Iranian Progressives in Translation

Below is the statement of the Alliance of Middle Eastern and North African Socialists published on January 3, 2020.

Darolshafa is a unique type of humanist intellectual activist who has broken with the dogmatism, nationalism and sexism of many members of  previous generations of Iranian socialists.  His  contribution to emancipatory thought and struggle at this critical moment in Iran’s history is urgently needed.   We urge socialists around the world to publicize the case of this brave intellectual activist,  demand to know where he is being held, hold the Iranian government accountable for his safety, and call for his immediate release.

We, the students, while maintaining the distance from both poles, emphasize the common fate of the Iranian masses and all other working class around the world – from Chile to Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. We defend their rightful protests and we will continue our struggle to support their interests.

Emma Wilde Botta of Jacobin interviews Frieda Afary from the Alliance of MENA Socialists:  “This appeal for help and support is not just for the sake of the Iranians. It is for the sake of defending similar struggles against capitalist exploitation, racism, sexism, and heterosexism in the United States and elsewhere in the world. We need to connect our struggles internationally in order to move forward.”

Police stations, banks, some public buildings,  a few religious seminaries and  many posters of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been set on fire.  Demonstrators have blocked roads.  Slogans include:  “Gasoline is becoming more expensive and the poor are becoming poorer.”   “Khamenei is a murderer.  His rule has expired.”   “Death to the Dictator.”   “Death to this Demagogic Government.”  Even some members of the parliament have resigned in protest.