To see Patty Debonitas' interview with Hamid Taqvaee at WPI's Press Centre on June 30, 2009, click here . The interview is about the Guardian Council's decision to confirm Ahmadinejad's presidency and whether this means the end of the protests. Also discussed are the statement from the EU meeting on Iran, the forthcoming G8 summit and the US.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Young Ashkan killed by the Islamic regime in Iran on the same day as Neda
Ashkan Sohrabi is another young person killed by the Islamic regime of Iran on June 20 - the same day as Neda was killed.He was shot thrice in the chest and died on the way to the hospital. He has been buried in Behesht e Zahra cemetary section 257, row 50, number 19.
WPI TV International: Baseej, George Galloway and Press TV
To watch Patty Debonitas' interview with Fariborz Pooya on the baseej, the regime's killing of protestors, George Galloway and Press TV, click here.
The protests in Iran are continuing
The Daily Dispatch from the WPI's press centre: Ahmadinejad has been confirmed as president and the media reports that protests are going down in Iran. Does this mean the end of the protests? Hamid Taqvaee gives a different view, speaking about the changing form of the protests and the defiance of the protesters, in his interview with Patty Debonitas. Also the statement from the EU meeting discussing Iran, the forthcoming G8 summit and the US. Watch it here
Monday, 29 June 2009
Protests and clashes in Tehran today
Since this afternoon, the regime's security, its special guards, baseej, pasdaran and plain-clothed security are on the streets, particularly central Tehran. Motorcycle-riding forces and patrol cars are present in the city. Despite this, people are out on the streets. Mobile phones are down and we have received reports that it is similar to martial law. The electricity in some places is down, too. People are reporting of some clashes with security forces.
Important Update
According to the WPI Press Centre and New Channel TV reporters on the ground, the confrontation between protesters and the Islamic regime’s security forces continued into late evening 10pm last night. These confrontations were concentrated in Mohseni, Shariati and all streets leading to Husseineh Ershad, which were packed with protesters, shouting ‘down with dictator!’ Security forces attacked protesters.
Nightly rooftop protest intensifies
In the last two nights the nightly roof top protests have intensified both in terms of length of time and the range of anti-government slogans. The most active parts of
Abuse of families of the fallen
The Islamic regime has shamelessly been asking for money before returning bodies of those killed to their families. Officials have been charging the equivalent of several thousand dollars from each family.
The numbers of those killed in the last two weeks has reached more than 250. The regime has designated a section in the Behesht-E- Zahra cemetery for those killed in the protests and named it the ‘monafeghin’ section (section for 'hypocrites'). The regime has barred families from burying their loved ones at any other cemetery.
Prisoners
According to the WPI and New Channel reporters, many of those arrested in recent days have been taken to the notorious Evin Prison. There are more than 40 prisoners in each cell of section 240 of Evin prison. They have even packed 3 people in solitary confinement spaces in Section 240 and 241. Section 8 of the prison, which has capacity for 150 people, has been packed with 700 prisoners and there is not even space for sleeping. There are no sanitary and other facilities. Section 7 which is a basement and is used for quarantine is full o f young people arrested in recent years. There are some prisoners who are under 17 and we have received reports that the prison guards have threatened them with rape and sexual abuse.
According to the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners, more than 2,000 people have been detained during the past two weeks. The Committee is compiling a list of the detained.
Protests of the families at Evin Prison
There are daily protests by family members of those detained outside Evin prison. More than 1,000 people congregate there despite daily harassment and intimidation by the Islamic regime’s security forces and Ministry of Information.
Under the veil of repression
By Mansoor Hekmat
Tyranny and repression unavoidably depict an inverted and distorted picture of the political realities of society. The fall of dictatorial regimes has always produced outcomes other than what the political observers had expected according to their previous observations. It is quite understandable that in a repressed atmosphere the true character, power and programmes of political parties or forces, the balance of power between social forces, the direction and pace of political trends and, most significantly, the true political and social inclinations of the people and of various social classes, would not find an accurate reflection.
Tyranny and repression unavoidably depict an inverted and distorted picture of the political realities of society. The fall of dictatorial regimes has always produced outcomes other than what the political observers had expected according to their previous observations. It is quite understandable that in a repressed atmosphere the true character, power and programmes of political parties or forces, the balance of power between social forces, the direction and pace of political trends and, most significantly, the true political and social inclinations of the people and of various social classes, would not find an accurate reflection.
News reporters and news fabricators, professors of oriental studies, experts from the Western states, nationalist parties and patriots, Third Worldist groups and those ‘smitten’ by the East, which, for a time, for reasons beyond their own control, delusively thought of themselves as communist, are all eagerly gazing at this jumbled scene, this warped picture, and receiving their conceptions, beliefs and inspirations from it. If we believe them,
However, behind this spectacle, real history moves in a different direction. One should look further, put the ear to the ground, and feel the tremors of the foundations of this reactionary system. The current battle in
The above was translated by Jamshid Hadian and edited by Bahram Soroush. It has been translated and published because of its relevance to the current situation in
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Ten demands of the revolution
To see Fariborz Pooya's interview with Hamid Taqvaee on the ten demands of the revolution, click here.
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Today a day of 'freedom for all'
Today at 6pm Tehran time, the people of Kermanshah in Iran have called for a rally to commemorate Neda and for 'freedom for all.' Their call was broadcast on New Channel TV and a call was made for people in other cities to come out at the same time - in Iran and internationally.
In London, protestors will be assembling at former Bank Melli building across High Street Kensington underground station and marching towards Islamic regime's embassy where they will remain till 6pm.
In London, protestors will be assembling at former Bank Melli building across High Street Kensington underground station and marching towards Islamic regime's embassy where they will remain till 6pm.
Friday, 26 June 2009
Vigil for those killed by the regime on June 26
To see a video of people lighting candles outside of Tehran university for those killed by the regime's security forces, click here.
Iranian embassy in Stockholm occupied!
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Today, 26 June 2009, hundreds gathered in front of the Islamic Republic of Iran's embassy in Stockholm, Sweden to protest against the Islamic regime of Iran.Around 4.30pm the protesters surged forward, broke through police lines, broke down the embassy doors and entered it. The armed security of the Islamic regime attempted to stop the protesters. They were immediately unarmed; embassy staff then fled the buidling.
Swedish police arrived and fired shots in the air after which the demonstrators left the building.
See pictures of the day.
See a video clip of it.
News coverage of the demonstration.
Ten immediate demands of the people of Iran
To further strengthen the people’s revolutionary movement, secure its gains and facilitate its advance for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Worker-communist Party of Iran declares the following immediate and minimum ten demands:
- Arrest and public trial of those responsible for current killings and all of the crimes committed in the last 30 years
- Release of all political prisoners
- Abolition of the death penalty
- An end to compulsory veiling and sexual apartheid
- Abolition of all misogynist and discriminatory laws against women and the establishment of complete equality between men and women
- Complete separation of religion from state, judiciary, education and complete religious freedom and atheism as a private matter
- Unconditional freedom of expression, thought, organisation, press, demonstration, and strike
- Recognition of equality for all citizens, irrespective of religion, language, ethnicity or nationality
- Public trial of Ayatollahs, and government officials and its functionaries for embezzlement of the people’s funds and reclaiming the public's stolen wealth
- Provision and guarantee of suitable welfare according to the most advanced standards in the world for all citizens; immediate increase of the minimum wage to one million Tomans ($1000.00).
This is the decree of the people’s movement for freedom in
The people of
Worker-communist Party of Iran
26 June 2009
Join June 26 Demos today in solidarity with workers and people of Iran
For details on the various demonstrations on June 26, click here. Some of the demonstrations are listed below. They will be held at consulates and embassies of the Islamic Republic of Iran:
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Did you know in Iran...
* During the past two weeks, millions of people have come out on to the streets of Tehran and other cities for freedom and an end to the Islamic regime in Iran
* Their protests are not about the farce of an election; elections in
* The ‘election’ is a pretext for people to come out with their own demands, including: ‘We want the prosecution of those who ordered and carried out the killings,’ ‘Free political prisoners,’ ‘Down with dictator,’ and 'Down with the Islamic regime.' The intensified factional infighting within the regime’s ruling class opens the space for them to do so.
* During the past two weeks, hundreds of protestors have been wounded or killed by the regime’s security forces, including 27 year old Neda Agha-Soltan who was shot in the chest on June 20. Many of the wounded have been dragged out of hospital beds and imprisoned.
* The protests are in opposition to thirty years of medievalism and cruelty. The regime stones people to death for ‘adultery,’ with the law even specifying the size of the stone to be used. Political opponents, labour activists and leaders, gays, and ‘apostates’ are executed.
Today, what you are seeing in
Now is the time for people in the west to show their solidarity with this movement, condemn the regime, and demand its political isolation and that its embassies be shut down.
Like racial apartheid in the former
On Friday, June 26, four global union organisations representing over 170 million workers have called a worldwide action day to demand justice for Iranian workers. Join those gathered in cities across the world to commemorate Neda and those killed in the past two weeks and show your solidarity with the people’s revolutionary movement in
Support the people of Iran at a demo in London
In addition to June 26, the international day of protest, you can join a rally this Saturday, 27 June 09,
Assemble at 2pm opposite High Street Kensington tube station and move towards the Islamic regime’s embassy at 2:30pm. There will be a demonstration at the embassy from 3-6pm.
For any queries, please call the organiser Jalil Jalili on 07950924434.
WPI calls on the MSF to assist the wounded during the recent crackdown on protestors
In a letter sent today to Medicines Sans Frontieres, WPI leader Hamid Taqvaee, called on the organisation to immediately intervene to assist the wounded during the recent crackdown on protestors in Iran
In his letter, he said: ‘As you will know, the government has attacked, brutalised, and shot at demonstrators. We have received reports that tens have been killed during this period. Families of the dead have said that the regime’s security have demanded an equivalent of $3,000 to release their bodies to them. We have also been informed that doctors and nurses at two hospitals have taken to the streets in protest to the treatment of the wounded. Many of the hundreds wounded have been denied access to their families. We have also been informed that wounded are being dragged out of hospital beds and taken to prison. The mistreatment and torture of detainees is another matter of concern.
In this crucial period, we call on your organisation to intervene and send a mission to
WPI calls for a freeze of accounts of Islamic regime of Iran's authorities
With the deepening political crisis in Iran and the growing instability of the Islamic Republic in the face of an unfolding revolution in Iran
WPI leader, Hamid Taqvaee, wrote a letter today cautioning all banks and financial institutions. In it, he said:
'1- All such funds are the legal property of the Iranian people and have been misappropriated or obtained fraudulently by the individuals concerned. Any co-operation, assistance and facilities provided by banks in such transactions will be regarded by WPI, the Iranian people and the future Iranian government as complicity in defrauding the Iranian people.
'2- No such accounts must be opened for Iranian officials and their proxies. All information regarding existing accounts must be made public and open to legal scrutiny. All existing accounts must be closed and funds must be immediately frozen. These funds belong to the Iranian people and must be returned to them.
'3- WPI reserves the right to use all means legally at its disposal to put a stop to this practice and expose all parties concerned. This is fraud and money laundering. It is illegal, immoral and indefensible.’
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Live from Baharestan Square in Tehran on June 24
Tehran
Baharestan Square
Baharestan Square
Tehran,Baharestan
24 june
Tehran
Today, 24 June 2009
Live from Baharestan Square
People being shot at and detained today at Baharestan in Tehran
At this point, large numbers of people are moving towards Baharestan Square Tehran
At the court house in Tehran, thousands of family members of the detained are now in a sit-in protest. They are demanding information on the whereabouts of their loved ones detained during the past ten days.
Other reports received today via New Channel TV is that the regime's security is demanding the equivalent of $3,000 to release the bodies of those killed during the past ten days. In the 80s, when Mousavi was prime minister, families of those executed were asked to pay for the bullets used to kill their children.
Iran, Obama & the WPI
The daily dispatch from the WPI's Press Centre looks at the recent statements of Barack Obama about the protests in Iran. Patty Debonitas discusses with Hamid Taqvaee the strategy of the US for the current and a future government in Iran. Will the US support the WPI in power in Iran? Watch here
The Message of the Free Union of Iranian Workers to Workers in Iran
Workers!
Let’s raise the banner of our human demands!
48 days have passed since the attack on the May Day demonstration at Laleh Park [in Tehran] and the arrest of the workers. Important developments, with great and dramatic consequences for the social movement, have taken place since then. In TV debates, the presidential candidates blamed each other for violating rights, embezzlement, theft, and mismanagement. However, none of them opposed the laws that have imposed such catastrophes on the people; none of them protested against a law that has deprived workers of their right to strike, that has legitimised a minimum wage four times below the poverty line; laws that have denied workers the right organize. None of the candidates protested against laws that have legitimised mass layoffs; laws that impose blank, one-month contracts on workers. None of the candidates spoke about freedom of expression, freedom of dress, and several hundred other inhumane practices that currently rule the society. Even if in some cases the candidates superficially brought up some issues, they used them as a means to try the other and to acquit oneself as if the opponent had been more severe in practicing these laws. In all these debates the candidates proved that they are loyal to all the existing laws and the existing situation; that they are only fighting over power.
Thus, under these conditions, where a massive movement of the people has entered the scene to raise its demands, we workers regard it as our right to raise the banner of our class demands as follows:
1- Immediate increase in the Minimum Wage to a level higher than 1 million Toman per month
2- Abolition of temporary contracts and new forms of work contracts
3- Dissolution of Islamic Labour Councils and Workers’ House as government organisations in factories and workplaces; establishing workers’ councils and other workers’ organisations independent of the state
4- Immediate and unconditional payment of unpaid and overdue wages
5- An end to layoffs and payment of sufficient unemployment benefit to all unemployed workers
6- Immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including imprisoned workers who were detained in May Day: Jafar Azimzadeh, Gholamreza Khani, Saaed Youzi*, Saeed Rostami, Mehdi Farahi-Shandiz, Kaveh Mozzafari, Mansour Osanlou and Ebrahim Madadi; an end to persecution and harassment of workers and worker leaders
Freedom of strike, protest, assembly, expression and speech are our undeniable rights
An end to gender discrimination, to child labour and to laying off of immigrant workers.
Fellow workers!
Today we have the duty to express our demands independently and, relying on our united power, to set to work to win our human rights together with other sections of the society.
Free Union of Iranian Workers
June 18, 2009
* Editor’s note: Jafar Azimzadeh, President of the Free Union of Iranian Workers, and Gholamreza Khani, member of the Union of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, were released on bail on Monday, 22nd June; Saeed Youzi, another detained worker leader, was released on bail on Tuesday 23rd June.
Let’s raise the banner of our human demands!
48 days have passed since the attack on the May Day demonstration at Laleh Park [in Tehran] and the arrest of the workers. Important developments, with great and dramatic consequences for the social movement, have taken place since then. In TV debates, the presidential candidates blamed each other for violating rights, embezzlement, theft, and mismanagement. However, none of them opposed the laws that have imposed such catastrophes on the people; none of them protested against a law that has deprived workers of their right to strike, that has legitimised a minimum wage four times below the poverty line; laws that have denied workers the right organize. None of the candidates protested against laws that have legitimised mass layoffs; laws that impose blank, one-month contracts on workers. None of the candidates spoke about freedom of expression, freedom of dress, and several hundred other inhumane practices that currently rule the society. Even if in some cases the candidates superficially brought up some issues, they used them as a means to try the other and to acquit oneself as if the opponent had been more severe in practicing these laws. In all these debates the candidates proved that they are loyal to all the existing laws and the existing situation; that they are only fighting over power.
Thus, under these conditions, where a massive movement of the people has entered the scene to raise its demands, we workers regard it as our right to raise the banner of our class demands as follows:
1- Immediate increase in the Minimum Wage to a level higher than 1 million Toman per month
2- Abolition of temporary contracts and new forms of work contracts
3- Dissolution of Islamic Labour Councils and Workers’ House as government organisations in factories and workplaces; establishing workers’ councils and other workers’ organisations independent of the state
4- Immediate and unconditional payment of unpaid and overdue wages
5- An end to layoffs and payment of sufficient unemployment benefit to all unemployed workers
6- Immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including imprisoned workers who were detained in May Day: Jafar Azimzadeh, Gholamreza Khani, Saaed Youzi*, Saeed Rostami, Mehdi Farahi-Shandiz, Kaveh Mozzafari, Mansour Osanlou and Ebrahim Madadi; an end to persecution and harassment of workers and worker leaders
Freedom of strike, protest, assembly, expression and speech are our undeniable rights
An end to gender discrimination, to child labour and to laying off of immigrant workers.
Fellow workers!
Today we have the duty to express our demands independently and, relying on our united power, to set to work to win our human rights together with other sections of the society.
Free Union of Iranian Workers
June 18, 2009
* Editor’s note: Jafar Azimzadeh, President of the Free Union of Iranian Workers, and Gholamreza Khani, member of the Union of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, were released on bail on Monday, 22nd June; Saeed Youzi, another detained worker leader, was released on bail on Tuesday 23rd June.
TV International: Evolution or revolution in Iran?
TV International is looking at the claims that the current events in Iran are just a stage in the evolution of the Islamic Regime. Maryam Namazie interviews Fariborz Pooya and Bahram Soroush on Neda becoming the symbol of the protests in Iran and the impact that New Channel TV has had in Iran with its phone-in live broadcasts. Watch it here
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Call to action on June 26 in solidarity with the people of Iran
Neda Agha-Soltan, the 27 year old shot in the chest by the Islamic regime of Iran
We witnessed her last breaths; and felt the rage of the millions on the streets of
In an interview with Persian media, her fiancé, Caspian Makan, said that some news sites had erroneously reported that she was a supporter of Mousavi. 'This is not the case’ he said, ‘She was never supportive of either of these two groups. She wanted freedom; freedom for everyone.'(1)
There are times in history when individuals or tragic events become symbols and, today, Neda has become ours.
She symbolises all the beloved we have lost to this indiscriminate killing machine. But she also represents the refusal to kneel and the desire for a life worthy of 21st century humanity.
On Friday, June 26, come out to remember Neda and the over 200 killed during these past few days and to show your solidarity with the people’s revolutionary movement in
We can and must turn this day into a day of condemnation of the Islamic regime.
To see Maryam Namazie’s interview with Fariborz Pooya and Bahram Soroush on the June 26 day of action and things you can do, click here. And an interview on the situation in
To see Fariborz Pooya’s interview with Hamid Taqvaee on the demand to isolate the Islamic regime and shut down its embassies, click here.
To see received messages of solidarity, click here. Send your messages of solidarity with the people of
To listen to Maryam Namazie’s interview on BBC radio today on the situation in
To read Maryam’s letter to the editor published in the Evening Standard, click here: http://worker-communistpartyofiran.blogspot.com/2009/06/isolate-regime.html
To read an indepth interview with Hamid Taqvaee on the election farce in
For details on the various demonstrations on June 26, click here.
Some of the demonstrations are listed below. They will be held at consulates and embassies of the Islamic Republic of Iran:
There is also a march organised on Saturday 27 June beginning at 2pm at the former Bank Melli building (High Street Kensington station) and moving towards the Islamic regime’s embassy from 2:30pm with a demonstration at the embassy from 3-6pm.
****Film footage of Tehran demonstration: Slogans of 'Down with Islamic Republic'
Film footage of recent demonstration in Iran with the slogan: Down with Islamic Republic!
Also see below film of unveiled woman walking in the street. A woman in a passing car asks: 'Ms, Has the revolution come to pass?'
Also see below film of unveiled woman walking in the street. A woman in a passing car asks: 'Ms, Has the revolution come to pass?'
Film footage of protests in Iran today and recently
Tehran,
23 June, Azadi!
Tehran, 22 June
23 June, Azadi!
Tehran, 22 June
Tehran, Azadi Square
20 June
Down with the Islamic Republic!
WPI calls for governments to break ties with the Islamic regime of Iran
Fariborz Pooya speaks with Hamid Taqvaee on his call to heads of states and the UN to break ties with the regime in Iran and expel it from international organisations and the UN. To see the interview from WPI's Press Centre, click here.
Neda wanted freedom for everyone
Neda Agha-Soltan, who was shot dead by the Islamic regime of Iran's security forces on Saturday 20 June, wanted freedom for everyone.In interviews with the press, her fiancee, Caspian Makan, said 'Neda was never supportive of either group [referring to the factions in the regime]. She wanted freedom; Freedom for everyone.'
Her murder has become a rallying point across the world.
He went on to say: "She was near the area, a few streets away, from where the main protests were taking place, near the Amir-Abad area. She was with her music teacher, sitting in a car and stuck in traffic.
"She was feeling very tired and very hot. She got out of the car for just a few minutes.
"That's when she was shot dead. Eyewitnesses and video footage of the shooting clearly show that probably Basij paramilitaries in civilian clothing deliberately targeted her. Eyewitnesses said they clearly targeted her and she was shot in the chest.
"She passed away within a few minutes. People tried to take her to the nearest hospital, the Shariati hospital. But it was too late."
Makan said Neda's family struggled to persuade the Iranian authorities to release her body.
"She was taken to a morgue outside Tehran. The officials from the morgue asked if they could use parts of her corpse for body transplants for medical patients," he said.
"They didn't specify what exactly they intended to do. Her family agreed because they wanted to bury her as soon as possible.
"We buried her in the Behesht-e-Zahra cemetery in southern Tehran. They asked us to bury her in this section where it seemed the authorities had set aside spaces for graves for those killed during the clashes."
The regime banned her family from holding a public funeral.He continued: 'She only ever said that she wanted one thing, she wanted freedom for the people of Iran.’
The white-haired man who is seen pressing on her chest in the video and repeatedly saying 'don't be afraid, Neda dear, don't be afraid' was actually her music teacher.
Monday, 22 June 2009
TV International: Remember Neda! 26 June
TV International's call to remember Neda and stand in solidarity with the protesters in Iran. The commemoration of Neda coincides with the planned actions that union organisations had already planned for 26 June 2009 at 12:00 in front of Iranian embassies around the globe. Maryam Namazie interviews Fariborz Pooya and Bahram Soroush on how people can actively support the Iranian protesters. Watch it here
WPI calls on heads of states and the UN to break relations with and expel the Islamic regime in Iran
Today, Hamid Taqvaee, the Leader of the Worker-communist Party of Iran, wrote to heads of states and the UN Secretary General on behalf of the people of Iran calling on governments 'to immediately break all political ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran, shut down its embassies and consulates and ensure its expulsion from the United Nations and other international institutions.'
His letter went on to say: 'Recent events in
TV International on the 10th day of protest in Iran
TV International with the latest news from today's ongoing protests in Iran.
Maryam Namazie interviews Bahram Soroush and Fariborz Pooya on the protests and the link to the elections. Also on the issue of Mousavi offering no viable alternative as the 'opposition' leader. Watch it here.
Maryam Namazie interviews Bahram Soroush and Fariborz Pooya on the protests and the link to the elections. Also on the issue of Mousavi offering no viable alternative as the 'opposition' leader. Watch it here.
Mass demonstration in Tabriz today
The WPI Press Centre has confirmed that there are currently a mass demonstration and confrontation with the security forces taking place in Tabriz today.
Protest, candles and streets fights
There has been demonstration in southern Mofateh Street to Somayeh Street around 5.00 pm Tehran time. The slogans are 'Death to Dictator.' The security forces including Baseeji and plainclothes thugs are attacking protesters, in particular women and girls or anyone who is recording the events with mobile phones and cameras.
Also on 7 Tir Square a huge number of people have sat down with candles in their hands to commemorate Neda and the fallen during these protests. Baseejis have attacked protesters. Spirits are high and people are regrouping again.
Also on 7 Tir Square a huge number of people have sat down with candles in their hands to commemorate Neda and the fallen during these protests. Baseejis have attacked protesters. Spirits are high and people are regrouping again.
Military in full force in Tehran confrontation is continuing in parts of Tehran
The regime’s armed security forces have occupied the main route from Tehran University to Azadi Square and all side streets. There are protests and streets clashes in many parts of Tehran.
Tehran University students have barricaded themselves in the university with a big picture of Neda hanging at the front gate facing 16 Azar street. People are laying flowers in memory of Neda at the gate.
Tehran University students have barricaded themselves in the university with a big picture of Neda hanging at the front gate facing 16 Azar street. People are laying flowers in memory of Neda at the gate.
Stand Off in Tehran today
The regime's security forces including baseeji on motorcycles have surrounded 7 Tir square and adjacent streets. There are many people around the area and there is A tense stand off between the people and the security forces.
Today, at 5pm Tehran time, Neda is to be commemorated by cars honking and turning their car lights on.
Many people are walking around in Tehran and waiting for an opportunity to get together and protest.
Today, at 5pm Tehran time, Neda is to be commemorated by cars honking and turning their car lights on.
Many people are walking around in Tehran and waiting for an opportunity to get together and protest.
Street battle between protestors and baseej on June 20
Footage of street battle between protestors and the regime's security agents on June 20 in Tehran, here.
Continue to send solidarity messages to the people of Iran
Here are some of the solidarity messages to the people of Iran that we have received; we are translating and reading them for people in Iran
……………………….
I am astonished of what is happening in
I admire the courage and determination Iranian people are showing.
E. (
……………………….
The current regime in
My heart and good wishes go out to all the good people of
Nicholas Ward
………………………………..
We stand in solidarity with the people of
Pragna
Chair of Southall Black Sisters
………………………………………
Dear people in
As Maryam Namazie writes in her call, I know you, at former times at the university as friends, who have been fighting for human rights and against dictatorship in Iran, hopefully and later on with bitterly disappointment about the development during and after the revolution 1979, and as I think the people have been cheated for the results of that revolution.
At that time and later on a lot of you died or "disappeared".
Today I know you as refugees, colleagues, and friends.
I am following with admiration and worried the development in
I admire you for your courage how you fight against the dictatorship.
You are wonderful people and I hope for you that at this time the people will win however then you are willing to organize your country. This is the matter of the Iranian people themselves.
My heart, my very best wishes und hopes are with you
Martina Zimmeck -
……………………….
Please send me addresses of embassies and news stations and I will write strong worded letters. Let me know of anything else I can do.
I'm behind you all the way. Keep up the good work!
JS Campbell
…………………………..
People of
As a single individual, powerless and tiny, I am deeply moved by the unfolding of matters in
Writing this email makes me feel even more powerless but it is the least I can do
Jorge Alonso Ortiz
………………………………
Just want to wish you and your comrades well in the struggle for a free society in
All the best
Tony Surr
……………………………..
I do hope the evil & oppressive regime falls.
I give my respect to the courageous Persian people who want their culture respected, but do not want to be ruled by theocratic bullies.
Martin Bright
………………………………..
I am a Syrian activist in exile
All our support to the Iranian masses fighting against the repressive regime
Mazen Kamalmaz
………………………………
The causes of equal rights for women and the freedom to speak openly are towering values that validate your struggle and the many setbacks you will suffer.
Nick Tregenza
………………………..
Good luck to this movement.
Jean Davies
……………………………….
On behalf of all the people I know, you can add our numbers to your brave, strong women and men. This battle is an unbelievably important cause keep up the good work.
Arcelina Santos
……………………………….
To the people of
I wish you the best of luck in your struggle for freedom and against totalitarianism. It is something that we can all relate to. The courage of the protesters has been truly inspiring. I am half way across the world, yet reading about your protests and watching the scenes unfold has brought tears to my eyes. I'm not Iranian, but I feel part of your struggle. Seeing the way in which people can stand up for their rights and fight for a better country, and as a result a better world, has made me proud of humanity. I'm from the former Yugoslavia, and I lived happily in a secularist, socialist nation for much of my life. But I had to watch my own country being destroyed by nationalists and fascists. The people who destroyed my country are the kind of people like Ahmadinejad and Khamenei, like George Bush and Dick Cheney, like Pinochet; and all others who ruthlessly cling to power and want to kill progress. It is my hope that you succeed in your fight for a better Iran. My thoughts are with you; you have given inspiration to people all around the world who want change, freedom and equality. Stay strong and continue your fight.
Best Wishes,
Arijana
……………………………..
I support your fight.
Gena Santos, Canada
………………………
People have the right to choose their leaders. Religious books can't govern modern progressive societies aiming to be liberated, equal and prosperous. Power to the people!!!
Ameera, UK
…………………………
Hold tight and keep up the fight!
Solidarity
Ian, Manchester
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People of the World
Unite against fascism. Unite against racism. Unite against sexism.
Fight for the equality of your people. Fight for equality of all humans.
Show the World that Women, Daughters, Girls of all ages are PEOPLE, are HUMANS have RIGHTS.
No Religion, No Belief, NO GOD has the right to take that away!
Michaela
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Regarding your present situation in Iran, like everything else connected to the present day governments, the truth is always hidden from the ordinary people on the pretext that it is for your own good--(i.e. they the government knows what is best,) of course, we in the west have a different outlook on life. some(many) of our believes are not what I personally think is correct, but at least up to now we have been allowed to express our opinions. Our worlds (which will always be different due to generations of our own cultures) may vary, on a great many things, but truth and democracy and obviously common sense, should always be the final goal--we have the same problems with our own government, they allow us to express our opinions, but only if it is something that does not threaten their loss of power, they love to be in charge, they love to raise the clenched fist - here in the UK, I can see serious violent disturbances, arising in the not too distant future, all we can do is wish you the best in your own personal struggle, we are watching you from around the world, look at your present leader in the face-look at his eyes, then step back and look into the eyes of past evil leaders, I have been to unstable countries, and I know, all the leaders want you to do is fight their own personal battles for them, on the pretext of glory for all, --rubbish-- they will continue to accumulate wealth beyond belief, whilst you and your family continue to suffer, their children won’t be sent to the front line to fight, only to save havens, then they are given medals for absolutely nothing at all-- now is your finest hour, if you let it pass by, then you will have lost it for good. chin up-and look the enemy in the eye.
Councillor Eddy Edwards--UK
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To all workers and students in the streets of Iran:
Never give up, never give in... The whole world is watching,
For human/workers/women’s' rights,
I stand in solidarity with you,
Roar like mighty lions!
Sincerely,
Mark Nevin - Lancaster PA - USA
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To Maryam and the men and women of Iran,
My heart is with you in your struggle for freedom. I was in Iran in 1985 and found much love in the hearts of your people and saw much oppression in the actions of your leaders then.
Now I hope the tide has turned. Although the changes you face will demand much sacrifice and struggle you will overcome. Nothing is stronger than a free human spirit and injustice always carries with it the seeds of its own destruction.
Be strong and take care, you are not alone in the world.
With mette
Richard
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On behalf of English rock band "The Legendary Hearts' I would like to send a massage of hope to the people of Iran.
You must fight for your freedom and never be afraid!!! Keep fighting, then fight some more!!! You WILL win!!!
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I am not a communist and I do not believe communism is the answer for Iran or any country. However, I agree with pretty much everything that you wrote.
I have good friends in Iran and I want to wish you all the best in your fight for democracy and freedom. I will do what I can to promote freedom in your land by putting pressure on our own leaders in the best way I am able.
It is clear that the Islamic leadership is interested only in preaching hyperbole and in exercising power over people’s minds. If they cared for truth then they would allow people to choose freely the way they live their lives.
Iran is a beautiful land. I wish you a peace that is greater than silence, a peace which esteems justice and freedom of speech and which embraces everybody, not only the privileged few.
Peace and strength to those who are fighting for freedom and equality.
David Fee, Scotland
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To the People of Iran, our Solidarity with his revolutionary movement and Go Out a medieval regime based on brutality, shackling the Freedom.
Freedom & Love
POETS OF THE WORLD
POETRY REPUBLICAN CIRCLE
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I am wishing you the best.
love
Sarah and family (London, England)
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I hope that the people of Iran succeed in gaining their liberty, and become free to shape their own lives according to their individual beliefs within a peaceful, democratic society.
Alison (Edinburgh}
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This was the day we were all waiting for and I hope the stolen revolution of 1979 is taken back from the reactionary forces of the regime of Mullahs. Victory to all workers, socialists and progressive people of Iran!
Oya Biringen
London
PS-(And, shame on all fake 'socialists' and 'left-wingers' who were either keeping quiet or supporting the Islamists thinking it was an anti-capitalist (!) movement..)
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Our organisation wishes to record our support for the People of Iran in their struggle against Dictatorship and Medievalism as well as Western Imperialism
Gordon P. Clarkson
Organiser,
Resistance ' 95
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I am with you 100% and thank you for all your efforts. I have been watching with glee and tears of both rage and pride in my eyes as the Iranian people challenge their oppressors, and I can only hope that they have the guts to persist in the face of the hard fist of the Revolutionary Guard that is about to come down on them. To quietly walk away under threat of violence would be the worst possible outcome. How many women have quietly walked away from protesting their abusers because they feared more violence? It is better to die free than to live as a slave. Let there be no mistake: if they persist in challenging the Iranian government, more blood will be spilled. But no meaningful revolution is bloodless. If I could, I'd be right there on the streets with the Iranians risking my own life, because this struggle is not about just Iran, or just women, or just Islam; it is a struggle for the freedom of all humanity, and my brothers and sisters in Iran are at the forefront of a decisive battle in the history of our world. It is a long battle, but a new chapter has begun. And we will win.
But there are two things I must say:
One, the "Worker-communist" Party is an unfortunate name for your party. No one in the western world likes the word "communist", especially in the USA. It is misunderstood and maligned at every turn. It will be difficult for you to draw support from many people just because of the name. I personally have a much more educated idea of what the name means, but that is not common here. I think a simple name change, though not really that simple, might serve you better in the future.
Two, this fight is about theocracy as much as anything. The problem that finds its expression in sham elections and the abuse of women is at its root a problem of Islam. As long as the Iranians and all other liberal Muslims refuse to recognize that Islam itself, and all religion, is a carefully constructed lie used to oppress them from within as well as without, they will be forever lorded over and oppressed by cowards, liars, and fools such as the Ayatollah. Until they can wean themselves away from their addiction to religion, and until his head is on a pike, nothing will really change. People can genuflect in the streets all they want, but in the end the hard, cold reality of a world without Allah must be faced up to if there is any hope of actual freedom. Muslims must free themselves inside before they can demand freedom from the outside world. Finally, I'll say this, and feel free to quote me, "Put down the Quran and pick up the sword, for only one will free you."
But I don't know everything; those are just my opinions. You can take them or leave them according to utility.
Many thanks,
Lucas Perkins
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To those who treasure freedom.
I give my whole hearted support to all those who fight for freedom from suppressive regimes. In this 21st century all women should be free to express themselves in complete freedom: no one person owns another and those who suppress women by refusing them choice need to be banished from civil society. As an atheist I have no time for religion, not just because I do not believe in a God, but based on the history of the intolerance shown by the many who do claim to believe. In it's long history instead of bonding mankind together, it has in fact divided due to differing attitudes as to what various factions think is the way to worship. The worst and most unforgivable aspect of this differing approach has been the persecution, torture and murder in the most barbaric ways. Religion was born out of a culture of cruelty and didn't take long to descend into that same cruelty made worse by the sheer hypocrisy of their claim to love they neighbour as thyself-What a joke, if it wasn't so serious!. Rid the World of suppressive, sadistic humbugs!!
Ivan
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Our thoughts are with you all the way!
May you clean your lands of the terror of Muhammad forever!
Ásgeir Ægisson
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Thank you, friends, for your words and your actions!
We are doing what we can in Germany to support the people in Iran.
With best regards,
Jonathan Weckerle
STOP THE BOMB
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Shiraz Protest
Shiraz was the scene of one of the biggest protests after Tehran yesterday 21 June 2009. The Protest began from Agricultural (Keshavarzi) University and moved on to surrounding streets; People joined the protest. The regime's ecurity forces attacked protesters.
According to WPI's Press Centre two people have been killed by the Islamic regime's Baseeji forces in Shiraz.
According to WPI's Press Centre two people have been killed by the Islamic regime's Baseeji forces in Shiraz.
Mousavi and Khamenei are against the people's revolt
Watch the WPI's Press Centre daily dispatch today with Fariborz Pooya interviewing Hamid Taqvaee on Mousavi's recent statements, the news about the killing of Neda Soltani in Tehran and international solidarity with the people in Iran, here.
21 June - the protests continue
The protests continue! People are chanting...
'Natarsid! Natarsid! Mah hameh bah ham hastim!'
Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid! We are all together!
and...
Marg bar Dictator! Down with Dictator!
'Natarsid! Natarsid! Mah hameh bah ham hastim!'
Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid! We are all together!
and...
Marg bar Dictator! Down with Dictator!
Tehran , Today 21 June
Forsat Shirazi St.
Tehran, June 21, People are making barricades in the street!!
Today,Tehran!
We are all together; don't be afraid
To see clip of a demonstration today, click here. Slogans are 'we are all together; don't be afraid' (Ma hame ba ham hasteem; natarseed, natarseed), and 'down with dictator.'
Families of the 20 June detainees demand release of their loved ones
More than 200 family members of those arrested during yesterday's protests have gathered at the Ministry of Information and Security and are demanding the release of their loved ones. They have been told to go to Evin Prison and have been refused any information about the whereabouts of the detainees.
The names of those arrested include: Shahin Asgharie, 19, on Tohid Street, Peyman Kohandani, 21, at Azadi Square , Mohamad Bayat, 29, at Azadi Square , Mohamad Yadolahhi, 31, on Jomhoori Street, Ebrahim Behroozniya, 29, on Roodaki Street, Borzo Parvaresh at Azadi Square.
More than 300 people were arrested yesterday, 20 June 2009, during mass demonstrations in Tehran.
The names of those arrested include: Shahin Asgharie, 19, on Tohid Street, Peyman Kohandani, 21, at Azadi Square , Mohamad Bayat, 29, at Azadi Square , Mohamad Yadolahhi, 31, on Jomhoori Street, Ebrahim Behroozniya, 29, on Roodaki Street, Borzo Parvaresh at Azadi Square.
More than 300 people were arrested yesterday, 20 June 2009, during mass demonstrations in Tehran.
Khamenei responsible for Neda's murder
Neda, a young woman who was watching the protests in
Ali Khamanei is personally responsible for Neda’s death and the death of protestors.
Yesterday, the people’s solidarity was truly immense. They provided support, gave shelter and offered food to the protesters all day until late at night. Demonstrations took place, in many parts of
According to the WPI Press Office, Neda's surname is Soltani; she is an employee of Radman Tour and Travel Agency.
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