The Writers' Association issued a statement on the occasion of the 54th anniversary of the association's founding.

Members of the Iranian Writers' Association commemorated the 54th anniversary of the association's founding by issuing a statement.

The authors of this statement, referring to the years of repression, imprisonment, torture, and murder of writers, honored the memory of writers such as Reza Khandan Mahabadi, Arash Ganji, Keyvan Bajan, and Bektash Abtin, adding: "The continued repression and harassment have not affected the firm determination of the Iranian Writers' Association for enlightenment, and this institution continues to be a loud cry of freedom that disturbs the sleep of tyranny."
The statement also states: “The Association has always shown that its steadfast determination will not be silenced by murder and imprisonment, and now that the right to freedom of expression has become a universal demand more than ever, in memory of those who have shouldered the burden of raising this unique institution, in memory of Forouzan Mohammad Jafar Poyandeh, Mohammad Mokhtari, and Bektash Abtin, in the absence of our imprisoned friends, and in the absence of several long-time friends who passed away this year, Esmail Khoei, Manouchehr Hezarkhani, and Reza Baraheni, we commemorate the 54th anniversary of the founding of the Iranian Writers’ Association, and with certainty in the necessity of thinking freely and speaking freely, we stand firm on our determination.”

Source: Voice of America