Iran: Support The Protests For Democracy

international | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Monday June 22, 2009 16:58 by Chicherin - Hands Off the People of Iran

Protest in support of the Iranian Workers, Womens Rights Activists and Students

Saturday 27 June at 2pm at the Central Bank Plaza, Dame Street, Dublin 2.

Organised by Hands Off the People of Iran

June 20 saw the mass murder of demonstrators by security forces, it is unclear how many people are dead as estimates range from 11 to 150. With media outlets severely restricted it could be some time until we are given the true number. State organs such as Press TV have described the murdered protesters as “terrorists”.

HOPI received an eye witness report of Saturday’s violence:

"The demonstrations started in the centre around 4 o’clock the police had already settled in all the main squares and streets. We saw many members of Basij in plain clothing armed and ready to kill people. What happened was like 3500-4000 people would gather and form a demonstration start yelling out things like: “We did not give blood to give up now” and “Khamenei you Pinochet Iran is not going to be Chile”. But none of the gatherings could last long because the police would hit people and the Secret Police would shoot people, and members of Basij stabbed people.

People who lived in the neighbourhood left their doors open so injured people and the ones followed by the police could get in. It was the same in many other places, in Tehran at Tohid Square the police were in a bus and shot unarmed people from there, people who had came to the streets just to have a calm demonstration to defend their basic rights as citizens and human beings.

Many people are in hospital,the police are making a list of their names. Many activists were arrested and some have disappeared. Today the Islamic Republic showed once again, they are ready to kill as many as it takes to stay in power. Western Governments may try to meddle, their support is poisonous, the Iranian people will decide their fate alone, against imperialism and against the Islamic Republic. We do need the support of ordinary people across the world. The people showed that they want more than just tiny reforms, they want what has been taken away from them all these years, they want their freedom and their dignity back."

Fariba Talebi Iranian political activist and member of HOPI Ireland said:

“we are making a stand in support of the millions in Iran who are in revolt against the Islamic regime. People voted to get rid of Ahmadinejad and are outraged that it did not work. But Moussavi is no friend of the movement. I hope that people can create their own leadership from the struggle”.

Anne McShane Chair of HOPI Ireland said:

"At this stage it is important to continue to oppose sanctions and any Imperialist intervention. Sanctions have made the plight of the Iranian working class worse and even more impoverished. They are an act of war, just like in Iraq.The US can only play a negative role, as we have seen all too clearly in the terrible situations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The struggle of the Iranian people must be supported by the working class throughout the world and we must stand firmly against any imperialist interference. Regime Change must come from within and below."

Senator David Norris said:

"I know from direct experience how warm and courteous the Iranian people are and how cruel is the regime that governs them. In shame if for no other reason "President" Ahmadinejad should keep his mouth firmly shut on the subject of human rights until he learns something about what this phrase means."

Des Derwin Executive Committee, Dublin Council of Trade Unions said:

"All Irish workers should support the demonstrations in Iran and condemn the savage attacks on the protesters. The struggle for democracy is in the interest of the Iranian Trade Labour Movement, at present independent Trade Unions are banned in Iran and workers are regularly flogged for organising strikes."

Ends

Contact Anne on 086 2343 238
or at anne@hopoi.info

http://www.hopi-Ireland.org

22 June 2009