Published By: The International Bureau of Democratic Party of Iranian

Iranian Kurdistan Bulletin BULLETIN NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003

Municipal Election inInside , a test this of legitimacy issue: for the Regime 1

“The Iranian Judicial system is alien from the culture of attorney and defense lawyer” 2 Louis Joinet: The head of the UN team examining arbitrary detention in Iran

The execution of another prisoner of consciousness in Iran 2

“The world community has well realized that there is no possibility of fundamental reform in Iran under the reign of Islamic Republic” 3 URDISTAN URDISTAN

K A Interview with Secretary-general, Abdullah Hassanzadeh

“No doubts, the ultimate freedom of an oppressed nations depends

RANIAN directly on all kinds of sacrifices that the individual members of that

I 5

of of nations make” Mustafa Hijri’s speech on the Kurdish Freedom-fighters Day

ARTY ARTY The Execution of Democratic Activists Continues... P 7 By: Wurya Hussieni The Kurdistan Republic of 1946 “The Kurdistan Republic of 1946 has been one of the most important symbols of 9 Kurdish nationalism…” Dr. Hussien Taheri EMOCRATIC EMOCRATIC

D Press Review:

Iran’s Distant ‘Second Revolution’ - Stephen C. Fairbanks 12

Iran’s revolution has failed - The International Herald Tribune

A report of Secretary-general’s tour of Europe, The 8th Party Plenum, Severe economic conditions burry people under avalanche, The 14 Participation of a PDKI delegation at NDP Convention

Open letter: Stop Iran from suppressing the and interfering in 15 Kurdish affairs

Meeting of the Socialist International Council, Rome, 20-21 January 2003

RESOLUTION ON THE IRANIAN KURDS

The Council of the Socialist International, meeting in Rome on 20-21 January 2003, Taking note of the developments that have taken place during these last years in Iran,

♦ Encourages all forces in favour of democracy and human rights to continue on the road towards change and reform;

♦ Strongly condemns the grave violations of human rights and democratic freedoms committed by the enemies of reform in that country, including the closing down of several newspapers, the arrest of journalists, intellectuals and students who favour change, and the death penalties and execution of Kurdish militants;

♦ Denounces the repression against the Kurds in Iran and underlines the need to find a peaceful solution to the Kurdish problem in Iran;

♦ Reasserts its support for the legitimate rights of the Kurds in Iran and its solidarity with the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), a member of the Socialist International which remains faithful to democratic values and to a peaceful solution to Kurdish problem in Iran. NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003 PAGE 1

Municipal election in Iran, a test of legitimacy for the regime

Iran staged its that any reform is impossible running for office, this time, did second-ever within the current establishment. not even reach 20 percent of the municipal-council The opener atmosphere in 1st local elections. The strong elections on 28 capital that resulted in large disillusionment with the system February. Campaigning for the turnout in previous three resulted in the low turnout rate, elections began on 20 February elections proved extremely below the national average. In and continued until midnight on fruitless; however, outside the many townships and villages 26 February, where candidates capital, pressure has remained in because not enough candidates competed for some 168,000 effect so the voters have tried to volunteered to register, the positions in cities, villages, and use this election as their only regime started to threaten people; townships. resort to bring change to the way so as if they did not register, they Between 35 million their daily affairs are governed, would be barred from eligible voters (according to the and exhaust all possibilities. The government services and posts. Plan and Budget Organization) voter turnout outside the capital The voters have, this time, tried and 39 million eligible voters was broader. Still, according to first to penalize those whom they (according to the State official figures, voter turnout was had elected in the previous Registration Office and IRNA) less than 50 percent. elections, and prove the were eligible to vote in the However, according to illegitimacy of this regime by previous municipal elections in BBC News “the turnout in staying away from the polls. It 1999. The voting age at that should be noted that the time was 16. The voting boycott of many political age was subsequently parties this time had also lowered to 15, and more tremendous effect on public than 44.5 million Iranians -- opinion. Democratic Party of everyone born before 8 Iranian Kurdistan in a June 1986 -- were eligible to communiqué called upon the vote in the May 2001 people of Kurdistan to refrain presidential election. This from voting; “We hope that time every Iranian born not only in Kurdistan but in before 28 February 1988 the rest of Iran, those who was eligible to vote. As of value their dignity and enjoy July 2002, the population was Tehran was low, only around 25 public respect do not register for estimated to be 66,622,704, and percent, indicating the second so-called council 68.4 percent of the population disillusionment with politics and elections, so as not to become an was estimated to be 15 or older. the slow pace of change in the instrument of legitimacy for the This meant that there were country.” Others have estimated dictatorship of juriscouncil…We approximately 45.6 million that the turnout in the city may hope that the day will come that eligible voters. In 1999 council have been as little as 15 percent. the people of Iran freely elect, elections, about 64 percent of the This is the result of public and the peoples’ representatives eligible voters turned out to vote. frustration over the pace of embody the people’s will.” Many inside and abroad reform, and according to BBC Many officials from both camps dissidents and political parties “this poll was seen as a kind of called the turnout a ‘national supported the elections as a way referendum on the popularity of tragedy’. Hopefully, the result to empower the electorate and the president and his programme will force the regime to accept a other elected bodies; however, of peaceful and legal reform.” national referendum to vote on the inability and lack of progress Electorate in the Kurdish the kind of government structure by the so-called reformist areas expressed very little that the people would like to President, and the parliament has enthusiasm registering, to the establish. disillusioned the general public extent that the number of people

PAGE 2 NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003

Louis Joinet: In Iran, there exists freedom of expression; However, those who speak out, get in trouble.

Louis Joinet, the head of system is alien from the culture of they have concluded that there are the UN arbitrary detention attorney and defense lawyer.” absurdity between the sentences examining team briefed and the offenses. reporters in a press conference In regards to the following his team’s return from practicality of defense attorney two weeks of investigations and in Iran’s judicial system, Louis visits of Iran’s prisons. Louis Joinet said: “The freedom to Joinet stated: His team in this choose defense attorney for mission, have met many political prisoners is much more government officials, and also restrained. Most of the lawyers visited several imprisoned who come forward to defend politicians (among them several jailed political, also end up in jail detained lawyers) in Evin preparing their final defense prison, meeting overall100 On the existence of arguments. We have realized that prisoners. Aside from the freedom of expression in Iran, the lawyers defending the notorious Evin prison, they also Louis Joinet said: “In Iran the detainees, because they have visited several other prisons. Mr. problem is not the lack of freedom criticized the ill-treatment of their Joinet said that the prisoners, of expression, rather troubles arise client or criticized the judicial especially political prisoners, are when political opinions are system, have been questioned. faced with serious impediments; actually expressed.” Louis Joinet Most judges prevent lawyers from they are held in solitary referred to a few examples of being present at the hearings, even confinements that are, in fact, violating the International in preliminary hearings.” prisons within prison. Mr. Joinet Covenant on Civil and Political Louis Joinet questioned the stated that in Iran people are jailed Rights, which Iran is a signatory. existence of the cleric and military without any grounds. He also He also stated that in their meeting courts in Iran, and said that the commented, “The Iranian judicial with the prisoners and detainees, logic of their existence is unclear.

The execution of another prisoner of consciousness by the regime in Iran

Habibullah Tanhaeyan, 41 body of this brave activist, bearing all the people of Sanandaj and the years old, married with three the signs of excessive torture, was surroundings. We hope that the children, from the city of Sanandaj returned to his family four days blood of this triumphant martyr, was detained on 11 December after his execution. and others alike, have not been 2002 by the regime’s intelligence Such a murderous crime of exhausted in attaining peace and elements in the city of Sanandaj. the regime is carried out when a freedom, and their legacy have not He had been taken into custody European Union delegation was in been washed out; rather, several times before and held for the midst of dialogue with the thousands of city youth eager for several months on each occasion regime in Iran over human rights freedom continue their path and by the regime in Iran accused of violations, as well as respect for seek justice for all the crimes having ties with Democratic Party the rights of the Kurds. committed by this regime. of Iranian Kurdistan. His Along with expressing detainment this time - after four deep abhorrence to the freedom Democratic Party of Iranian days of interrogation and torture - restraining and suppressing Kurdistan resulted in his execution on 15 policies of the regime, PDKI 24 December 2002 December 2002 convicted of conveys its sincere condolences to similar accusations. The deceased the family of forgone Habibullah,

NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003 PAGE 3

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“The world community has well realized that there is no possibility of fundamental reform in Iran under the reign of Islamic Republic.” “Iranian students have proved that they have taken further steps towards their revolutionary tendency, and the rulers of this regime cannot retreat them any further.” “We must accept this reality that government [western] officials confront the issue of our struggle and other nations alike more cautiously.”

This is a portion of Secretary- Iranians, the condition of the issue of our struggle and other general’s interview with the country and the government, nations alike more cautiously. Party’s official paper, especially the violation of It is quite understandable ‘KURDISTAN’ following his human rights. We also because of their relations with return to Kurdistan from Europe. attempt to attract their these governments. Those attention to the just struggle who are parliamentarians, Q: In your recent trip, you had that the Kurdish people and journalists or representatives met a number of government other nationalities of Iran of a political party who are not officials and policy-makers. carry forward; however, to the part of a government can more What was the framework of point that it concerns the freely and explicitly express your discussions, and what position of Westerners, what their opinions. Most was their perception of the we have observed can be an importantly, all and each current Iranian circumstances instance; whether we meet considering their status, and to and Kurdish people. several parties and the extent that their positions A: The context of the organizations can be allow them, support both the discussions are usually considered as examples. Kurdish struggle and the similar, meaning, when we When we sit with officials at nation-wide struggle for talk to the people abroad, foreign offices we might, more freedom and democracy; whether those with official or less, conclude that the furthermore, they are responsibility in various policies of these offices of the concerned about the country’s government levels, such as the governments might be of the human rights conditions; officials in foreign ministries, same nature. The context of however, an issue that was those who are policy-makers, the discussions differs in new for me at this trip, was or whether the member of relation to the various the fact that the majority of the assemblies or party leaders, government representatives people that we have met were the main purpose is to expose and other non-governmental aware of the situation in Iran the condition of Kurdish institutions. We must accept better than ever. The struggle and the freedom- this reality that government uncertainty that they had in seeking struggle of all [western] officials confront the their division of reformists

PAGE 4 NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003

I can confidently We as Iranians state that our or as the Kurds relations with of Iran have these legal, better social and understood the political centres reality of our and specialists country and the are in a ruling favourable state and Q: While you were away, Lahiji establishment as usual. pragmatis several of PDKI activists were [the ts was all over this time. They executed in the regime’s head of the League of Human had all admitted this, and prisons. What was the Rights Defense in Iran) believed that we as Iranians or response of humanitarian published a statement and as the Kurds of Iran have organizations in this regard? made a press conference in better understood the reality A: Surprisingly, exactly the solidarity. However, the of our country and the ruling day that our members were position of international establishment; mainly, because executed, we were scheduled community was not sufficient they have often been briefed to meet the UNCHR enough to be responsive to by the President or other headquarters in Geneva. such crimes. Several other officials; they have trusted Unaware of their executions, members were also sentenced them enough to open an we had the list of these to death after the barbaric account fro them, unaware of prisoners, and informed the executions that I hope their the fact that the President in a UNCHR officials that the lives verdicts will be revoked. In country such as current Iran of these prisoners are in my opinion, the international can not be a decision-maker, danger because they have reaction to the killings was far rather, most of the shots are been sentenced to death, so we less than expected. It could be called by those who have no asked them to take necessary because the world community clear accountability. Now, measures to revoke the has faced more controversial they have realized that in Iran verdicts. We also asked them issues, especially the U.S. and under the ruling of the current to take necessary measures for Iraq conflict which has shifted clerics, there are no the remaining prisoners who much of the focus. possibilities of fundamental have been abducted by the change. One might openly regime for more than 5 years, Q: At what level is Party’s spell out these truth, while so at least their where-abouts relationship with other others refrain from expressing are known. Following our countries and humanitarian them overtly; however, such a departure, we were informed organizations? feeling can be easily seen in of the barbarity, so we A: I can confidently state that those who have realized that contacted them again to notify our relations with these legal, by bringing change in Iran, them of the executions; we social and political centres and both the government and the told them that it is time that specialists are in a favourable ruling system must change, something needs to be done to state as usual. We have been quite contrary to the belief that save the lives of other greeted warmly by all those apparently this system is able prisoners…I must state that whom we have met…Overall, to create change and bring aside from Iranian I can say that the relations that fundamental reform, organizations, other human we have are satisfactory; something impractical. rights defenders also however, there is always room condemned the executions, for further improvement. particularly, Dr. Abdulkarim

NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003 PAGE 5

"The armed strustruggle,ggle, despitdespitee costing many lives, has been the most effective means of reviving the KurKurdishdish identity in Iran..." Speech made by Mustafa Hijri, member of PDKI's politburo on the 'Peshmarga Day', Kurdish Freedom-fighters Day

Honourable Leadership Council! sacrificing their lives courageously Now that the Kurdish Cadres and courageous Kurdish are among the most honoured and struggle, particularly the armed Freedom Fighters, the PISHMARA well-respected members of Kurdish struggle in other parts of the region force! society. “PISHMERGA” to Kurds in is enjoying success, the name of Dear Sisters and Brothers! itself represents the highest level of PISHMERGA brings with itself Ladies and Gentlemen! sacrifice, untainted and liberator. hope to every Kurdish heart for a 26 of Sarmavaz,(December This sage of purity has been bright political future. Having said 17) the “PISHMARG Day” is a achieved by a long history of that, it is also alleged that the good occasion to commemorate struggle against their oppressors. armed struggle, particularly of the and honour “PISHMARGA”, those During the long struggle against PDKI, has brought adversity to the who sacrifice their lives to free the oppression many PISHMERGAS Kurds in Iran. It is also said that if Kurdish nation. have lost their lives; they sacrificed PISHMERGA forces particularly No doubts, the ultimate their lives without any expectation those of PDKI, had not resisted the freedom of an oppressed nation because of their love for Kurdistan Iranian forces militarily, the depends directly on all kinds of and freedom. PISHMERGAS are destruction of Kurdish region in sacrifices that the individual sacrificing their lives to pave the Iran, oppression and despotic members of that nation make. It way for the future generation, and behavior by the subsequent Iranian means that the children of the so the future Kurdish nation can regimes would not had followed. nation make sacrifices based on live in peace, freedom and The Islamic Republic of Iran, their different life style, degree of prosperity. This sense of sacrifice is therefore would have rebuilt the understanding, and above all, the now seen in the daily lifestyle and Kurdish region. The Kurds, level of patriotic affection and culture of every Kurd. particularly intellectuals, would understanding of their rights Ordinary Kurds, have enjoyed more freedom and within a given society; thus, it is a sympathizing with and valuing life in general would have been duty that members of nations PISHMERGA, have sung many better for the ordinary Kurds. struggle for freedom. patriotic songs and poems, named First of all, the Islamic Once a nation is librated their children after martyrs and regime of Iran has used these kinds and freedom is totally embraced by publicly, even though forbidden, of propaganda to wrongly that nation, there are always special have acknowledged their efforts. represent itself like a regime with members of society who stand out Consequently, to honour and just values and fair principles. The more than others whom ultimately recognize PISHMERGA, PDKI has regime to justify its destruction in are remembered for their named 26 of SARMAVEZ, the Kurdistan has wrongly blamed the outstanding sacrifices that they PISHMERGA Day. On Sarmavez Kurdish armed resistance. have made. The Kurdish nation, 26, 1945, the people of the city of However, to the dismay of despite having a long history of Mahabad crushed the last military Iranian regime, the Kurdish people sacrifice, is among those nations base of the monarchial central in Iran have a clear understanding still under oppression. The brave government of Iran; therefore, on of the regime and the Kurds know people who started joining this day, the Kurdish people, for that the Islamic Regime of Iran is PISHMERGA force from and the first time, enjoyed freedom and against their basic rights. This kind during the Republic of Kurdistan in self-rule… of propaganda by the Islamic 1945, and since then have been Dear Comrades, regime has backfired and many

PAGE 6 NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003

more patriots have joined the regime of Iran? Is their region more assured that the Kurds will do that PISHMERGA force more than ever developed than Kurdistan? Are one day, it will start to take back all to fight the regime’s oppression. there more employment the apparent “changes” that exists We should remind opportunity, factories and now. The Kurds do know that the ourselves that, although, the armed economic prosperity in their region Islamic regime with this perceived struggle of PISHMERGAS against compared to Kurdistan? Of course, “change” is quietly attempting to the Islamic Republic of Iran has cost the answer is no to all these control Kurdish youths and us many lives, however, it has been questions. intellectuals and prevent Kurdish the most effective means of On the other hand, thanks public from raising their voices. reviving the Kurdish identity in to the Kurdish armed resistance Let’s look at more examples; Iran. The loss of a PISHMERGA, against the Islamic regime, there is The TODEH party believed the destruction of a village by the a political maturity among the that the Islamic regime was anti- regime ruling Iran and the pain of Kurds in Iran that is absent among imperialism; therefore, it took all such a struggle have worked as an other minorities in Iran. The Kurds the necessary measures, including awakening call for the Kurds in also recognize and struggle for military campaign against the Iran. This has caused the Kurds in their rights more than others, and organizations, which opposed the Iran to search and be more have a stronger sense of nation- regime, to ensure that the Islamic inquisitive about their national building; the Kurdish political regime succeeds. At last, it was identity. The Kurds in Iran now parties are more advanced and eventually eliminated from the ask themselves; Why the clerics political scene in Iran. ruling Iran kill Kurds? Why the In order to further Kurdish farms being burned? explain the attitude of the Why Kurdish intellectuals face Islamic regime toward its arrest? Why Kurdish Villages citizens, a more deliberate get destroyed? Why the Kurdish scrutiny at portions of its record region is kept in a total for the past 23 years is necessary: calamity? Why Kurds are Daryosh Feroher, his wife and prevented from running their tens of other writers and affairs? The Kurds know that all intellectuals were abducted, of these occur because of who imprisoned and killed. Shahpor they are. Bekhteiar, Ferydon Ferrokhzad Patriotic feelings are Kurds are now certain to play a role and many more were assassinated growing within the Kurds; they in the future of Iran. while living abroad. One should have a sense of belonging to a Those who look at the ask, whether all these outspoken nation, and more importantly the political system in Iran Iranians promote military military resistance against the superficially, allege that since the resistance against the regime? regime has actually caused the reduction of the Kurdish armed Moreover, people like Abdullah Kurdish people to renew their presence against the Islamic Nori, Yosef Ashkeveri, Saeed sense of identity for the first time in regime, the government has Hejarian and tens of other many years. allowed more freedom of press and Religious-Nationalists, not only The Islamic regime started cultural activities, and as the opposed any armed action against the oppression of minority rights results, intellectual expression has the government, in contrary, at one from its reign to power, and flourished. One should realize that time, they fought militarily for the crushed the uprising movements of if there is a “change” in Iran, it is regime to stand still. They were all Baluch, Turkmen and Arab not because that the regime has sentenced with extensive prison minorities and their armed democratized or it has started to terms. Ayatollah Montezeri, who resistance simultaneously. The respect the minorities’ rights, was the closest comrade of the question remains whether the rather, this insufficient “change” is founder of Islamic regime, minorities, which have had no the product and the results of the Ayatollah Khomeni, has been military resistance against the political and bloody armed under house arrest for years. central government of Iran, enjoy resistance that the Kurds have Furthermore, the Kurdish more rights than the Kurds that still taken part in for years. The Kurds freedom fighters do not fight the have not given up their armed in Iran have not laid down their regime in cities of Tehran, struggle against the central Islamic arms, and if the Islamic regime has Ghezveen and Ghom; instead, they

NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003 PAGE 7

resist the regime’s forces that come circumstances Kurds must not The Islamic regime is not from those cities to occupy restrict their resisting avenues, and like democratic western Kurdistan. The military resistance, should not overlook one method, governments elected by its people therefore, has been imposed on the including the military one over the that work for the best interest of its Kurds and Kurdish freedom others. The Kurds must now citizens, rather, only the rights of fighters. engage further in cultural, the most powerful are respected; PDKI has been committed diplomatic, political, therefore, to take back their rights, to a peaceful solution right from the organizational, artistic, scientific the Kurds must also establish a beginning, and it has paid a big and many more methods of powerful entity and generate price for it; the Secretary-general of resisting and above all they must methods aimed at supporting and PDKI, Dr. Abdul Rahman prepared themselves for one of the enhancing their cause. Certainly, Ghassemlou was assassinated in most effective method of resistance, this should include the build up of Vienna in 1989 while “negotiating” the armed struggle. a strong and effective military with the regime. The history of Those that allege that force. military resistance in Kurdistan Kurdish misery is the result of PDKI respects all those who does disclose the fact that there is a Kurdish military struggle against have fought against the Islamic direct relation between the armed the Islamic regime have not regime of Iran. We respect and struggle and Kurdish nationalism; recognized the true face of the admire especially the Kurdish the region with the longest history Islamic regime. The Kurdish freedom fighters, PISHMERGAS. of military resistance has the intellectuals must now lead Kurds highest degree of Kurdish to a full recognition of their rights, Once again, happy nationalism. and they must promote all kinds of PISHMERGA Day to you and to the Now that the Islamic struggle against the Islamic regime PISHMERGA families and all the regime has subjugated the Kurds including the military one as well, Kurdish people. by every means, at these sensitive if necessary.

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By: Wurya Hussieni The year 2002 for the people city (Iranian Kurdistan) by the dissidents consisting of every kind of Kurdistan was the augmentation intelligence forces in 15 November of outsider voice, and even of the same old oppression that 2002. Just within the last year, a ‘legalizing’ it; the regime’s most of it has been legitimized large numbers of civilians from the constitution is derived from this because of the governmental system borderous urban and rural areas philosophy that is full of injustice, ruling over our people; most have become victims of regime’s and neglecting national, cultural importantly, the year 2002 was the barbaric policies of terror. The sum and religious differences. Apart year of the imprisonment of political of these and many more atrocities from this ‘doctrine’, Khomeini, the activists, and the year of execution committed by the regime in founder of the establishment, had and elimination of Kurdish Kurdistan deserve some had a crucial role in the delivery of freedom-activists and intellectuals. deliberation that will be laid out the execution verdicts of the The execution of the imprisoned from several angles. opponents on many occasions. activists was in effect till the last The executions that were Proof, the mass executions of remaining days of 2002. Habibullah carried out in these period, first and political prisoners in the summer of Tanhaeyan’s body was returned to foremost, confronts us with the 1988 would be enough. Khomeini his family on 12 October 2002. In 6, existence of the regime’s philosophy in a verdict for the execution of 7 and 14 of October, Salah Godarzi, and thinking that justifies and political prisoners writes: ‘Those in Hamza Ghaderi and Khalid Shawghi invests in these executions. After the prisoners of the country who were executed in the regime’s more than two decades of this insist on their opposition are infidels prisons respectively, accused of regime’s ruling, and considering its and must be hanged.’ Realistically, collaborating with PDKI. Mansure records, it has become clear for this ‘doctrine’ is considered as one maroufi, another PDKI activist was every intact mind that regime’s of the scariest ‘doctrine’ of this era gunned down in the centre of Bokan doctrine is based on eradicating that is a continuation of the middle-

PAGE 8 NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003

age mentality. Furthermore, of Kurdish activists, dozens of been the regime’s first attempt, nor Khatami (the current so-called Kurdish merchants, under the will it remain the last attack on the reformist President) also stated two disguise of ‘smugglers’ have been progressive movement of Kurdistan; years ago that any attempt to murdered, and at national level the furthermore, these executions are change the constitution is detainment of journalists, attacks on regime’s explicit confession to the considered as treason, unaware of students, and etc… continues. prospect of advancing national- the fact that the preservation of the In fact, if criticism is directed general movement in Kurdistan that current statues and their at countries and organizations has been effective against the regime implementation in Iranian society defending human rights on their for more than two decades, a ‘bitter’ connote disrespect to the dignity of indifferenceness towards the fact, which has also been generally every Iranian, and a legal executions, it is not an offense if the denied by the officials. Still, this justification to the killings and indifferences of the defenders of new wave of executions, contrary to executions of the people of this ‘civil society’ and those so-called all the bluffs of Yahya Rahim-Safavi country. reformers are also pointed out. It is (Commander-in-chief of the Islamic The other aspect is the more than five years that they have Republic Revolutionary Corps or position and reaction of the world been jiggling around with terms Pasdaran) is a sign of popularity and community, especially some such as democracy, civil society and activeness of Democratic Party of international humanitarian so on and so forth…and also Iranian Kurdistan; a party whose organizations, and some individuals consider themselves as public members are in regime’s prisons, and groups within the country representatives; however, in regards also a sign of Party’s devotion to the against the execution of these to the execution of Kurdish citizens, process of freedom-seeking struggle Kurdish activists. It should be they have chosen to remain silent. in Iran and Kurdistan. unambiguously admitted that the In fact, remaining silent in the face Regardless, we should not latest executions did not follow of executions of political prisoners forget that these executions are much criticism from international for what ever reason and under conducted in times that resistance community especially the European whatever circumstances is based on and abhorrence of the people of Union. Of course, the European neglecting Kurdish aspirations that Kurdistan is becoming routine that understanding of Iran in 2002 was these activists were executed for. examples of this was the opposition fundamentally fallow; leaving Iran We must understand that the of the fed-up people of the cities of out from the list of the United execution and terror of any Kurdish Piranshar, Mahabad and Kermashan Nations Commission for Human activist is not just about the physical against the regime’s policies in the Rights as a regime that must be extermination of individuals, rather, region. Kurdish students along continuously monitored and it is an attempt for the elimination of with the nation-wide student scrutinized was the principal the forerunners of struggle, and movement enjoy an important role, blunder. Still, the European states extinguishing the brave voices of and today on the world stage without considering the rising those activists that struggle for Kurdish cry, in general, has strong number of execution in Iran, have rights and freedom of Kurds for support; consequently, the been striving to present a more than half a century. For execution of Kurdish activists in contemporary image of this regime instance, ‘Kurdish deputies’ in the prisons that are intended to frighten to preserve their commercial Iranian Islamic Council Assembly the disillusioned People of interests. It has proved that the (Majlis) who have not been heedless Kurdistan has confronted the European countries, before being of condemning Israeli policies in regime with various obstacles, far concerned about the violation of Palestine, Turkish in Kurdistan and more than overwhelming the human rights in Iran, are worried the U.S. in Afghanistan, must regard populace struggle. about the loss of Iranian market. In this reality that they are the product Once again, along with general, leaving Iran out of the list of a society that the wills of its condemning the execution of of the countries that must be population is ignored and violated democratic activists, we renew our monitored by the Commission is the daily, and the activists of Kurdish pledges that we continue to remain result of agreements of a number of national movement are eliminated. the pioneers of the demands of the countries with the government in As the result, neglecting this people of Kurdistan, and the fulfiller Iran, not the improvement of human important matter is neglecting the of the will of those honourable rights conditions and abandoning rights and aspirations of a people. martyrs. terrorism sponsorship. Because, in No doubts, the execution of this period, aside from the execution the Kurdish activists has neither

NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003 PAGE 9

The Kurdistan Re public of 1946

By Dr Hussein Tahiri The authority of central government in Kurdish intellectuals they did not come Iran over Kurdistan was undermined. from noble families, they rose from The Kurdish intellectuals in Mahabad among ordinary Kurdish population. used this occasion to establish their They formed the middle class strata of organization. In 1946, they declared the Kurdish society who could embrace formation of a Kurdish republic in the ethnic nationalism.5 On 16 September town of Mahabad. However, this 1942, it was this group of Kurdish republic lasted only for eleven months; intellectuals who gathered in Amin al- the Iranian forces defeated it in the Islam Garden in Mahabad to form the The Kurdistan Republic of same year. nucleus of Komalayi Jiyannaveyi Kurd 19461 has been one of the most Iran was drawn into World (J.K), the Committee for the important symbols of Kurdish War II, despite the fact that Reza Shah Resurrection of Kurdistan.6 The J.K. nationalism. It was formed at a time declared its neutrality. Before World was a secret committee and aimed at that the Kurds had been suppressed in War II, Iran had established economic autonomy for the Iranian Kurdistan. all parts of Kurdistan. The formation of relations with Germany, and during the The J.K. was a purely nationalist such a republic symbolized the revival war some of the Iranian officials organization. The only condition for its of Kurdish nationalism. It was sympathized with Germany. Iran was membership was to be a Kurd. Its aims especially important for the role the also an important route to transport were as follow: Kurdish intellectuals played in the arms and logistics to the Soviet Union. formation of the republic. The Allies’ suspicion that Iranian 1. The J.K. refuted armed struggle Before World War II, the Kurds leaders might be sympathetic to the to gain self-determination. Its in all parts of Kurdistan were living Germans was a good pretext to invade members, looking at the Kurdish under oppression. Isma’il Agha Shikak, Iran. Therefore, in the summer of 1941, history, believed that armed Simko, was killed in 1930 by the Iranian when Germany attacked the Soviet struggle had by then only government. The Sheikh Mahmud’s Union, the Allies occupied Iran.3 brought destruction and despair revolt in was defeated The Iranian territory was to the Kurds. by 1932, and the last Kurdish revolt in partitioned between the Allies. On 25 2. It emphasized education as a Turkey was suppressed by the end of August 1941, the British attacked from very important element which 1938. After the defeat of these revolts, a the south and the Soviet Union from the would enable the Kurds to gain freedom and their rights. It dark stage of Kurdish history began. north. Iran was divided into three committed itself to elevating the The ruling states, mainly Turkey, Iraq zones: the southern provinces were education level in Kurdistan. and Iran decided not to allow the controlled by the British and the United 3. It said that Islam was the Kurdish leaders to conduct any other States, the central provinces e.g. religion of the majority of the revolt. On 8 July 1937, Iran, Iraq, Teheran and Mashhad remained Kurds for over a thousand years. neutral, and some of the Northern Turkey and Afghanistan signed a pact, The J.K had a special regard for it. provinces were controlled by the Soviet with encouragement from the British, to The members of the J.K. were to Union. Kurdistan too was partitioned contain communism, and prevent its swear on the Quran when they into three zones: Saqqiz southwards influence in the Middle East. It was joined it. The followers of other more a non-aggression pact by Iran, was under the British influence, the faiths were to swear on whatever Iraq and Turkey to contain Kurdish north of Kurdistan was under the was holy for them. insurgencies as the signatory states control of the Soviet Union, and 4. Four groups could become agreed to avoid interfering in the Mahabad and a few surrounding towns members of the J.K, but they internal affairs of each other, cooperate remained as a buffer zone between the would never become its leaders. and consult each other on security British and the Soviets. But the Soviets They were aghas, sheikhs, priests, matters and respect their existing still had some influence over this buffer and sayyids. The reason for their borders.2 It meant these states were to zone.4 exclusion from leadership was avoid supporting Kurdish insurgencies The power vacuum in the that they had a special respect in other parts of Kurdistan and Kurdish buffer zone gave the Kurdish among the Kurds so they could cooperate to contain Kurdish revolts. intellectuals in the town of Mahabad an easily become dictators.7 The Kurds were well contained until the opportunity to form a Kurdish World War II. organization. By the beginning of the The J.K. had to change its World War II was a hope for World War II, there was a tiny group of structure as its membership increased. Kurdish intellectuals in Iran to realize urban Kurdish intellectuals in the A small and secret organization like J.K. their long dream of a Kurdish state. Mahabad town. This group included could not keep up with the pace of The Allies, Russia, the British and students, junior civil servants, teachers, developments in the Mahabad region. United States occupied Iran in 1941. and traders. Unlike the previous The secrecy of the J.K. had severely

PAGE 10 NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003

limited its activities. The nationalist October 1945, Mulla Soviet Union. Qavam appealed to the sentiments among the Kurdish who had been attacked by the Iraqi United Nations, the United States and intellectuals had heightened. The forces and the British air force had no the British to put pressure on the Soviet authority of the Iranian government choice but to cross to the Iranian Union to leave the Iranian territory. The had diminished in Mahabad. In May Kurdistan. His brother, Sheikh Ahmad, Soviet would not leave until it got some 1943, the Kurds of Mahabad attacked and 1,000 of Barzani forces, (according oil concessions. The Qavam government the police station, killed seven to one account 3,000) with their families promised the Soviets some concessions, policemen and occupied it. The last accompanied him. They joined the but maintained that the agreement had vestige of the Iranian authority was Kurdish Republic of 1946 and formed to be ratified by the Iranian Parliament. destroyed.8 The Kurdish intellectuals its military backbone.14 Also, Kurdish The government could not call the and tribal leaders, encouraged by the representatives from Turkey and Syria election as long as the foreign powers Soviet Union, felt they needed a were present in Iran.18 Thus, larger organization which could the Soviet troops left Iran in be expanded to other areas and May 1946. become a base for their future The Kurdish Republic plans. was abandoned to the mercy of The Kurdistan the Iranian government. As Democratic Party was formed there was more affinity on 16 August 1945.9 The between the Soviet Azerbaijan Kurdistan Democratic Party, and the Iranian Azerbaijan, the PDKI, formed its first congress Soviets put pressure on Iran to on 22 October 1945. It recognize the local government published a manifesto which in Azerbaijan. The Kurdish consisted 22 articles. The government was not manifesto had provisions for communist; the Kurds had use of Kurdish language, a visited the republic.15 retained their traditional way of provisional Council in Kurdistan, local The Kurdish Republic of 1946 life. There was no point for the Soviet Kurdish officials, education and acted quickly in implementing some Union to put pressure on Iran to economic developments. In regard to reforms. For the first time the Kurdish recognize the Kurdish rights. If the the status of a future Kurdish entity, language became official in schools; Republic of Azerbaijan was defeated, an Chapter 2, Article 4, stated that the aim Kurdish books, newspapers and ideological ally and a communist of the PDKI was to form an magazines were printed; the officials government which was under the autonomous Kurdish state within the were recruited within Kurds; women influence of the Soviet Union was to be territorial integrity of Iran. That participated in political, cultural and defeated. In the Kurdish case, Kurdish autonomous state was to consist of all social events, and the Kurdish theatre ethnicity was to be defeated. The Kurds the provinces where the Kurds had began. The Kurdish Republic were under the influence of the Soviet 10 historically lived. established relations with the Soviet Union, but had not changed their views The Kurdish leaders Union and the Azerbaijan Republic.16 A in favour of communism and there was announced the formation of a Kurdish Kurdish army was formed which no indication they were going to do so. state. The Kurdish leaders, hopeful of consisted of 70 officers, 40 non- Therefore, the Soviets had nothing to the Soviet support, decided to form an commissioned officers and 1200 gain by backing the Kurds. They autonomous Kurdish state. On 22 soldiers. The Soviet Union sent some needed the Kurds to put pressure on the January 1946, the Republic of Kurdistan arms and military logistics to the Iranian government to give some was proclaimed at the Chwar Chira Kurdish army. A captain, Salahaddin concessions and they received the Square, and Qazi Muhammad was Kazimov, was sent to train the Kurdish promise for such concessions. The 11 elected as the president . On 11 army alongside the Kurdish officers Kurds were of no further use for the February 1946, Qazi Muhammad who had come from Iraq.17 Apparently, Soviet Union. formed his cabinet of 14 ministers with everything was going according to the The Kurdish Republic was in a 12 Haji Baba Sheikh as the Prime Minister. desires of the Kurdish leaders, but it disadvantaged position vis-a-vis the The Kurds from other parts of soon became apparent the Republic’s Iranian government compared to the Kurdistan joined the Republic of power base was shaky. Azerbaijan Republic. On 23 April 1946, Kurdistan. From the start of the J.K. The Soviet Union was forced to the Azerbaijan and Kurdish republics there were contacts between the Kurds leave Iran and the future of the Kurdish signed an agreement. They agreed to of Iran and Iraq. Before J.K. was Republic remained in doubt. The jointly resist the military incursions of formed, its founders asked the Heva United States’ forces left Iran on 31 the Iranian forces, increase the Party in Iraq to help them to form an December 1945 and the British followed cooperation between the two republics organization as they did not have on 2 March 1946, but he Soviet refused and solve their territorial disagreements enough experience. A member of the to do so. The Iranian government in future. Furthermore, they agreed Heva attended the first meeting in under the Prime Minister Qavam began neither of the party should negotiate 13 which the J.K. was founded. On 11 a serious of diplomatic pressure on the with the government without the

NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003 PAGE 11

consent of the other.20 Thus, when the Muhammad went to Miandoab to Azerbaijan representatives negotiated The terms and conditions agreed by the facilitate the surrender of the Kurdish with the Qavam government, Sadr Qazi Iranian government with the Kurdish Republic. On 17 December 1946, occasionally represented Kurdish and Azerbaijani governments were Mahabad was officially handed over to Republic. There was very little for the short tactics devised by Qavam to get the Iranian forces without any Kurds in those negotiations. Qavam the Soviets out of Iran and leave the resistance.24 insisted the Kurds were a part of the Soviets with no pretexts. Some of the Kurdish leaders Azerbaijan Republic and were to deal The Kurdish Republic was were arrested and executed, and the with the Azeri officials not the Iranian defeated by the end of 1946, and ended traces of the Republic were destroyed. government. The Kurdish question the dream of many Kurdish Before the arrival of the Iranian troops became more complex; they were an nationalists. When the Soviet departed, some Kurdish leaders escaped to Iraq. ethnic group in Iran and a minority the Iranian forces prepared a major Mulla Mustafa Barzani left Mahabad within the Azerbaijan Republic.21 attacked on the Azerbaijan and and retreated to the Iran-Iraq borders, Qavam with his policy, regarding the Kurdistan republics. They tried the and then sought asylum in the Soviet Kurds as a part of the Azerbaijan Kurdish forces in the Saqqiz fronts, but Union. Qazi Muhammad and some Republic, wanted to play the Kurds and each time the Kurdish forces prevailed other Kurdish leaders remained in Azeris against each other. The Kurds and forced the Iranian forces to retreat. Mahabad. A few days after the capture could not agree with such terms. They Then they decided to attack the of Mahabad, Qazi Muhammad and decided to conduct direct negotiations Azerbaijan Republic which would be some other Kurdish leaders were with the government. The government easier to handle. By defeating the arrested. They were tried in a marshal initially was reluctant to give the Kurds Azerbaijan forces they could destroy the court and condemned to death. On 30 any concessions, but as the military morale of the Kurds. A force of 20,000 March 1947, at 6:00 am Qazi might of the Kurds put pressure on the attacked the Azerbaijan Republic. The Muhammad, his cousin Seif Qazi, and government forces in the Saqqiz front, Azerbaijan leaders did not resist the his brother Sadr Qazi were hanged in the government gave in. The Kurdish Iranian attack so on 13 December 1946, Chwar Chira Square, in the same place representative and Qavam agreed on the the Iranian troops entered Tabriz, the where the Republic was proclaimed, for following points: capital of the Azerbaijan Republic.23 As what the Iranian government termed the Iranian forces had faced several treason.25 The Iranian government was 1. The Kurdish language was to be setbacks previously in the Saqqiz front, not satisfied with the defeat of the used in education this time they attacked from Miandoab. republic and execution of some of its 2. There was to be political freedom Despite the defeat of the Azerbaijan leaders. It tried to eradicate the signs of for the Kurdish organisations in Republic, the Kurdish leaders decided the Kurdish Republic. Kurdish particular and for democratic to resist, but on 15 December the publishing press was closed and organizations in general. economic representative of the Soviet Kurdish publications were banned; 3. Persian forces were to withdraw left Mahabad. His departure gave the Kurdish books were burnt, and teaching from all the areas the Kurds lived. Kurds the impression that the Soviet in Kurdish language was prohibited;26 4. Kurdish publications were to be Union was no longer going to protect Hence, the final episode of the Kurdish allowed. them. Thus, Kurdish leaders decided Republic came to end. 5. An autonomous status for the not to resist and gave themselves up. This article was originally published on 22 Kurds was to be recognized. On 16 December 1946, Qazi kurdmedia.com on 25 January 2003

Notes: (Kurdish History in the19 th and20 th Centuries, p. Taha Atiqi). 1. The Kurdish Republic of 1946 is also known as the 264(Kurdish translation by Muhammad Riyani). 17. Chris Kutschera, op.cit., p.271. Kurdish because it was 9. Jalil Gadani, Pencah Sal Xebat: Kurteyek li Mijoyi 18. Amir Taheri, The Spirit of Allah: Khomeini and the established in the town of Mahabad and its authority Hizbi Dimokrati Kurdistani Iran [Fifty Years Struggle: Islamic Revolution, Maryland (USA), Adler Publishers did not go beyond Mahabad and a few surrounding A Short History of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Inc.1986 , pp.129-132. towns. Nevertheless, the Kurdish Republic of 1946 Iran, Iraqi Kurdistan, The Ministry of Education’s 19. The government formed in Iranian Azerbaijan was aimed at self-determination for all the Kurds of Iran. Publication, [1987], p. 21(Kurdish). a communist government, and there also was racial Therefore, the Kurdish Republic of 1946 is more 10. Ibid., p.28. and linguistic affinities between the Soviet and Iranian appropriate. 11. John Bulloch and Harvey Morris, No Friends but Azeris. 2. Philip Robins, ‘The Overlord State: Turkish Policy the Mountains: The Tragic , 20. Archie Roosevelt Jnr., ‘The Kurdish Republic of and the Kurdish Issue’, in International Affairs, Vol.69, London, Viking,1992 , p.106. Mahabad’, in Gerard Chaliand (ed.) op.cit., p.143. No.4,1993 , p.671. 12. Dana/Muhammad Biha’addin Mella Sahib, Qazi 21. Nader Entessar, Kurdish Ethnonationalism, 3. Louise L,Estrange Fawcett, Iran and the Cold War: Muhemmed u Kumari Mahabad [Qazi Muhammad Boulder and London, Lynne Rienner Publishers,1992 , The Azerbaijan Crisis of1946 , Cambridge University and the Kurdish Republic of Mahabad, Suleimaniyeh, p.16. Press,1992 , p.1. Raperin Publications,1970 , p. 29(Kurdish). 22. Dana/Muhammad Biha’addin Mella Sahib, op.cit., 4. Borhanedin Yassin, ‘A History of the Republic of 13. Sayyid Muhammad Samadi, op.cit., p.15. p.45. Kurdistan’, in The International Journal of Kurdish 14. Archie Roosevelt Jnr., ‘The Kurdish Republic of 23. Chris Kutschera, op.cit., p.284. Studies, Vol.11, Nos.1-2,1997 , p.128. Mahabad’, in Gerard Chaliand (ed.) People Without a 24. Edgar O’balance, The Kurdish Struggle1920 -94, 5. David McDowall, A Modern History of the Country: The Kurds and Kurdistan, London, Zed London, MacMillan Press Ltd.,1996 , p.32. Kurds,London, I.B. Tauris,1996 , p.237. Press,1978 , p.141. 25. Peyam, ‘An Important Historical Document’, 6. Sayyid Muhammad Samadi, JK Cibu, Ci Dewist ve 15. A. Ghassemlou, ‘Kurdistan in Iran’, in Gerard Peyam Newspaper, Issue: 6 March1998 , pp.1, Ci be Ser Hat (What was JK, What It Wanted and Chaliand (ed.) People Without a Country: The Kurds 2(Kurdish). What Happened to It?, Mahabad,1981 , p.11. and Kurdistan, London, Zed Press,1980 , p.120. 26. Archie Roosevelt Jnr., ‘The Kurdish Republic of 7. Ibid., pp.12-13. 16. Abdurrahman Qasemlo, Kurdistan and Kurds, Mahabad’, in Gerard Chaliand (ed.), op.cit., p.149. 8. Chris Kutschera, Kurd le Sedey Nozde u Bistom da APEC-Forlag,1996 , p. 95(translated into Persian by

PAGE 12 NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003

countrymen to join the students, futures on the line by joining in IRAN'S but few did so other than those demonstrations are relatively few. who went to make sure that their Western journalists covering the DISTANT children did not get arrested. demonstrations of late last year Political apathy once again reported fewer than 5,000 'SECOND dominates Iran's mood. The participants at the largest rallies. REVOLUTION' public's enthusiasm for new That does not amount to much in political upheaval appears to be a total university population no greater than its long-faded zeal exceeding 1 million. for the Islamic revolution. There is no nationwide By Stephen C. Fairbanks One reason the student activists coordinating mechanism that failed to attract wider support is would make the students an Iranian officials this week that Aghajari's death sentence was effective force. The main student once again are vainly trying to simply not an issue that affects organization on most campuses, rekindle revolutionary fervor as most people's lives. It was the Office for Strengthening Unity, the country marks the 24th dreadful to be sure, even if it has may enable students to air views anniversary of the Islamic not been carried out, but most on some controversial issues, but revolution. They are mobilizing people have gotten used to the ultimately it functions to support crowds of conscripts, low-level harsh judgments and penalties the ruling order. It secures official bureaucrats, and other heerleaders (although rarely death sentences) permits for student to commemorate the "Ten Days of imposed by the conservative demonstrations in apparent return Dawn," the days of revolutionary courts against Islamic modernists for ensuring that the students do transition that began with and reform-minded activists. not get out of hand. The student Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's 1 Similarly, few Iranians protests against Aghajari's death February 1979 return to Iran. But consider that the relentless sentence were tolerated, but many Iranians are simmering with economic stresses of life in the chants of "Death to Khamenei" are discontent, and the conservative Islamic Republic warrant not, and the student-organization clerics wielding the reins of power mounting an open challenge to the leaders try to prevent such have lost the legitimacy they once regime. The steep housing prices occurrences. derived from public support. The and pervasive corruption, the high Without independent revolution's moral, social, and rates of unemployment and institutions, civil society cannot be economic promises remain inflation, and other chronic established, and no viable undelivered by a corrupt and problems wrought by opposition can develop. dysfunctional government. But if governmental economic Institutions in such civil sectors as the revolution has failed, there are mismanagement could breed education, religion, labor, law, and no prospects on the horizon for its widespread discontent, but women's rights, like the students' overturn. Many outside Iran Iranians are used to gradually Office for Strengthening Unity, are expected otherwise when worsening daily living conditions. connected to the government, university students across the They have not been hit by the sort either through direct funding or country last November and of sudden economic catastrophe, by intimidation. There is at December protested the death such as a steep drop in oil prices, present no means for workers to penalty against outspoken liberal that would be much more likely to generate a general strike, nor is it professor Hashem Aghajari. At the breed serious unrest. yet possible for the more same time, the power struggle As for the so-called student modernist, dissident clerics to between the regime's major movement, expectations in the become an organized threat when factions was intensifying and West that it poses a serious threat their seminaries in Qom are perennial hopes for a "second to the regime are clearly too high. government-connected. revolution" soared, at least among Compared to their counterparts in The government, although Western journalists and a few the United States, Iranian driven by factional conflict, is not Washington officials. Some university students are keenly on the brink of collapse. The two Iranian expatriates used satellite interested in politics, but those main political trends remain in a television to urge their fellow willing to put their academic deadlock that keeps the

NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003 PAGE 13

conservatives in power and the Khatami, who rarely speaks about disillusioned with him, order is reformists perpetually frustrated. the two bills now, feels seriously more important than freedom. The conservatives have no enough about them to resign Disillusionment with popular legitimacy and no hopes in Khatami is now widespread, and of winning elections in the manner at present the outlook for political that President Khatami and the reform is grim. Some reformist parliamentarians have, conservatives talk of closing but they hold all the coercive reins remaining reformist newspapers of power and are constantly able and of disbanding major reformist to thwart reform efforts. parties such as the Islamic Iran In a political maneuver Participation Party, one of whose meant to give an appearance of leaders, Abbas Abdi, was fighting back, President Khatami the event of their rejection, as sentenced to eight years in prison last year proposed two bills that some reformists say he should. this week. A U.S.-led war with would strengthen him vis-à-vis Khatami has not carried out his Iraq could make the situation the conservative judiciary and own, earlier threats to resign worse if, as reformists fear, curtail the Guardians Council's during his troubled presidency. conservatives adduce domestic role in vetting election candidates. Above all he wants to avoid security needs in order to further The council is certain to reject the fomenting domestic chaos. In his crush Iran's democratic impulse. bills if they ever emerge from view, according to reformists parliament. It is doubtful that

Iran's revolution has failed Wednesday, February 5, 2003 - The International Herald Tribune

Few Iranians celebrated the students who led the takeover such evolution has occurred the 24th anniversary on Saturday of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in among the ruling clerical of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's 1979, holding diplomats hostage establishment, and none is in return to Iran. It is easy to for more than a year. sight. understand why. A movement And last week Grand The biggest threat to that once brought millions into the Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri continued clerical dictatorship streets demanding freedom from was freed after five years of house comes from young Iranians. Most the shah's dictatorship has gone arrest for questioning the course of Iran's 65 million people were on to oppress its young, taken by Iran since the revolution. born after the revolution, and disillusion its middle-aged Montazeri, 80, was once more than 70 percent are under 30. veterans and silence even grand Khomeini's closest associate and For them the rule of the mullahs ayatollahs who question its designated successor. Abdi and has meant stunted job and course. Montazeri are personally housing prospects, furtive social Two recent events responsible for some of the harsh lives and universities under siege illustrate the growing isolation of cruelty of the Islamic Republic's from religious courts and the clerical conservatives who early years. Since then each has paramilitary thugs. These young retain real power in Iran despite come to recognize the damage that people will eventually shape Iran's the repeated electoral victories of clerical dictatorship has done to future. For now, they have lodged reformers. On Sunday, Tehran Iran's people and its place in the their hopes in the presidency of newspapers reported that a world. Abdi has courageously Mohammed Khatami and its long- leading reform strategist had been fought for reform for more than a thwarted promises of reform. The sentenced to seven years in prison decade and has been imprisoned mullahs believe that by jailing for publishing a poll showing that before. Montazeri has been people like Abbas Abdi they can three in four Iranians favor talks speaking out fearlessly since the delay needed changes indefinitely. with Washington. That same late 1980s and resumed doing so They are wrong. reformer, Abbas Abdi, was one of as soon as he was released. No

PAGE 14 NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003

A report of SecretarySecretary---general’general’general’ss tour of Europe

The Secretary-general, Abdullah Hassanzadeh On Monday 4 November 2002, a PDKI was in Europe this fall for a series of meetings with Party delegation led by Secretary-general paid a visit to members and friends abroad, European governments, Swedish Parliament. They were greeted by a number of political parties and humanitarian organization. parliamentarians in charge of international affairs. The Secretary-general participated in three major memorials following day, 5 November the delegation accompanied for the 10th anniversary of Dr. ’s by Mustafa Moloudi, were invited to visit the office of assassination that were held in Berlin, Paris and Swedish Social Democratic Party. They were greeted by Stockholm. There were also numerous ceremonies and Koni Frederickson, member of Party’s leadership council meetings that were held by Party committees for the and the head of Kurdish Working Group in Socialist Secretary-general in Finland, Norway, Sweden, France, International and Ms. Anta Lind in charge of international Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Britain that resulted affairs of the Party. in large turnout of compatriots eager to discuss and hear Secretary-general on Thursday, 12 November issues concerning our Party, nation, country and the paid a visit to the Norwegian Parliament in response to region. Also present at the trip, Mustafa Moloudi, the request of Parliamentary Commission for foreign member of Politburo of the Party. Here are Secretary- affairs. He was greeted by Torbun Yagland the head of general’s visits and meetings in brief: the Commission. Following the visit, the delegation met On 29 October 2002, Secretary-general along Karlstin Karlson, advisor to foreign affairs and the head with a delegation consisting of Finish Party chapter paid a of Middle East Division of Foreign Affairs at the visit to the Middle East and North African division of Ministry. Finish foreign Ministry and met with foreign affairs delegation led by Ms. Lina Relota. The 8th Party Plenum The 8th Plenum of Central Committee of PDKI resulted in burglary, corruption and other social problems, was conducted on 19 January 2003 with the participation were laid out. Student movement and regime’s isolation of the majority of leadership members that lasted for 5 from main stream society were also discussed. The need days. In the 1st part of the sessions, the agenda of Plenum for a united front of progressive forces of Iran was also a that was presented by Politburo was discussed. major topic of Plenum that the Party should play a Following the report, the Secretary-general in his political leading role. analysis briefed the participants on the general Plenum touched on the regional issues that circumstances of Iran and the Kurds, and the changes that along with being prepared for any new have occurred between the two plenums. developments, hoped that the disputes and issues in In the analysis, poverty, unemployment of the the region are solved peacefully. people on one side, and negligence and incompatibility of the officials on the other to deal with these issues that has

Severe economic conditions burry people under avalanche The Kurdish areas in Iran are mountainous with plenty of avalanche. In Piranshar, 90 merchants, choosing a rough snow and cold winters. Kurdish merchants to make daily path avoiding their visibility, were buried under an living, cross the ‘illegal’ borders into neighbouring Iraqi avalanche that resulted in the freezing to death of four Kurdistan and Turkey, but the authorities do not legalize and the rest were in critical condition. The AP reporting the trade nor do they allow them to freely work. As the an avalanche in central Iran stated that in other parts of result people will have to choose rough mountains for Iran “local authorities have failed to put sufficient their trade, which has been tragic for them. In Sardasht safety measures in place along the avalanche-prone region, nine people were buried under an avalanch killing road, where many people have been killed over the 5 of them. In Mahabad three people were killed under years.” The Participation of a PDKPDKII delegation at NDP Convention in Canada

The 21st federal Convention of New Democratic Party of Sharif Behruz, Director of Public Relation in Ontario, Canada (NDP) was conducted on 24 to 26 of January Canada accompanied by Sirus Almasi in charge of Party 2003 in Toronto, Canada. In this Convention along with affairs in Toronto participated at Convention. NDP is a discussing many domestic and international issues, a new member of Socialist International, which PDKI is also a leader was elected. An invited PDKI delegation led by member.

NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003 PAGE 15

Open letter: Stop IrIranan from suppressing the Kurds and interfering in Kurdish affairs

To the secretary General of the UN, the recognizing the basic human rights of the President of the USA, all the Kurdistani Kurds in Eastern Kurdistan. political parties, the European parliament, the Education in Kurdish is prohibited. public opinion Iranian authorities implement systematic destruction of the Kurdish language and On 8th October 2002, the Iranian culture. Recently, the Iranian government authorities executed Hamza Qader, a Kurdish distributed a memorandum ordering the school political prisoner from the Kurdish town of staff not to speak Kurdish inside the schools. Sardasht, who had been in the Uromiyeh Formation of political and non-political prison since 1997. organizations is prohibited and organizations Killing political prisoners is not acceptable in restricted to those approved by the regime. any civilized country; furthermore it is a breach Imposing an alien culture of covering up of international conventions. has oppressed Kurdish women. Kurdish female We are deeply concerned about the costumes are very colorful and are seen as policy of the Iranian government toward the against Islamic Law, as interpreted by the Kurds in Eastern and regime. Prohibiting Southern Kurdistan. this is a violation of The Kurds are their basic rights. one of the ancient Women also face peoples of the Middle more serious East who have been persecution. Women able to maintain their are discouraged to cultural heritage and take part in any level a distinctive of the society. Those character for women charged with centuries, despite the having sex outside attempts by the marriage are ruling states to murdered through destroy Kurdish culture and assimilate them. In public stoning. Turkey, Kurdish culture and identity has been Kurdish identity has been denied banned for decades. In Syria ethnic cleansing through the concept of “Islamic Umma”. It is began in the early 1960s. The Iraqi governments for the Kurds to be recognized as a separate have attempted to eliminate the Kurds through nation with their own identity who are entitled genocide and ethnic cleansing. to self-determination. The policy of the Islamic Republic of Under the Shiite Iran, the Kurdish nation Iran towards the Kurds has been very similar to has been persecuted religiously, as most Kurds the policies of other states, however, more are Sunni Muslims, nationally, as Kurds have subtle. The Islamic regime of Iran has been deprived of their most basic rights, but suppressed the Kurds as rigorously as the other also internationally, as they have been states. It has destroyed hundreds of Kurdish prohibited to establish links with other nations villages and tortured, executed and imprisoned outside Iran. thousands of Kurds. The Kurds of Eastern During recent years, the Islamic regime Kurdistan do not have their basic human rights in Iran has tried to eliminate the Kurdish and the Iranian government has no intention of struggle and resistance by distributing drugs in Kurdistan and encouraging Kurdish youth to

PAGE 16 NUMBER 5, FEBRUARY 2003

take drugs through its secret services. Drugs in - Demolish the Islamic concept of “Umma”, Kurdish areas have been widespread and the which treats Iran as one entity. government has not done anything to solve the - Recognize the Kurds as a nation and a problem. Unlike other parts of Iran, where the separate people and grant their basic punishment for drugs is very severe, in human rights. Kurdish areas the people in possession of drugs - Identify East Kurdistan geographically as for personal use are released with a minimal a separate entity of Iran. fine. - Allow the devolution of power and The Islamic Republic has been involved facilitate the election of a Kurdistan in the assassination of hundreds of Kurdish and Regional government, not based on Iranian dissidents, within and outside Iran, religion. including the two leaders of the Kurdistan - Rebuild destructed villages and towns Democratic Party of Iran (PDKI), Dr A. R. and compensate the inhabitants. Ghassemlou and Dr Sadegh Sharafkandi. - Establish education on all levels in the Kurdish language. The Islamic Republic also murdered - Establish universities in Kurdistan, with thousands of Kurds during the armed conflict the focus on Kurds, their history, art, of the early years of the Islamic Republic. culture and country. The Islamic Republic of Iran has not - Free the media, including satellite stopped there; it has continued to interfere in broadcasting and Internet, allowing private Kurdish affairs in South Kurdistan. It started by sector to control the media. a direct incursion at the bases of the Kurdistan - Allow the formation of political and non- Democratic Party of Iran and continued by political groups in Kurdistan. supporting Islamic groups in South Kurdistan. - Abolish stoning and give women their The Iranian government has assisted the fundamental rights. formation of different extremist Islamic - Admit the assassination of Kurdish political parties to antagonize the Kurdish opposition members and provide the government in South Kurdistan. It has recently details of their assassination, punish the been assisting Ansar Al-Islam, an extremist criminals and compensate their families. Islamic organization that has terrorized Kurds - Stop interfering in Kurdish affairs in for several years. Ansar Al-Islam has been South Kurdistan. using Iranian territory as a base to conduct its - Stop supporting fundamentalist Islamic incursions into South Kurdistan. groups in South Kurdistan. The Kurdish nation deserves peace and - Stop supporting terrorist groups. they should be able to determine their own fate - Invalidate the agreements imposed on the without interference from other countries. We Kurdistan Regional Government, in appeal to you and other governments and non- particular the Tehran Accord of 1997, that governmental organizations to put an end to gives the right to control the Sharazur and the policies that aim at destroying the Kurds, Hawraman regions to the Islamic their culture and heritage. fundamentalists. - Make traveling abroad easy for the Our demands: Kurdish people of South Kurdistan. We appeal to the international community to With best regards, protect and support the Kurds. We also Signatories demand that the Iranian government must: To support the petition or to see the signatories: please email: [email protected] - 20/10/2002 or - Stop distributing drugs in Eastern visit www.KurdishMedia.com Kurdistan and act to solve this problem Please send your name, your profession and before it gets out of control. your country of residency - with thanks

More Political Executions in Iran The Islamic regime of Iran executed Mohammad Golabi(m), in the prison of Saghez, Kurdistan province in 2 March 2003. Association of Iranian Political Prisoners (in Exile) in its communiqué stated that Mohammad Golabi was arrested on 26 July 1999, accused of being politically active in connection with Komala organization. He was reportedly ill-treated and tortured severely while in detention. It has been reported that his death sentence was not upheld by Supreme Court when he was executed. ”Godini, public prosecutor of the city, tortured Mohammad personally and threat- ened to kill him by putting a gun on his temple several times. Mohammad complained against him to the public prosecutor of the province. ”Godin” threatened to execute him if he does not back up from his complain. Mohammad was married and had 4 chil- dren. The organizations also reported that Sassan Al-Kanan(m), aged 35, was also executed in the prison of Sanandaj , the capital of Kurdistan province in 19 February 2003. In 5 January 2003, Branch 1 of the Islamic “Revolutionary" Court in Sanandaj sentenced Sassan to death on various charges, in- cluding "acting against state security" and "supporting Komala Organization”. Sassan denied all the charges during interrogation and hearing. The sentence upheld by Supreme Court on 10 Febru- ary 2003. Sassan was not given a chance to appeal and his lawyer was not informed about the process of the sentence confirmation. The execution of Sassan carried out while a group of UN Hu- man rights inspectors are visiting Iran and the mother of Sassan was in Tehran trying to meet with them for the sake of his son. AFP also confirmed that “Iran has executed two members of an outlawed leftist Kurdish rebel group” according to a justice official. AFP also adds that Iran has expressed concern about re- newed unrest among its six-million-strong Kurdish minority if any US-led invasion of neighbour- ing Iraq leads to greater autonomy for its Kurdish community.

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“The persistence of oppressive and self-interested states for the continuance and existence of execu- tion has to do with the fact that it can be used as an instrument of terror, oppression and strangula- tion...regardless of ethical and humanitarian principles and standards in rejecting executions, abol- ishing death penalty is essential for the attainment of freedom of consciousness, religion and expres- sion in brining social and political democracy.” Abdul-Karim Lahiji - The League for the Defense of Human Rights in Iran

PDKI International Bureau B.P. 102-75623 Paris Cedex 13-France