The response of the Islamic Republic to the escalation of protests that have been taking place across Iran, has been nothing but further arrests and detentions. The recent widespread protests of the pensioners which has drawn popular support in practically all the major locations in the country, has also been met with the same response.

In their gatherings, pensioners have been expressing their resentment against the authorities and their total disregard for the poor standard of living of the people. In addition to the rocketing rise in the prices of the most basic necessities, the people in Iran have also suffered from the authorities’ total negligence in providing any protection for the people in the face of the miseries of the Covid-19 over the past year. 

These protests have also shown the growing solidarity between different sections of the society with slogans in support of the workers’ protests against their pay and conditions, as well as the reciprocal support of the pensioners in all working places throughout the country.

As these protests escalate, the authorities have also expanded their wave of detentions, and arresting protestors have become common place everywhere. Just last week, the security forces attacked the pensioners’ protest gathering in Tehran, arresting Esmail Geramy, a pensioner, Asaad Meftahi, a worker, and the journalist and musician Kamiar Fakoor. Further action forced the Islamic Republic to release both Esmail Geramy and Assad Meftahi, but Kamiyar Fakoor who has also recently dedicated a song to the Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Industry workers in the South of Iran, is still apprehended. There has been no news of the whereabouts of the Kamiyar Fakoor, nor of his state and wellbeing, particularly as he was badly beaten up and suffered eye injuries.

There is no doubt that the Islamic Republic will continue to use all its suppressive apparatus to crush the protests that are taking place, while also undoubtedly these protests are not going to subside or disappear either.

Given the current situation and the extent of the protests, it is vital that more pressure is exerted on the Islamic Republic to release all those detained. We urge all workers’ organisations, unions and freedom seeking people to express your solidarity with the struggles of the people in Iran and call for the release of all detained protestors. The Islamic Republic must be forced to recognise the basic right of people to protest.

Aman Kafa

Hekmatist Party (Official Line) – Organisation Abroad

March 12, 2021