NOTES ON IRAN TODAY¶s TRY #2 Segment 1 The program starts out in a defensive mode, where the program attempts to discredit Mina Ahadi. This is based on the confusion that was caused by the release ofthe still pictures that were distributed to media outlets, but without an explanation. In fact, if one goes to several of the main sites where those pictures were posted, with captions saying³Edi tor¶s Note: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian r estriction s on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.´ This is evident in the details for a couple of photos, saying it is from an undisclosed location, however, there is a picture of Sajjad in an identical location. The caption for Sajjad¶s picture states that he is leaving after having done an interview with a group of journalists. In fact, both Sajjad and Sakineh are coming out the same building - marked as a dormitory. The use for the building is confirmed by several of the pictures where beds with blue frames can be seen behind the area where Sakineh and Sa jjad are seated.
Transcript
8/8/2019 Iran Today: Sins Against Sakineh Ashtiani
The program starts out in a defensive mode, where the program attempts to discredit Mina Ahadi. This is based on the confusion that was caused by the release of
the still pictures that were distributed to media outlets, but without an explanation. In fact, if one goes to several of the main sites where those pictures were posted,with captions saying³Editor¶s Note: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.´ This is
evident in the details for a couple of photos, saying it is from an undisclosed location, however, there is a picture of Sajjad in an identical location.
The caption for Sajjad¶s picture states that he is leaving after having done an interview with a group of journalists. In fact, both Sajjad and Sakineh are coming out
the same building - marked as a dormitory. The use for the building is confirmed by several of the pictures where beds with blue frames can be seen behind the
area where Sakineh and Sajjad are seated.
8/8/2019 Iran Today: Sins Against Sakineh Ashtiani
The picture on the left is dated January 1st, and the one on the right is dated December 4 th. Lastly, there is one picture that states Sakineh is in her home, when in
fact, she is clearly in one of the rooms in the same complex where all the pictures were taken. The flush mount wall radiator and brown bureau are in both pictures.
The picture on the left states she is in her home (dated December 5th) and the one on the right is from the press conference on January 1st.
8/8/2019 Iran Today: Sins Against Sakineh Ashtiani
4:42. The scene changes to what is obviously one of the rooms that was used for the 1 st show. Sakineh and Sajjad are already seated, and Mr. Kian enters the room.
The commentator continues ³before Sajjad was released he and his mother Sakineh came face to face.´ Kian sits down between Sakineh and Sajjad. He is wearing
a suit, however, he looks very tired and and his hair looks like he just woke up. When he sits down, he does not do it with ease. He puts his hands on his thighs and
slowly sits down, very much like someone with health problems. I¶m no doctor, however, one can tell that he does not sit down with the ease that a man of his age
should. (I remember reading that he is either in his late 30¶s to early 40¶s.)
A very quiet and timid voice, which sounds like Sakineh¶s, is heard asking a question, ³Has Sajjad said anything? Has he told the truth?´ Kian started to say
something, and then Sakineh interrupted him with another question. But before anyone says anything else, you can see someone in the right hand of the screen sit
down next to the camera. It¶s quite obvious this is staged. There¶s no emotion in Sakineh¶s voice, and Mr. Kian looks very perturbed by the whole thing. It¶s
obvious everyone is getting tired if even the editing staff don¶t edit this out or do a retake.
5:00 Sakineh continues, ³I have been in jail for six years, why didn¶t he take part in any interviews? As soon as you appeared he did.´ Wait, shouldn¶t she be out
of jail by now since her sentence was reduced to 5 years?
Kian finally responds, and with the truth, ³These are all lies.´ Word is Houtan Kian refused to go along with this televised staged propaganda. He continues
exposing the truth, ³He took part in interviews before.´ Yup, here¶s a link to one from July 6th: http://articles.cnn.com/2010-07-06/world/iran.stoning_1_ayatollah-
khamenei-mina-ahadi-supreme-leader?_s=PM:WORLD
Sakineh continues to play the game with ³Lies?! You are a lawyer and can acquit yourself.´ The added exclamation point doesn¶t even come close to the lack of
emotion in Sakineh¶s tone, which is flat and emotionless. Kian responds without even looking at her, ³How well you pay back my good deeds!´
Sakineh goes on, ³What good deeds? Let us know about them.´ Like Kian she does not even look at him in the face. There¶s a close up of Kian¶s face as he
responds, ³I haven¶t taken a penny from you, have I?´ He looks like he hasn¶t slept in a week.
8/8/2019 Iran Today: Sins Against Sakineh Ashtiani
interview that µAnything is still possible¶ in Sakineh¶s verdict that is waiting to be finalized.¶ ´The commentator continues, ³So it seems for now when it comes to
the media coverage and the case itself, the jury¶s still out.´
Ah yes, it seems that the heads at Iran Today were upset that the West did not like all the flashy graphics and music all welded into this sick charade. They were all
excited to be able to take this long project on, and it got trashed by the Western media. Really, they shouldn¶t take it so hard. After all, I¶m sure if they worked in a
country where they were allowed to report with far fewer restrictions and instruction, they¶d be much happier. Perhaps some day.
