[liberationtech] Did ISS World Permit the Iranian and Sudanese Government into its Surveillance Trade Show?

[Collin Anderson]

Libtech,

Yesterday, after months of research and writing, I released writeup about a
ISS World allowing Iranian telecommunications companies and Sudanese
security services to attend their surveillance trade show over the past
several years.

Humorously, when the Washington Post attached an old brochure to the
blogpost at the last minute, I noticed that apparently Syria was also
self-reported to have attended as well. All three countries potentially
constitute violations of longstanding embargoes against the countries,
which are partially grounded in human rights violations, and inevitably
bring up questions about how the parent organization controls attendance.
The Washington Post version is at least worth a read as it provides insight
into the mentality of the industry and enjoyable moments such as:

In an initial phone interview in May, TeleStrategies founder and president
Jerry Lucas acknowledged the attendance of the Sudanese but not of any
Iranian companies or individuals. Lucas said the firm’s operations had been
cleared by its lawyer, and argued that TeleStrategies does not conduct the
training but merely is “providing a venue.”

In follow-up emails, Lucas said he had misspoken and that neither Sudanese
nor Iranians attended. He said in one email that he had confused Sudan with
Egypt.



Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/07/31/is-the-wiretappers-ball-hosting-guests-from-repressive-regimes/
Full Report: http://cda.io/notes/monitoring-the-lines/

I would be greatly indebted if everyone would share the story onward and
provide feedback. Thank you.

Cordially,
Collin
-- 
*Collin David Anderson*
averysmallbird.com | @cda | Washington, D.C.
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