for underprivileged and minority groups and. Recently she was appointed as the National Working President of the Nationalist Student Congress, an affiliate of the National Congress Party faction led by Sharad Pawar’s faction.
Marzia received her appointment letter from Sharad Pawar, the party's National President, and JitendraAwhad, the party's National General Secretary.
Marzia told Awaz-the Voice, Marathi, “This position comes with significant responsibility. I aim to work extensively for youth and students, especially in education. I intend to address the many issues students face.”
Marzia stated, “Due to financial hardships, students are facing numerous challenges these days. My focus will be on ensuring government scholarships reach them. Often, essential government schemes are announced for the needy sections, but due to administrative apathy or lack of awareness, many remain unaware of these schemes. I want to bridge the gap so no one is left out. Our country will progress only if today’s generation is educated. Therefore, resolving youth issues will remain my priority.”
While speaking about Marzia’s contributions, JitendraAwhad once compared her to Malala Yousafzai, saying, “After the Taliban captured Pakistan’s Swat Valley, Malala fought for her right to education, even taking a bullet in 2012. Later, a protest for women's education rights was organized in Mumbra, led by a young Marzia, just 10-12 years old then. Since that time, I’ve seen her work. I firmly believe this young woman is poised to lead not just Mumbra, but all of Maharashtra.”
Marzia is known as a spirited young activist in Thane. She is the daughter of Ashraf ShanuPathan, former Leader of the Opposition in the Thane Municipal Corporation.
This father-daughter duo has been working to address fundamental issues in Thane for years, from water and waste management to health and women’s safety. Marzia’s activism has helped resolve various issues in Mumbra and Thane.Through her organization, MSP Care Foundation, Marzia began her social work journey. An educated leader, she actively represents student concerns to the administration. She also organizes awareness programs on the Constitution among students and youth. Under her leadership, Mumbra hosts monthly eye-checkup camps for residents, where cataract surgeries are provided free of charge for senior citizens.
Recently, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) recommended halting funding for madrasas to the Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories. They also proposed recording the attendance of children in these madrasas, which created a national uproar. However, the Supreme Court recently stayed NCPCR’s recommendation.
In response, Marzia made efforts at her level to prevent the discontinuation of madrasa education. Through videos, she passionately explained why funding and the traditional teaching methods in madrasas are essential, and her video went viral.
In the charged political climate of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, her appointment brings a significant boost to the party.
Marzia’s robust social work, dedication to following through on initiatives, strong grassroots connections, and social media presence will help expand the party’s organization and aid election campaigns. Wishing such a young, dynamic personality continued success in her social journey!
Source:awazthevoice.in
https://www.awazthevoice.in/women-news/marzia-pathan-who-shot-into-fame-for-guiding-traffic-assumed-political-role-32360.html
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Activists Condemn Taliban’s Ban On Afghan Women Praying Aloud In Presence Of Others
Nov 2, 2024
Kabul: In a bizarre move, the Taliban has prohibited women in Afghanistan from praying aloud in the presence of one another. This latest order has further restricted the freedom of Afghan women since the group came to power in 2021.
The new rule was announced by Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban’s Minister for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. According to the minister, a woman’s voice is “awrah”, or something that should be covered, and not be heard in public, reported the India Today. The new rule states that Afghan woman can’t recite the Quran audibly even in the presence of other women. “When women are not allowed to call Takbir or Azan (the Islamic call to prayer), they certainly cannot sing songs or enjoy music,” the minister claimed, as quoted by India Today.
Meanwhile, such an order has evoked fear among activist that rules of this kind could further restrict Afghan women’s ability to speak in public. They dubbed the move as a ‘system of gender apartheid.’
Activists also claimed that since the group came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, it has effectively erased women and girls from public life by issuing over 105 decrees, edicts, and orders.
The activists also demanded an urgent global intervention to support Afghan women suffering under the Taliban’s oppressive rule.
Earlier, the Taliban had issued a series of orders and barred women from wearing revealing clothes. They had been ordered to cover their bodies in the presence of non-Muslim men and women.
Source:odishabytes.com
https://odishabytes.com/activists-condemn-talibans-ban-on-afghan-women-praying-aloud-in-presence-of-others/
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Lebanon woman accused of raping two minor victims for several years
November 1, 2024
LEBANON, Pa. — Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf this week announced the arrest of a Lebanon woman accused of the "disgusting" sexual abuse of two children over a span of several years.
Graf called Katherine Longo, 47, "the lowest of the low" in a press release.
"The allegations put forth by the victims are heinous," Graf said. "I cannot fathom how a set of facts and string of sexual assaults could be more evil, more disgusting, and more worthy of a defendant’s rotting in prison."
Also on Friday, Graf sent out a press release announcing the arrests of Christopher Longo and Kelly Longo of Lebanon, who are accused of similar offenses against three minor victims over a span of nearly 17 years. While all three defendants share the same last name, Graf's press releases did not indicate whether the three people are family members or if the cases are related.
Katherine Longo was charged on October 29, following an investigation by Lebanon City Police, Graf said. The police department launched the investigation after receiving a Childline tip reported suspected sexual abuse.
The victims, a male and female, claimed Longo had been raping and sexually abusing them for years, beginning when the boy was six and the girl was five.
Longo allegedly showed the victims pornography "as a demonstrative aid of her expectations," according to Graf.
In addition to raping and sexually abusing both victims, Longo allegedly forced the victims to engage in sex acts while she watched, Graf said. She would also force one victim to watch while she raped the other, according to Graf.
Longo is being held in Lebanon County Prison and is awaiting formal arraignment.
Source:fox43.com
https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lebanon-county/katherine-longo-arrest-lebanon-police-child-rape-sexual-abuse/521-f999b33a-4461-4493-8700-c5c02aaac24b
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SAFF winning Bangladesh women's football team arrive in Jamuna
02 November, 2024
The SAFF Championship-winning Bangladesh women's football team has arrived at the State Guest House Jamuna to attend a reception hosted by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The SAFF Championship women's footballers reached Jamuna by bus from the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) at about 10:35am.
The football team returned home on Thursday after winning the 2024 edition of the SAFF Women's Championship held in Nepal.
Source:tbsnews.net
https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/saff-winning-bangladesh-womens-football-team-arrive-jamuna-982321
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Gauff hopes WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia can 'open doors' for women's progress
Nov 02 2024
Riyadh, Nov 2 (IANS): Coco Gauff, currently ranked world number three, has expressed hope that the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia could “open doors” and pave the way for women’s progress and positive change in the conservative kingdom.
However, she candidly admitted she had her reservations about the WTA’s recent three-year partnership with the Saudi Tennis Federation to host the season-ending tournament in Riyadh. Gauffemphasised that while she feels the power of sport can foster positive change, she remains cautious and hopes the event will inspire genuine progress.
The inaugural WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia are set to be held at King Saud University Indoor Arena starting Saturday. This marks a historic move for women’s tennis as it expands into a region known for restrictive laws on women’s rights and freedom of expression. The decision has not been without controversy, as critics argue that the WTA’s choice risks compromising its commitment to gender equality and freedom by bringing women’s sport to a country still navigating these issues.
Gauff, 20, admitted to feeling uneasy about the venue initially but wanted to witness firsthand whether progress is taking place. “Obviously I’m very aware of the situation here in Saudi. My view on it is I do think that sport can have a way to open doors to people. I think in order to want change, you have to see it. I think sports for me, I would say is the easiest way to introduce that,” the American star told reporters.
“I would be lying to you if I said I had no reservations. I was pretty much on every player call I could make with the WTA. One of the things I said, if we come here, we can’t just come here and play our tournament and leave. We have to have a real program or real plan in place.”
The discussions included talks with Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, Princess Reemabint Bandar Al Saud, whom Gauff questioned on topics of LGBTQ+ rights and women’s freedoms in Saudi Arabia. For Gauff, these conversations were a step toward ensuring that the tournament could have a more significant impact.
“In the long run, I think it could be better for everybody,” she added, explaining that while she sees potential for sport to foster change, her continued participation depends on observing real progress. “If I felt uncomfortable or felt like nothing’s happening, then I probably wouldn’t come back.”
World number one ArynaSabalenka also weighed in, expressing enthusiasm about the tournament’s location and its significance for women’s sports. "I’ve been here in an exhibition match with Ons (Jabeur) last year, and I saw that everything here is quite chill," said the Belarusian, adding that she has no personal issues competing in Saudi Arabia.
Sabalenka praised Saudi Arabia’s investment in attracting world-class sporting events, including women’s sports, calling it “incredible” and expressing pride in helping make history for women’s tennis in the region.
WTA chief executive Portia Archer defended the organization’s choice to hold the Finals in Riyadh, noting that the WTA has been hosting tournaments in the broader Middle East since 2001, with events held regularly in Dubai and Doha. Archer sought to reassure fans and players, stating, "We’ve actually never had any issues with freedom of expression, at least not that I’m aware of. I don’t expect that we’ll have any while we’re here in Riyadh."
Archer also acknowledged the differences in cultural values, stating, "We respect the values, even if they differ from other countries that we find ourselves in and compete in." This approach, she suggested, could allow for constructive engagement while ensuring that the WTA upholds its principles as it expands to new regions.
Source:daijiworld.com
https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1240578
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After JamshidSharmahd's execution, a daughter demands answers
Nov 02 2024
In her first reaction to her father’s sudden execution in Iran this week, Gazelle Sharmahd was mute but spoke volumes with her silence.
Staring into a camera for a post on X, she pinned a mythological symbol evoking Iran's ancient glory onto her shirt and tied back her flowing hair - a symbol of female freedom in the crosshairs of hijab laws back home.
Speaking to Iran International, Gazelle described herself as being in flight or fight mode and not yet fully grasping the loss of her father, JamshidSharmahd.
“I'm not feeling anything. I'm just in shock,” she said.
She is haunted by questions and demands proof of her father’s death.
“How did they execute him? Was he poisoned? Did he die under torture?”
Gazelle said her father was an activist and journalist who opposed the Islamic Republic and fought them using his expertise as a software engineer to create a website where Iranians inside the country could report human rights abuses.
He created VPNs and helped secure IP addresses so they wouldn’t get tracked by the government, Gazelle said.
Authorities accused him of terrorism for allegedly orchestrating a series of deadly bomb attacks inside Iran. He had been living in the United States for the past two decades and was a US green card holder.
Gazelle and leading human rights experts have denied the charges, saying confessions at his trial were made under duress and that his activism and criticism of the Islamic Republic made him a target.
A United Nations human rights expert in 2022 described Jamshid’s detention as arbitrary, and Amnesty International referred to his trial as a sham.
Fear beyond borders
JamshidSharmahd's case represents the peril faced by Iranian dissidents far beyond its borders.
In 2020, journalist RuhollahZam, a French citizen, was executed in Iran after being lured from Paris to Iraq under the guise of working on a story.
In February 2024, US authorities charged an Iranian national allegedly operating on behalf of the Iran to kill dissidents abroad, and two Canadian men with ties to the Hells Angels biker gang were arrested in an alleged plot to carry out assassinations in Maryland.
Outspoken human rights activist Masih Alinejad was one of them.
In 2021, the FBI thwarted an alleged kidnapping plot against Alinejad and an alleged assassination attempt the following year. The FBI said both plots were linked to Iran.
Criminal gangs operating on the behest of the Islamic Republic of Iran are behind a string of terror attacks on Israeli embassies in Europe since October 7, according to Israeli and Swedish Intelligence agencies.
Abducted in real time
Jamshid was sentenced to death in 2022 for “corruption on Earth,” sparking condemnation from human rights groups and Western governments.
The 69-year-old suffered from Parkinson’s disease and grew up in Germany and spent most of his adult life raising his family in the United States. While on a layover in Dubai in 2020, he was abducted from his hotel by Iranian agents.
Gazelle said she saw the entire kidnapping unfold from her father’s google tracker.
“We could see how his taken from his hotel room to the border to Oman to the coast of Oman. And then the tracker breaks off,” she said.
The German government announced Thursday that it would close three Islamic Republic consulates in response to the execution of the dual citizen. Germany’s foreign minister called it an assassination.
In an email to Iran International, a US State Department spokesperson said the US joins Germany in condemning his execution and supports their move in shutting down Tehran's consulates.
“Sharmahd’s execution was an abhorrent act by the Iranian regime and underscores that the record pace of unjust executions in Iran continues unabated, despite Iran’s attempts to promote a gentler face to the international community.”
Gazelle said she doesn’t need kind words and condolences and feels abandoned by both governments.
She questions why the Biden administration did not include her father in a 2023 prisoner swap that freed 5 American citizens. Now, it's too late, she lamented.
As she tries to process her loss, she said she will continue to call for justice and keep up what she described as her father’s legacy.
“He never will give up and we will never give up. You cannot break a freedom fighter.”
Source:iranintl.com
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202411014414
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