Information on the Herasat (or Heresat or Hasarat) found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate is scarce and only provides indirect references to an organization.

An 8 May 2002 news report from the Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran refers to Herasat, or "Vigilance," as an organization which is part of the Iranian intelligence apparatus.

A 16 March 2001 BBC news report refers to the Harasat as a security service which is "ever present," making sure that Islamic laws are not violated.

An article published in the February 1997 issue of The Iranian, a publication based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, refers to those in the "herasat wing" of the government Iran who are responsible for the enforcement of Islamic codes.

A 2001 press release issued by Aku News calls for the

Elimination of the present "Clearance Offices"(Gozinesh) and "Intelligence Cen-ters"(Herasat) from government offices and agencies in order to enhance job security and drafting substitute legal codes.

Additional information on the Herasat, especially pertaining to its structure, its leaders and its position in the Iranian government apparatus, could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

AkuNews. 2001. Mohammad Mohsen Sazgara. "In the Name of God." (press release) http://www.akunews.com/sazgara/english.htm [Accessed 14 Apr. 2003]

BBC News. 16 March 2001. "Russians Live by Iranian Rules." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/monitoring/media_reports/1222372.stm [Accessed: 14 Apr. 2003]

The Iranian [New Brunswick, New Jersey]. February 1997. Siamak Namazi. "Finding Peace in the Iranian Army."

Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran (SMCCDI). 8 May 2002. "Explosive Situation in Main Capital's University." [Accessed 14 Apr. 2003]

Additional Sources Consulted

IRB Databases

LEXIS/NEXIS

Jane's Intelligence Review (1996-2003)

Internet Sites, including

Amnesty International. Search engine facility

Country Reports 2002

Federation of American Scientists (FAS). Intelligence ressource program

Human Rights Watch (HRW). Search engine facility

IND Country Assessments

Iran News. Search engine facility

Link2Iran. Search engine facility

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Iran reports. Search engine facility

Oral Source

One oral source could not provide information on the above-mentioned subject.

Unsuccessful attempts to contact three oral sources.