Defend our human rights!
We write this letter to all human rights organisations, trade unions, parliaments, students' organisations, women's organisations and civilised humanity.
Following our protest movement, in the last few days a new wave of arrests of our student colleagues has started. More than 20 students have been arrested and jailed by the security forces. Even workers' activists have been jailed too. The latest is the case of Mr. Mahmood Salehi in Saghez who is well known for his defence of workers' rights. A few women activists are also in jail. These arrests continue and happen every day. As though this was not enough, we are faced with poverty, lack of rights and inflation resulting from economic sanctions. Life is harder than any other time and people are being suffocated. The nightmare of possible war has left people with fear and lack of security and has given opportunity to the government to impose yet more restrictions on people. The level of poverty and economic insecurity is horrendous. Our struggle continues.
We say the same thing as university students said on 16th Azar, Students' Day! The same as women and men said on 8th March! Workers said in their strikes and demonstrations! We want happiness, health, education and welfare for all! We demand an end to gender discrimination! We want equality between men and women! We have the right to speak out, protest, criticise and organise! Has the world not gained civilization and human rights? We want to have a life fit for human beings and want the people of the world to support us! Unfortunately, today's world is divided by borders and national identity. However, we must remind ourselves that we all posses universal human identity. We have the right to live like humans and enjoy human values and respect! We are reaching out for your hearts! Support us! Make our demands yours!
- Demand the immediate release of our fellow students in Babolsar University and the release of all students!
- Demand the payment of overdue salaries of workers and the right to organise, protest, strike and collective bargaining for workers!
- Demand the release of all women activists and the right to wear clothes of their choice and equality between men and women!
- Demand a secure life, political and social rights, respect and welfare for all!
- Demand an end to economic sanctions, war and terrorism; and support the struggle of people in Iran!
People of the world!
We wish for a world devoid of war, hatred, bombs, poverty and dictatorship! We respect and appreciate human solidarity! Human solidarity has no borders!
To all freedom loving and egalitarian people, to all social activists and human rights defenders: support us by signing our petition. Send a copy of your support to the following addresses:
International Labour Organization at ilo@ilo.org
Fax & email: Amnesty International in England: + 44 20 7033 1503 and sct@amnesty.org.uk
Iran's President: Dr. Ahmadinejad
Send a copy to us at:
http://openletterbaboluniv.blogfa.com
http://babolsaruniv.blogfa.com/
Students at Babolsar University- Iran (17 April 2007)