Nokia-Siemens, Tehran’s “accomplice” in violating human rights
Saharkhiz, 57, is the former director of the Aftab and Akhbar-e Eghtesad newspapers. He was arrested on 20 July 2009 in the aftermath of Iran’s disputed presidential elections won by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that was followed by widespread protests against alleged vote fraud. He is also a former official with the Khatami administration.
Even though he did not remain in the same place for more than a day, and kept his mobile and internet use at a minimum, he was still discovered by police, and sent to Evin (pictured) for “insulting the leadership as well as propaganda against the regime and publishing falsehoods through interview with foreign media.”
He contends that in view of general knowledge about Iran’s violation of international law and its failure to uphold human rights, Nokia-Siemens should not have sold sophisticated surveillance technology to the Islamic Republic.
Only countries where basic civil rights of its citizens are protected should have the privilege of acquiring such equipment.
He also maintains that his arrest last year in a village in northern Iran was the direct result of the sale of Nokia-Siemens technology to the Iranian government.
In light of the situation, Nokia Siemens announced last January that it had already limited its trade dealings with Iran.
Some new agencies have also reported that IT giant has decided to refuse all new orders from Iran but stressed that existing orders would not be affected by the decision.
.png)
17/06/2009
