Iranian Writers Association Issues Statement on Its 54th Anniversary

Members of the Iranian Writers Association released a statement commemorating the 54th anniversary of the organization’s founding.

The authors of the statement, referencing years of repression, imprisonment, torture, and the killing of writers, paid tribute to the memory of writers such as Reza Khandan Mahabadi, Arash Ganji, Kiowan Bazhen, and Baktash Abthin, and added: “The continuation of repression and harassment has not weakened the unwavering determination of the Iranian Writers Association for enlightenment, and this institution remains the loud voice of freedom-seeking that disturbs the sleep of tyranny.”

The statement also reads: “The Association has always demonstrated that its unwavering determination will not be silenced by execution and imprisonment, and now that freedom of expression has become a universal desire more than ever before, in memory of those who shouldered the burden of sustaining this unique institution alone, in memory of the luminaries Mohammad Jafar Pouyandeh, Mohammad Mokhtari, and Baktash Abthin, in the absence of colleagues in our prisons and in the absence of several long-time companions who passed away this year—Ismail Khoi, Manouchehr Hazarkhani, and Reza Baraheni—we commemorate the 54th anniversary of the founding of the Iranian Writers Association and remain steadfast in our conviction regarding the necessity of free thinking and free speech.”

Source: Voice of America