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Regime Bans News and Photographs of Former President Khatami

With Iran and the US at a critical point in nuclear talks, the Supreme Leader’s office has attacked on another front, accusing Washington of legalized killing and torture.

Ayatollah Khamanei’s staff fired the volley on Twitter on Saturday afternoon, trying to link issues such as the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and women in American prisons:

Without naming President Obama, the office mocked him over his failed promise to close Guantanamo Bay, still holding uncharged detainees after 13 years:

Domestic US issues were linked to conflicts abroad:

So why the Twitter blast now? The final tweet in the series gave away the reason. The Supreme Leader’s concern was to turn back pressure on Iran over its own human rights record, with repeated reports by the UN and international organizations criticizing the Islamic Republic over political prisoners, suppression of the press, bans on the Baha’i religious community, restrictions on students, and executions:


1st Direct Flight from Iran to Yemen Lands in Sanaa

The first direct flight from Iran to Yemen’s capital Sanaa landed on Sunday, marking the improving relations between the countries after a change in power in Yemen earlier this month.

The Houthi faction, a Zaidi Shia group, consolidated its authority in Sanaa with the departure of President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi from the capital for southern Yemen.

Yemeni officials greeted the Mahan Air flight, whose passengers included aid workers from the Iranian Red Crescent. Iran’s Deputy Ambassador, Rasai Ebadi, said that the flight carried aid including tents and 12 tons of medicine and that more assistance would come soon.

The Houthis signed an agreement with Iranian authorities in Tehran on Saturday for 14 direct flights per week between the two countries.

Authorities Ban Meeting of Writers

Authorities suddenly cancelled a gathering of the Iranian Writers Association on Friday.

The Association had scheduled a conference on the “Age of Translation” in a Tehran restaurant, but it was banned by officials an hour before it was opening.

Speakers and participated gathered in front of the closed doors and engaged in discussions.

In September, the Association held its first general meeting in 12 years.