Behind a cynical and bogus campaign for
‘national unity’ in the face of pressure from the United Sates, the
Iranian regime has raised the level of repression against many sections
of society. Whether it is the bus drivers, teachers, sugar mill
workers, labour activists, women, journalists, or anyone who voices the
slightest criticism against the policies of the most rotten and
reactionary dictatorship of the twenty-first century, they are
subjected to the most brutal and vicious forms of physical and
psychological torture in its jails.
| Female students march, Dec 2007 |
During the past few months the most consistent
resistance to this regime has come from various student groups. The
regime’s attacks against this movement have resulted in at least one death in custody, at least three confirmed cases of severe physical torture, and general abuse and lack of contact with families.
The main event that triggered such a response from the regime was a gathering
at Tehran University on 4 December in commemoration of Students’ Day.
Around 500 students and left-wing activists took part in the event.
Initially 26 people, mainly from Tehran University’s Radical Left
group, were arrested but since then over a dozen other students from
various universities have been arrested. Although a few have now been
released on bail the majority remain in prison and their incarceration
is dampening the morale of all movements in society.
To show solidarity with the imprisoned students a
number of Iranian opposition groups are organising pickets outside the
Iranian regime’s diplomatic missions on Saturday 16 February 2008, from
12-2pm. We urge all student activists, trade unionists, socialists and
defenders of human rights to support this united move of the opposition
in highlighting the plight of the students still in jail.
A victory for the students can open the way for
more victories by workers, women and other oppressed and exploited
sections of society. Join us on 16 February in support of the students.
For more information on the picket in your city, or on how you can
become involved, contact
militantmag@gmail.com
or check our English language blog.
On 16 February our main slogan will be: Free all jailed students now!
Militaant, journal of revolutionary socialist youth in Iran.
See also:
- Iranian regime tortures arrested students! by Militaant (January 31, 2008)
- Iran: Mahmoud Salehi rushed to hospital by Iranian Workers’ Solidarity Network (December 18, 2007)
- Students threatened with arrest if they go near Tehran University! by "Against the status quo" blog (December 5, 2007)
Five hundred students and left-wing activists commemorate Students’ Day at Tehran University by "Against the status quo" blog (December 4, 2007)
