New Moj

1996

Zahra Rajabi: Heroes for the refugees

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, by Unknown

1989

In remembrance of Mohammad Mokhtari

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, by Unknown

activists

Golesorkhi & Daneshian

18.02.1974
Execution of Golsorkhi and Daneshian

• Khosrow Golesorkhi and Keramat Daneshian were 2 poets and human rights activists in Iran with socialistic ideals who were executed by the Shah.

• Golsorkhi was convicted along Keramat Daneshian for “plotting to kidnap the Shah of Iran's son”.

• The military court was broadcasted live, mainly because at the time of the trial, Shah was (ironically) hosting the Conference for Human Rights in Tehran.

• Here’s the link showing parts of Golsorkhi’s trial (watch the ending 7:34!👌) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buTlBLGdUfo

• Even though Golsorkhi and Daneshian were communists, they had much respect for PMOI since they got to know them in the prison cells.

• Golsorkhi was given the opportunity to read a speech in his own defense. He began with comparing the struggle of the Iranian left with that of Imam Hussein.

• Some parts translated: "Our lives mirrors imam hosseins life, for the cause of our deprived people. Our life is in jeopardy in this court. Hossein and his people were outnumbered by Yazid’s army, he resisted and was martyred. Even though History mentions Yazid, what continues in the dynamics of history is hosseins direction and resistance."

• He then continued to discuss the evils of land reform, as practiced by the Shah's regime, and the struggles of the Iranian peasants who first labored under the feudal system in Iran and then under the corrupt land reform.

• At the end of his trial, when the judge asked him to defend himself, he stated: I have nothing to say for my own benefit, I only speak for the benefit of my people"

• Keramat Daneshian stated: "The history of people’s revolutions have shown, that the biggest powers have no choice but defeat. Class contradictions have always been opposed by the people. The success of their struggle confirms that victory belongs to them.”

• When the judge announced death sentences on both Daneshian and Golesorkhi they merely smiled, shook hands and embraced. "Comrade!" said Golesorkhi. "My best comrade!" replied Daneshian.

• This court became a symbol of the Shah's dictatorship and hypocrisy and due to its content, most of the trial proceedings was censored.