The following letter has been sent by the International Affairs Department of the Workers’ Party to the Tudeh Party of Iran on the occasion of that party’s 75th Anniversary.
Statement of the Workers’ Party of Ireland on the 75th Anniversary of the Tudeh Party of Iran
The Workers’ Party of Ireland sends warm greetings to the Tudeh Party of Iran on the celebration of its 75th anniversary, being the successor to the Communist Party of Iran, which was banned by the reactionary regime of the Shah in 1933.
The Workers’ Party of Ireland recognises and salutes the role which the Tudeh Party played in the struggle against the Shah and the repression which it faced as its members were imprisoned, forced into exile and the Party forced underground. We also appreciate the role the Tudeh Party played in the Iranian Revolution of February 1979 which overthrew the Shah’s brutal dictatorship. However, the Party was once again declared illegal by the theocratic regime and 10,000 members, cadres and loyal supporters were arrested and jailed.
Since the establishment of the Islamic regime, the Party has operated in clandestine conditions inside the country. Iran has an appalling record for the abuse of human rights. The Islamic regime has severely curtailed the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, has arrested and imprisoned journalists, students, human rights defenders, trade unionists and workers struggling for workers’ rights and better pay and conditions. Torture and ill-treatment of detainees is commonplace. The regime has carried out cruel punishments, including blinding, amputation and floggings. Thousands have been executed. Women and members of ethnic and religious minorities face persecution and discrimination.
Meanwhile inflation and unemployment (particularly youth unemployment) are high; wages are paid sporadically and essential goods are out of the reach of working people. Almost 40 years since the popular anti-imperialist revolution in Iran the country is in the grip of social, economic and political crises with a massive and increasing gap between rich and poor. Nevertheless, the Tudeh Party has been a powerful voice for change.
The Workers’ Party of Ireland recognises the difficult conditions in which the Tudeh Party carries out its work. The TPI has faced arbitrary detention, imprisonment, persecution, including the death of its members, throughout its long history but it has always remained committed to its task.
Despite the difficulties the TPI has resisted the regime and has been able to reorganize the labour, youth and women’s movements. The TPI together with the other progressive forces in the country have fought and continue to fight a long and arduous struggle against theocracy and the brutal dictatorship. It has also opposed the hegemonic interests of US imperialism in the region, including imperialist intervention and war.
The WPI offers its solidarity and support to the TPI at the time of this historic and important celebration. We convey our continued best wishes in the struggle for workers’ rights,equality, democracy, social progress and socialism.
The Central Executive Committee of the Workers’ Party of Ireland sends best wishes to the leadership and members of the Tudeh Party of Iranon the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of its foundation. We wish you continued success in your work and look forward to the strengthening of relations between our two parties.
With comradely solidarity,
Gerry Grainger
International Section
Central Executive Committee
Workers’ Party of Ireland