by Davar Iran Ardalan

On the show today, we're going to bring you three reports on human rights cases in strategically important countries. You will hear about dissidents in China, Russia and Iran.

Kian Tajbakhsh

Iran has detained thousands of people since the June 12th election — including this professor who holds both Iranian and American citizenship. Tajbakhsh, 47, is a Columbia University scholar who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for espionage. He moved back to Iran in October 2001 and started a family (below). The Iranian government alleges he is part of a conspiracy to undermine the regime — the "velvet revolution.' Listen to our profile and read the full transcript

Free Kian is a group that follows news about Tajbakhsh and campaigns for his release.

This is a family photo taken prior to Kian's arrest. Tajbaksh is seen here with his wife, Bahar, and
Courtesy of Farideh Gueramy

This is a family photo taken prior to Kian's arrest. Tajbaksh is seen here with his wife, Bahar, and 2 year-old daughter, Hasti.

Sergei Magnitsky

Magnitsky, a 37-year-old lawyer, died in a Moscow prison after being denied medical treatment. Previously, Magnitsky worked for a British-born investor who fell out of favor with Russian authorities and was barred from entering the country in 2005. Listen to this story and read the full transcript

Check out this AP article on the letters Magnitsky wrote from prison before his death.

A portrait of Serei Magnitsky.
Enlarge Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP Photo

A portrait of Serei Magnitsky.

A portrait of Serei Magnitsky.
Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP Photo

A portrait of Serei Magnitsky.

Liu Xiaobo

One of China's most prominent dissidents is expected to be put on trial for subversion as early as next month. Liu, a former professor of literature, was the man behind the Charter 08 petition, which called for greater democracy and freedom in China. Listen to this story and read the full transcript

The Pen American Center is tracking news about Liu and petitioning for his release.

Outside the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, pro-democracy activists hold pictures of Chinese di
Enlarge Kin Cheung/AP Photo

Outside the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, pro-democracy activists hold pictures of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, who was arrested after authoring a manifesto urging civil rights and political reforms.

Outside the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, pro-democracy activists hold pictures of Chinese di
Kin Cheung/AP Photo

Outside the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, pro-democracy activists hold pictures of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, who was arrested after authoring a manifesto urging civil rights and political reforms.