FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Women Political Prisoners Send Powerful Message of Resistance on Second Anniversary of “Woman, Life, Freedom” Movement
General strike in cities in Iran
The Fight Continues
15 September 2024
On the night of 14 September 2024, marking the second anniversary of Jina Mahsa Amini’s tragic death, the courageous women political prisoners in Iran’s notorious Evin Prison sent a resounding message: they will not stop fighting. Despite the brutal consequences they face, these women defiantly chanted “Woman, Life, Freedom” and condemned the regime’s actions, declaring, “Executing prisoners is the regime’s revenge on women, Kurdistan, and the people across Iran,” while also calling for the release of all political prisoners.
Fully aware of the punishment awaiting them for their bold protest, these women are undeterred. They announced their decision to go on hunger strike starting today, 15 September 2024, making it clear to the world that their fight for freedom is far from over. These women are true symbols of resistance, bravely making history. Take a listen to their message of defiance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ak18BUGbN8
Meanwhile, across Kurdistan-Iran, including in Jina Mahsa Amini’s hometown of Saqqez, a general strike has gripped the region. Shops remain closed in solidarity, and the regime has responded by deploying additional IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) forces on the streets and also placing Mahsa Amini’s parents under house arrest to prevent gatherings at her grave. Despite these oppressive measures, the strike is spreading to other cities.
Background:
Weeks prior to the second anniversary of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, the Iranian regime is intensifying its crackdown, fearing a resurgence of protests. Rights activists and the families of those killed during the 2022 protests are being threatened and arrested, with at least 88 political prisoners currently facing execution.
Since the brutal killing of Jina Mahsa Amini by the Islamic regime’s morality police in September 2022, execution rates in Iran have soared, reaching an eight-year high. Among those condemned are women’s rights activist Pakhshan Azizi and labor rights activist Sharifeh Mohammadi, both sentenced to death. Additionally, Nasim Gholami Simiyari and Wrisha Moradi are at serious risk of execution. Across Iran, women activists are being targeted with fabricated charges, and 11 women’s rights activists from the north have been collectively sentenced to 60 years in prison.
A Brutal Crackdown, but an Unbroken Spirit
Following the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, the regime launched a massive and violent crackdown. Over 60,000 people, including children, have been detained by the IRGC, with many subjected to torture, including sexual and pharmacological torture. At least 550 people, including 76 children, have been killed, and countless protesters have been left blinded by deliberate shootings. Families of the deceased and detained face continuous harassment from the regime.
Despite this brutality, the Iranian people, particularly women, remain determined. Women continue to defy the mandatory hijab laws, risking arrest and torture, while strikes by teachers, nurses, retirees, and workers happen daily. Even inside prison walls, political prisoners lead acts of resistance. For 33 consecutive weeks, inmates in over 20 prisons across Iran have staged hunger strikes every Tuesday under the banner “No to Execution Tuesdays.”
The Fight for Freedom Persists
The fight for freedom continues, both on the streets and within prison cells. Though media attention has decreased internationally, the courageous women of Iran refuse to be silenced. They call on the world to echo their voices and stand in solidarity with their struggle for justice and freedom.
Help us amplify the voices of Iran’s brave women and political prisoners. The fight for freedom is far from over.
Campaign to Free Political Prisoners in Iran(CFPPI)
For media inquiries, please contact:
Shiva Mahbobi, Spokeswoman
Campaign to Free Political Prisoners in Iran (CFPPI)
shiva.mahbobi@gmail.com Tel: +447572356661