January 14, 2010, Washington, D.C. – Rudi Bakhtiar has stepped down from her position as the Director of Public Relations for the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) to join the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

“I feel that Iran is at a critical juncture in its struggle for democracy, and the best way those of us in Diaspora can help is by giving a voice to those inside the country who have none,” says Bakhtiar.

Bakhtiar says the International Campaign for Human Rights is recognized as the number one human rights organization when it comes to information on Iran, with a network of connections inside and outside the country that allow the NGO to produce and disseminate accurate accounts of human rights abuses there.

Hamid Biglari, Chairman of the Board of PAAIA, said “Rudi has been a tremendous asset to PAAIA during its formative stage. Her passion, energy, and creativity made a real impact in launching the organization. We wish her the very best as she pursues new directions, knowing that she will remain an important member of the PAAIA family.”

Bakhtiar says she will continue to collaborate with PAAIA on various community building projects, like Passing the Torch of Success.  “I truly believe that we all benefit by supporting an organization like PAAIA which aims to bring our Iranian American community together and give us a voice on domestic issues,” says Bakhtiar. (Photo by Arash Akhtari Rad)