Identify the Basiji

Lots of Updates

2009-07-23T21:56:00.004+04:30

Sorry about my lengthy absence. I had some family issues but my heart is still in the fight for freedom in Iran. We are getting names of Basiji and according to a Farsi-language blog, the identity of Neda's killer has been revealed, but only through eyewitnesses on the spot. Abbas Kargar Javid is alleged to have fired the shot on June 20, 2009.

I have found a flyer through Anonymous Iran about one of the country's most notorious interrogators at Evin Prison. Hossein Ghorbanzade's image is now here and the flyer asks that you distribute his pictures around Tehran. Be careful if you decide to do such a thing.

Finally, I have been sent a video of Iranian police and Basiji in the streets of Tehran. I regret that I do not have video software but if anyone can isolate the faces, contact me for the original video.

I want to say that I'm not out of business. I am still around to help the people of Iran. If you have a video or a story but are too afraid to post it up, send it to me and I will publish it anonymously on your behalf.

Another Basiji Identified. Any Information About Him is Appreciated

2009-07-12T20:34:00.004+04:30

This image comes from Amir Farshad Ibrahimi's blog, Goftaniha and was posted three days ago. It shows a Basiji member by the name of Mohammad Javad Basirat in two locations. The first one I recognize from the early days of the protest and possibly the June 20 massacre, but I cannot confrim the other image.

Any and all information about this member of the Basiji or any others will be greatly appreciated.

Again, I do not advocate for violence against these people.

Protest tomorrow in Teheran

2009-07-08T22:32:00.002+04:30

I have not posted in over a week here mainly because the protests have stopped under the pain of arrest and worse that has been happening in the capital and other places.

The war against the Basiji and the "Islamic" government of Iran is not over though and tomorrow, there will be a silent protest throughout the city to commemmorate the 10 years since the quelling of the pro-democracy protests and the murder of students.

Like it is 10 years later, what goes around comes around. Check out the blog on the LA Times for more information.

If anyone in Iran can get pictures of Basiji, please send them over, but be safe and don't shoot a picture if you are in danger.

Rumors Untrue at the moment

2009-06-29T02:19:00.002+04:30

It seems like Mousavi's arrest was just an untrue rumor. Still, the fight goes on.

While at least one member of the Basiji has gone into hiding, I want to send a message directly out to the guys who carry out the beatings of your fellow Iranians:

We are all Iranian and we do not wish bad things upon you as members of the Basiji. We only identify you to shame you in the hopes that you stop your despicable actions against your countrymen and women.

If you haven't been identified yet, you will eventually be caught on camera. Technology is such that even if you cut off the internet, your pictures will still leave the country and will eventually end up on newswires and on the pages of bloggers such as ourselves.

You may be shamed but when other things come up in the future, people will see your photos and the deeds you committed for a government who rules with tyranny. What happens then?

Put down your batons and guns and join the people in demanding a free and fair system. We do not wish violence or ill upon you, why must you do it to us?

If somebody can translate my message into Persian script and e-mail me, I would appreciate it.

Rumor of general strike in Iran

2009-06-29T00:00:00.004+04:30

According to a YouTube video and Anonymous Iran, Mousavi was arrested at 9:30 PM local time in Teheran and the general strike has begun

Any confirmation is good and if you are taking photos of Basiji, keep yourselves safe first.

At least one Basiji has been driven into hiding

2009-06-28T23:18:00.003+04:30

Good news everyone! There have been several blogs in Persian, English and other languages showing images of Basiji in an attempt to identify them.

According to the Italian-language daily, Corriere della sera, one member who was identified with his name, address and other particulars is now in hiding, according to sources on the ground in Teheran.

As well, Medius Oriens has a fantastic posting about the various websites where you can identify members of the pro-government militia.

Good work to all the readers of this blog and the others out there who are helping bring justice to Iran and its very talented people.

This blog is kept alive only with your help, photographic contributions, and encouragement!

An image from CNN iReport

2009-06-28T21:46:00.002+04:30

The government may have won this battle, but the war for freedom in Iran has just begun. To any Iranians who may read this: we have seen that the government is weak and will do whatever they can to keep power. Stick together because freedom takes time.

Over this week, I have received many photos from readers as well as the name of three Basiji members: Mohammad Javah Farahbaksh, Sattar Najafi, and Hassan MirKazemi.

I have also received a list of addresses and mobile phone numbers of Basiji members which I and my colleagues are working on getting confirmed. It is a long list of names so be patient.

Finally, I have found a photo on CNN's iReport website of a member of the Basiji arming himself. He does not appear to be Iranian but any identification goes a long way.

Once again, I ask for no violence against this militia. They are humans too.

Al Jazeera English - Middle East - Reformists reject Iran poll recount

2009-06-28T00:44:00.001+04:30

I took this article because Basiji are now committing break-and-enter crimes against the people of Iran. Since journalists are not allowed, I'm depending on the people to get information out safely.

Godspeed

Al Jazeera English - Middle East - Reformists reject Iran poll recount

Shared via AddThis

More photos through Flickr

2009-06-27T04:06:00.005+04:30

There has been a slight downturn in the violence in Teheran, but I am still determined in getting those involved in beating the citizens of their nation. Here are some pictures not shown previously. Help me and the people of Iran.

Remember, I don't want violence against these men. I just want them to know that they are not anonymous and that their actions are not excusable.

I am interested about the man in the white shirt near the feet of the fallen protestor. If he is a Basiji, then identify. The other gentleman with the baton is a man of interest.

If you have any more photos of Basiji, send them to me and I will publish them for you anonymously.

Confirmation that Basij are brought in from abroad

2009-06-25T05:43:00.002+04:30

It appears that the Basiji are now imported from other strongholds around the Middle East. Many from inside have been saying that the Basiji now are communicating with each other in Arabic. According to a translated article on roozonline, the Iranian Basiji would also receive about $200 a day for their service, but they wouldn't get much else that is better. The translation is below:

I receive $200 (equivalent) a day

Jalal Keyhan Manesh

Saturday morning June 13th, while Tehran had a day with plenty of tension ahead, the faces of plain clothed individuals with a stick in one hand beating the people became more visible. These people are often hired on daily basis and as one of them states, “the Iranian men receive $200 a day while non-Iranians are paid multiple of that amount.” The plain clothed vigilante that the Rooz reporter interviewed also stated; “we stay in dormitories but non-Iranians stay in hotels.”

The following is an exclusive interview.

Plain clothed but with helmets of anti-riot police began to appear in the streets four days prior to the announcement of election results, and their accents are unfamiliar. Some eyewitnesses state, “these vigilantes say things that we do not understand.” Some also give specific reports that they encountered Arabic speaking vigilantes. Yesterday I found the opportunity to speak to one of these plain clothed individuals at a sandwich shop.

I was inside the shop when he entered. He ordered a cold drink, all while he was still holding his stick. I started a conversation with him.

Hello brother, strength be upon you
God bless you (with a fear hidden in his eyes he spoke with a thick accent)

Where are you from?
Torbat

Torbat?
Torbat-e Jaam

How old are you?
36

You must also have wife and kids?
No, wife and kids are costly. I’m unemployed.

Unemployed? Aren’t you Basiji? Don’t you get paid by the Revolutionary Guard Corp?
No, I’m not a Basiji. I’m unemployed.

But you are employed right now, no?
Ya

Why are you holding a stick?
They have brought us here to beat the wrongdoers. They have gave us this stick for the same reason.

Who gave it to you?
Haji (religious “Chief?”). He said hit them so that they aren’t able to get back up. These people are traitors.

What do you think?
I don’t care about these things, I get my money.

You get paid to beat people. And you enjoy it huh
Ya! They pay us to hit. Wouldn’t you do the same?

How much do they pay anyway?
200 a day. (A smile appears in his eyes) 200 thousand toman ($200).

That’s a lot. What do you want to do with this money?
I’ll go get married. I can even get 2 wives with all the money that I have. Do you know how much it would be? Two million ($2000). I might not go back to Torbat anymore. I might just stay here. Haji said there will be more protests to come; they’ll give us a job.

How long have you been in Tehran?
3 days, I will stay here for 7 more days.

Where are the other guys with you from?
I don’t know everyone, but in our dormitory there are people from Mazandaran, Arak, and Khouzestan. Including Torbat-e Heydariye, and Khaf. (He has finished his drink. Asked for a string of cigarette. I gave him one. He lit it. While smoking he continued.)

There are Arabs among you too, no?
Yea, but I have heard they are taken to hotels. They say they are here from Lebanon. Last night we were fed tuna fish for dinner. Other guys say the Arabs were given better meals.

Where is your dormitory?
I dunno. I am not familiar with Tehran. But it’s far. I go this way to get there. (He points towards the East of Tehran)

Have you ever been to Tehran in the past?
No, it’s my first time.

Do you pray as well?
Yes. But here they say you cannot even go to the bathroom when on a mission.

You don’t become uneasy beating people?
People? Haji says those who yell out chants and slogans are here to create mischief. I believe him. He is a Haji. You know, Haji doesn’t lie (referring to the religious background of his). (At this point a large guy entered the shop. He looked around with a frown and saw the young individual.)

He said: What are you doing here? Who are you talking to?
The guy responded: nothing, I came to get a soda.
Large man said: Go back to your post, hurry.

The man picked his stick up and walked away. He had a cold drink and was refreshed. Seven more days to come, will he still be here for more work?

Thank you to Anonymous Iran for the translation.

Another development

2009-06-24T06:41:00.004+04:30

Through somebody whom I will not disclose as their whereabouts within or without Iran are unknown, he or she has given me some information about a member of the Basiji. With backing from Twitter, the name of the man in the black jacket and looking away is Mohammad Javad Farahbaksh.

To whomever that knows this person: inform Mohammad that he has been spotted and identified. We know who he is and that he stops his actions with the Basiji.

Flickr and Getty Images of Basij

2009-06-24T05:45:00.005+04:30

I have found some more images of members of the Basij. One of them is a photo from Getty Images so I am breaking a copyright here and I do apologize to the photographer for using his/her photo without permission.

In this image, the caption in Farsi indicates that this man is not a police officer but has a position within the military.

New photos through Flickr

2009-06-24T01:36:00.006+04:30

This is coming through various users through Flickr. Whoever took these risked a lot. Remember, if you know who they are, contact me and I'll post their names anonymously or you can comment here.

Many thanks for all the supporters of this blog. Keep up the good work and support!

New pictures from today

2009-06-23T06:55:00.000+04:30

Somebody in Teheran has contacted me with pictures of various members of the Basiji. These are mobile phone photos so they are a bit grainy, but one or two are decent quality. If you know these people, post their names so we can know who they are.

I do not ask for violence against these people. I just want them to be ashamed for their actions.

Another development.

2009-06-23T05:15:00.000+04:30

I have searched around the internet for this person and it seems like we have a development. From an earlier post, it has been discovered that the man riding the motorcycle with a handgun is none other than the the CEO of Metal World Inc. based in Karaj, Hassan MirKazemi.

This information has been found through Twitter. MirKazemi is also the head of the Basiji at the Al-Hadi Mosque.

An old picture and some help needed

2009-06-23T02:44:00.000+04:30

There is very little coming out of Iran, but I am determined to see that the Basiji are identified. Their numbers are unknown, but with each one we put up for the world to see, I hope that there is somebody who will tell us here. If you know somebody doing this, tell me and I will put their name up for everyone to see. I am only interested in making sure these people are publicly humiliated.

I found this photo of a man on a motorbike in Tehran from last week and among him are members of the Basiji. He does not appear to have any weapons and I am wondering whether or not he's a member. If anyone can help me out, that would be appreciated.

Images from the Vigilante Journalist

2009-06-22T23:15:00.001+04:30

I have googled images of Basiji and right now, the Vigilante Journalist has plenty of photos of the feared secret police of Iran. It's not confirmed if these officers actually carried out violent acts, but I'm hoping that names of these people can be released in the hopes of shaming them. Remember, please do not incite violence against these people. Just know that these people have names and faces and that they're not an anonymous group.

Help us out with getting the names. If you know any of them, post their names in the comments or e-mail me at anonymousjunius@gmail.com. Thank you to the Vigilante Journalist for these images.

A development from the first post

2009-06-22T21:56:00.000+04:30

The first man identified came through http://iran.whyweprotest.net/ and Twitter. He is also in the collage of Basiji members in the first posting.

His name is Sattar Najafi according to the two websites listed above and there's also rumors that he is dead and the man that shot Neda. Either way, here is one of many Basiji that I hope will be shamed.

Six Basiji beating a woman on the streets of Teheran

2009-06-22T21:33:00.000+04:30

There are six men in this photo beating a woman in this photo taken in the past week. The date is unconfirmed. If anybody knows who they are, you can e-mail me and I will post their names. You can also comment.

Again, I ask for no violence against the individuals committing these crimes. Let us not stoop down to their level.

More Images

2009-06-22T10:28:00.000+04:30

There are two images of Basiji including one whose name escapes me at the moment. I saw his picture earlier. Anyhow, he is a manager of some sort for a factory.

This other one I haven't seen before. E-mail or anonymously post the names of the Basiji members if you know who they are.

Both images can be found on Iranian.com as well as http://iran.whyweprotest.net .

Basiji arresting two men

2009-06-22T09:58:00.001+04:30

This video has made its rounds and whoever got this footage was really brave and I commend him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPwswYjjVY0

A few of the men in this video can have their faces clearly seen. Send over their names to be posted either by e-mail or by posting a comment here.

Basiji Collage

2009-06-22T09:20:00.000+04:30

I found these images on http://iran.whyweprotest.net and they consist of many faces of the Basiji. If anyone knows these people, you can e-mail me their names or post anonymously in the comments.

I do not promote violence against these people. I'm hoping that someone knows who they are and can identify them. They may be violent individuals, but that is the cross they have to bear.

Why is this being done?

2009-06-22T09:00:00.001+04:30

All I want to do is to put names and faces to an organization that thrives on anonymity. The Basiji is faceless but with a connected and tech savvy group of protesters throughout Iran, videos and photos are coming out of the nation even with the tight restrictions imposed.

I'm not anti-government or anti-Islamic, I'm anti-violence. The Basiji is seen as a secret police or Gestapo. What the Gestapo didn't have was people photographing them and showing them to the world - an advantage we have today with the proliferation of the internet. With this, my aim is to post photos and videos of this force in the hopes of being able to identify the actual people who perpetrated these crimes against their fellow Iranians, not just the leaders.

We as human beings are accountable for our actions and it is time for the Basiji to get what's coming for them.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you can all help in the fight against oppression