by B Channel

Over a hundred cities around the world participated in the United for Iran – Global Day of Action. In Victoria, the Iranian community and supporters gathered on the lawns of the legislature. Speeches were given, signs held high and a human chain formed in song and dance around the fountain. People came to show their solidarity with the protestors contesting the legitimacy of the June election results in Iran.

“It was peaceful protest [in Iran], even when some of the anti-riot police were injured people were helping them, giving them water, even treating their scars and helping them out.” said event organizer, Amir Kian, with the UVic Persian Club.

The general election in Iran on June 12th , 2009 resulted in the incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad being re-instated as President. Millions of Iranians, many supporters of Ahmandinejad’s main opponent Mousavi are contesting the election results, alleging irregularities in the electoral process, including; the use of violence to pressure voters, limiting communication and ‘vote rigging’.

“As a result of the irregularities and later proven fraud throughout the election, a rigged election, Iranian people came out in the millions… to voice their concern about their basic rights. They want their voices heard.” said key-note speaker, Dr. Peyman Vahabzadeh, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Victoria.

The response of Ahmadinejad’s government has been to crackdown on the protests, despite criticism voiced throughout the world. The state government has used violence and censorship to try to silence the opposition in the streets.

“There has been a huge crackdown on the people of Iran, people are being brutally beaten, they have been imprisoned, even some have been executed… People [in Canada] are outraged about hearing their friends and family being beaten and thrown in prison just for having an opinion.” said Tina Korki.

Members of the International community have raised concerns with the election results, the transparency of the electoral process and condemned the violent action of the Iranian government. A complete re-count has not been done.

“Regardless of our political beliefs, regardless of our ideologies, regardless of our political tendencies, what we want for Iran is basically a country that is steered by basic human rights… They believe in basic human rights and we are here and there are there in the country to fight for their rights.” said Dr. Vahabzadeh.

Despite the violence and oppression being used to silence Iranians, support for the opposition, and a more moderate government continues to rise. The continued pressure on the Iranian government has not been completely ignored; 140 political detainees have been released from Tehran’s Evin prison after increased protest. However, there are at least 150 remaining election protestors in Evin, according to government records. Conditions have been reported to be horrendous in these facilities, with prisoners returning home covered in bruises, stating they watched guards beat people to death in the holding cells.

“Our voices will be heard, and Iranians…They all know that we are here to support them and they really want our support and they really know our support despite the fact the government disregards it and censors it, it will be heard and it really matters to them.” said Dr. Vahabzadeh.

Here in Victoria, there are things people can do to support the movement for democracy in Iran; whether it is attending events like this one or educating themselves on the issues and events that are taking place; people are asked to take action.

“Raising your knowledge is the best thing to do.” said Kain.

Related News Links

Iran protesters ‘to face trial’
BBC – July 29, 2009

Iran frees 140 political detainees from Tehran prison after wave of protests
Guardian – July 28, 2009

Iran election: faces of the dead and detained (Interactive)
Guardian – July 27, 2009

Human chain demo in Vancouver in support of green movement
Vancouverite – July 20, 2009

Protest scroll denounces Iranian elections
Victoria News – July 9, 2009
The world’s longest petition scroll to say: Ahmandi Nejad is not Iran’s President
June 25, 2009

Hamid Dabashi on Iran Protests: “This is Not Another Revolution. This is a Civil Rights Movement”
Democracy Now – June 24, 2009

After a Day of Deadly Protests, Iran’s Guardian Council Admits Voting Irregularities Took Place in Presidential Election
Democracy Now – June 22, 2009

Iran protests: live
Guardian – June 20, 2009

Timeline: The Aftermath of the Iranian Elections
Reuters – June 18, 2009

Iran in Turmoil After Disputed Presidential Election; Anti-Ahmadinejad Street Protests Continue
Democracy Now – June 15, 2009

Mousavi’s letter to Iranians
Al Jazeera – June 14, 2009

Ahmadinejad ‘wins second Iran term’
Al Jazeera – June 13, 2009

The Iranian Political System
Al Jazeera – June 11, 2009

General News About Iran’s Election
Iran Election 2009

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