Solidarity with Iranians for Democracy

CASC Stands Against Iranian Regime’s Efforts to Subvert Human Rights
Just as so many Canadians have supported Afghanistan’s new and embattled democracy, the Canada-Afghanistan Solidarity Committee stands with Iranians in their time of need.

“Iranian protesters are demanding that their votes and free speech be respected by a regime that’s subverting democracy,” says CASC co-founder Jonathon Narvey. “Afghanistan has also endured violent anti-democratic forces that try to excuse their efforts to block human rights by citing religion, when they bother to excuse their actions at all.

We must stand with those fighting for their human rights. We call on all Canadians to stand with the Iranian opposition as they fight for rights that we take for granted in this country.”

There’s another connection to Afghanistan in this situation - Afghanistan’s ability to develop peacefully depends in large part on the actions of regional neighbors like Iran, and the signs to date have not been good. “The Iranian regime’s corrosive influences in Afghanistan are seen in many ways, not least from its support for Hezb-e-Islami, which is undermining Afghanistan’s UN-backed government,” says CASC co-founder and active human rights consultant Lauryn Oates.

“Like in Afghanistan, we must take care to listen to the genuine voices on the ground, to those crying for change, rather than to fundamentalist, violent voices,” Oates adds. “The number of dissenting voices makes it clear that the thirst for rights and democracy is indigenous among Iranians, and not a “western imposition” as relativists, including in Canada, would have us believe."

"For too long, Iranian reformers and trade union leaders have been crying out in vain for mass support from workers, students and social justice activists in Canada. For too long, the true voice of the Iranian people has been drowned out by this country's so-called "anti-war" leaders, who happily accomodate Khomeinists and apologists for the Ahmadinejad regime," said CASC co-founder Terry Glavin. "This must stop, and it must stop now. It's time to stand with the Iranian people as they stand up to tyranny."

If you would like to support  a rigorous exit poll to establish the truth of how Iranians voted, you can take action now at:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/iran_vote_truth/?cl=258946092&v=3520>