Call for strike against death sentences in Iran

As part of the reactions condemning and rejecting the death sentences issued by the Iranian authorities against Kurdish activists, particularly Warisha Moradi and Bakhshan Azizi, six political parties and entities in East Kurdistan issued a joint statement announcing a general strike on Wednesday, January 22.

The statement included the following:

“Our free people in Kurdistan

At a time when rising prices, unemployment, poverty, numerous economic problems, lack of services, and restrictions on political freedoms affect both Kurdish and Iranian society, the Iranian regime, instead of responding to the demands of the people, has launched large-scale arrest campaigns against political activists, detaining hundreds in Kurdistan and Iran and sentencing them to death.

Given this situation, and especially in light of the imminent execution of Bakhshan Azizi and Warisha Moradi, urgent steps must be taken to stop this punishment, one of which is declaring a general strike in Kurdistan.

General strikes in Kurdistan have always been a means of civil resistance in critical times, and today, we are facing one of those humanitarian moments. The people must take the initiative to prevent another tragedy, demand the release of detainees, and revoke the death sentences issued against them. The struggle for freedom and equality must not cease in the face of the Iranian regime’s oppressive practices against detainees and political activists.

Undoubtedly, this collective unity (the general strike) and peaceful, civil methods can, like the "Woman, Life, Freedom" revolution, carry the message of action and protection for all communities. This movement also supports political detainees who bravely carry out a "No to the Death Penalty" strike every Tuesday in more than 30 prisons across Iran.

We, the political parties and entities, call on all communities and urge all activists in Kurdistan to start a general strike throughout Kurdistan on the 22nd of this month (Wednesday) against the death sentences issued against our people. All workplaces, markets, and schools should be closed to demonstrate humanitarian and political will.

This campaign is an opportunity to save human lives. Let us once again prove that Kurdistan will not remain silent in the face of this inhumane government by taking a firm stand against this regime.

Long live the unity and solidarity of the Kurdish people.”

The political parties and entities that signed the statement:

Kurdistan Freedom Party

Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK)

Revolutionary Workers Association of Iranian Kurdistan

Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan

Kurdistan Workers Association

Kurdistan Organization of the Communist Party of Iran. 

A-H

ANHA