To All Concerned, A month ago on March 2, Iranian security forces conducted a raid in Tehran on the home of internationally renowned Iranian New Wave film director Jafar Panahi, arresting Jafar, his wife, daughter and fifteen dinner guests present at the time.

They also ransacked his home and seized many personal belongings. All were released later, except for Jafar. For over a month Jafar has been held without charge, and without his family knowing his location or condition. His crimes? Laying flowers at the grave of Neda Soltan last July, supporting Mousavi and the Greens, and planning a film on the Green Revolution.

Jafar’s wife, Taherah Saeedi, was only recently allowed to visit him in solitary confinement. Jafar is imprisoned in what can only be called a tomb as the authorities try to break his spirit. That they have not done to date, but they may yet break his body. His health is deteriorating rapidly. He has already suffered two severe chest spasms, and is at great…

IRAN: A festive spirit in the air as Iranians celebrate pre-Islamic holiday outdoors [Updated] | Babylon & Beyond | Los Angeles Times

Iranians all over the country Friday celebrated Sizdah Bedar, the annual Persian holiday on the 13th day of the Persian calendar year, during which people head outside to celebrate nature and family.

But people marked the holidays in different ways.

In a park in or near the ethnic Azeri northwestern Iranian city of Orumieh, dozens of picnickers joined together in a protest march, chanting "Azerbaijan! Azerbaijan!" in a show of ethnic politics that must make the government nervous.

At a park in western Tehran, men played backgammon or chess, while young women inside makeshift tents could be seen without their head scarves, in a gesture of defiance against the nation’s Islamic order.

Young men smoked sheesha as families performed line dances while striking tambourines.

Nothing but people out enjoying themselves.]

Security forces…