"To ensure higher profits, capital is hell-bent on taking the last loaves from the tables of millions of workers and redirecting them to the valets of owners."
While.. "United States Supports Kurdistan Ministry of Peshmarga", which U.S. administration and Treasury Department is a majority of Jewish origin that at the same time designates Kurds on terrorists lists and have had lobbyists, arms sells in a ongoing genocide against the Kurds, that are denied the most basic human rights and right to life, while reaping the profits of arms deals that goes back to the Israeli state!
Which state have settlers beating up Palestinian workers working on Israeli constructions, every now and then, and obvious have all the time in the world for wanton destruction and the most disgusting fascists terror against Palestinians simultaneously as the genocidal war-fare is instigated with arms sells and is put in system in Turkey and all over the region.
While the Israeli state is occupied full time to deprive the Palestinian people their homes and living, the Turkish state and the Iranian regime have business in the billions, while Kurds in the Iranian border region are deprived everything just to be shot when trying to make a living.
Just as Turkey has taken over the market in Iraqi Kurdistan and outscored regional Kurdish business men where the "United States Supported Kurdistan Ministry" and the Turkish state have business in the billions at the same time "United States Supported Turkey" is very busy denying Kurds their right to life, bombings, jailings, politized, killing and wanton destruction and the most criminal crimes as it´s has been done for decades. At the same time the Israeli state and Germany and every one else are reaping the profits of Persian and Kurdish blood and have done so for decades while speaking of "human rights" when it´s actually ongoing most gross crimes against humanity and genocides and a destruction of the heritage AND A ERASING OF THE TRACES OF THESE PEOPLE JUST AS IT WAS DONE AFTER THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AND IT´S STILL GOING ON, just as it´s committed against the Tamils, and have been going for decades..
And so on and on and on.. Just as we said: We can and will develop, specify and analyze this conditions further. And while there are set up grenade traps in Kurdish villages and home made in bombs in New York so as to say make people accept more control for security, the American people should react and take Attorney General Ashcroft´s proposes for concentration camps for U.S. citizens seriously, because there are already camps set up and ready to be filled "in case of emergency and natural disasters" while there are works on weaponry to be used against rioters..etc..etc..
And wake up and realize WHAT THE HELL THIS IS FOR KIND OF "ENSLAVERY MOVEMENT"!
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Iranian Workers Organizations; Joint International Workers Day Declaration
(RAHANA) – 10 Independent Workers Organizations in Iran have issued a joint statement on the occasion of the international workers day:
May 1st is the international day of working-class solidarity and the day of global protest against poverty, destitution, and injustice. On this day, millions of workers the world over stop work, take over the streets, and express their anger and disgust at the numerous problems the capitalist system has visited on humanity, and loudly call for freedom from oppression, exploitation, and for building a better day.
While voices of protest against the hardships inflicted by the capitalist system and calls for justice for workers the world over are heard on May 1st, there is a ban on celebrations of the occasion in Iran. At this moment, the workers who organized last year’s May Day events have been sentenced to prison or are on the brink of receiving heavy sentences and dozens of labor leaders and activists are in jail for setting up labor organizations and defending their right to do so.
This lack of social rights for workers has been the order of the day in Iran for the three decades since the February 1979 revolution, which reduced wages to a quarter below the poverty line.
Routine are long delays in the payment of wages, layoffs and unemployment for masses of workers. Temporary and blank contracts, ubiquitous today, have forced a hellish situation on millions of workers and their families. To ensure higher profits, capital is hell-bent on taking the last loaves from the tables of millions of workers and redirecting them to the valets of owners, by closing down plants and cutting public subsidies.
But as we, the workers of Iran showed in the 1979 revolution and in more recent years, we will not tolerate this misery and injustice. Despite prisons and repression, the people of Iran will resist this trampling on our most basic human rights and will not allow our lives and subsistence to be destroyed any further. We are the principle producers of the wealth and riches in the society. It is our inalienable right to reap the rewards of our labors.
While protesting these conditions, which have put Iranian workers and the majority of the Iranian people under enormous duress, we stress the following rights and call for the immediate and unconditional implementation of all of them:
1. Organizations independent of the government and employers, strikes, protests, demonstrations, assembly, and free speech are our inalienable rights; these demands should be recognized as unconditional social rights of workers and all Iranian people.
2. We see the cutting of subsidies (management of aid) and the minimum wage as a gradual death sentence on millions of workers and their families. We call for an immediate halt to these plans and demand an increase of the minimum wage.
3. All back wages owed to workers should be paid immediately, without any excuses; the non-payment of wages should be considered a criminal act – wage theft – and the damages incurred paid to the workers.
4. Expulsions and layoffs of workers should be stopped and all those laid off or of retirement age who can work should receive unemployment benefits in accordance with a dignified, humane living.
5. We demand the eradication of temporary and blank contracts, job security for all workers and wage earners, the highest standards of health care and safety on the job and the eradication of all governmental bodies from the workplace.
6. We call for an end to capital punishment and the immediate and unconditional release of Ibrahim Maddadi, Mansour Osaloo, Ali Nejati, and all labor and other social and protest movement activists from prison, and a halt to judicial prosecution against them.
7. While condemning any attacks on workers and people’s protests, we see protests against injustice and declaring one’s opinion as inalienable rights of workers and all people.
8. We demand the repeal of all discriminatory laws against women and full and unconditional equality of women and men in all aspects of social, economic, political, cultural, and family spheres.
9. We demand a dignified life of well-being devoid of economic worries for retirees and the eradication of all discrimination in payment of pensions and entitlement to social security and health care.
10. Child labor should be eradicated, and all children, regardless of the economic and social standing of their parents, gender, national, racial, and religious backgrounds, should enjoy equal and free education, welfare, and health care benefits.
11. We declare our support for all social liberation movements and strongly condemn the arrest, sentencing, and incarceration of these movements’ activists.
12. While declaring our strong support for the demands of the teachers, nurses, and other working strata of the society, we see ourselves as their allies and call for the immediate realization of their demands.
13. We are part of the world labor movement and as such condemn the expulsions and any kind of discrimination against Afghan and other nationalities of immigrant workers, for any reason.
14. While appreciating all the international support for the struggle of the workers of Iran and strong support for the protests and demands of workers all over the world, we see ourselves as their allies and now more than ever emphasize the international solidarity of workers to overcome the perils of the capitalist system.
15. May 1st should be a national holiday and included in the official calendar and all illegalities and limitations on its celebration should be eliminated.
Long live May 1st,
Long live the international solidarity of workers!
Tehran and Municipality Vahed Bus Workers Syndicate
Haft Tapeh Sugar Refinery Workers Syndicate
Free Assembly of Iranian Workers
Re-inauguration board of Metal and Mechanical Syndicate
Re-inauguration board of Painting Workers Syndicate
Kermanshah Electrical and Metal Workers Trade Society
Pursueing Committee for the Formation of Free Workers Organizations
Coordination Committee for support of the Foramation of Workes Organizations
Support Society for Laid off and Unemployed Workers in Saghez
Women’s Council
Source: iran labor report
May 1st is the international day of working-class solidarity and the day of global protest against poverty, destitution, and injustice. On this day, millions of workers the world over stop work, take over the streets, and express their anger and disgust at the numerous problems the capitalist system has visited on humanity, and loudly call for freedom from oppression, exploitation, and for building a better day.
While voices of protest against the hardships inflicted by the capitalist system and calls for justice for workers the world over are heard on May 1st, there is a ban on celebrations of the occasion in Iran. At this moment, the workers who organized last year’s May Day events have been sentenced to prison or are on the brink of receiving heavy sentences and dozens of labor leaders and activists are in jail for setting up labor organizations and defending their right to do so.
This lack of social rights for workers has been the order of the day in Iran for the three decades since the February 1979 revolution, which reduced wages to a quarter below the poverty line.
Routine are long delays in the payment of wages, layoffs and unemployment for masses of workers. Temporary and blank contracts, ubiquitous today, have forced a hellish situation on millions of workers and their families. To ensure higher profits, capital is hell-bent on taking the last loaves from the tables of millions of workers and redirecting them to the valets of owners, by closing down plants and cutting public subsidies.
But as we, the workers of Iran showed in the 1979 revolution and in more recent years, we will not tolerate this misery and injustice. Despite prisons and repression, the people of Iran will resist this trampling on our most basic human rights and will not allow our lives and subsistence to be destroyed any further. We are the principle producers of the wealth and riches in the society. It is our inalienable right to reap the rewards of our labors.
While protesting these conditions, which have put Iranian workers and the majority of the Iranian people under enormous duress, we stress the following rights and call for the immediate and unconditional implementation of all of them:
1. Organizations independent of the government and employers, strikes, protests, demonstrations, assembly, and free speech are our inalienable rights; these demands should be recognized as unconditional social rights of workers and all Iranian people.
2. We see the cutting of subsidies (management of aid) and the minimum wage as a gradual death sentence on millions of workers and their families. We call for an immediate halt to these plans and demand an increase of the minimum wage.
3. All back wages owed to workers should be paid immediately, without any excuses; the non-payment of wages should be considered a criminal act – wage theft – and the damages incurred paid to the workers.
4. Expulsions and layoffs of workers should be stopped and all those laid off or of retirement age who can work should receive unemployment benefits in accordance with a dignified, humane living.
5. We demand the eradication of temporary and blank contracts, job security for all workers and wage earners, the highest standards of health care and safety on the job and the eradication of all governmental bodies from the workplace.
6. We call for an end to capital punishment and the immediate and unconditional release of Ibrahim Maddadi, Mansour Osaloo, Ali Nejati, and all labor and other social and protest movement activists from prison, and a halt to judicial prosecution against them.
7. While condemning any attacks on workers and people’s protests, we see protests against injustice and declaring one’s opinion as inalienable rights of workers and all people.
8. We demand the repeal of all discriminatory laws against women and full and unconditional equality of women and men in all aspects of social, economic, political, cultural, and family spheres.
9. We demand a dignified life of well-being devoid of economic worries for retirees and the eradication of all discrimination in payment of pensions and entitlement to social security and health care.
10. Child labor should be eradicated, and all children, regardless of the economic and social standing of their parents, gender, national, racial, and religious backgrounds, should enjoy equal and free education, welfare, and health care benefits.
11. We declare our support for all social liberation movements and strongly condemn the arrest, sentencing, and incarceration of these movements’ activists.
12. While declaring our strong support for the demands of the teachers, nurses, and other working strata of the society, we see ourselves as their allies and call for the immediate realization of their demands.
13. We are part of the world labor movement and as such condemn the expulsions and any kind of discrimination against Afghan and other nationalities of immigrant workers, for any reason.
14. While appreciating all the international support for the struggle of the workers of Iran and strong support for the protests and demands of workers all over the world, we see ourselves as their allies and now more than ever emphasize the international solidarity of workers to overcome the perils of the capitalist system.
15. May 1st should be a national holiday and included in the official calendar and all illegalities and limitations on its celebration should be eliminated.
Long live May 1st,
Long live the international solidarity of workers!
Tehran and Municipality Vahed Bus Workers Syndicate
Haft Tapeh Sugar Refinery Workers Syndicate
Free Assembly of Iranian Workers
Re-inauguration board of Metal and Mechanical Syndicate
Re-inauguration board of Painting Workers Syndicate
Kermanshah Electrical and Metal Workers Trade Society
Pursueing Committee for the Formation of Free Workers Organizations
Coordination Committee for support of the Foramation of Workes Organizations
Support Society for Laid off and Unemployed Workers in Saghez
Women’s Council
Source: iran labor report
A Kurdish 75 year old guerrilla passed away
30 April 2010, The Defence Regions of Meday- Qendil Mountains: A Kurdish 75 year old guerrilla of the Defence Forces of Kurdistan passed away from cancer in Qendil Mountains. Hessen Ince who was nicknamed as Ape Hessen among his comrades joined the Kurdish Resistance Movement in the age of 61.
Some of Ape Hessen’s children have dedicated their lives to Kurdish Resistance Movement. One of his sons was taken captive in a war in 1994. The Turkish soldiers throw him down from their helicopter.
Another son known as Ilmaz Ince died under torture resulting in a heart attack. His daughter was injured in a battle with the Turkish Military Forces.
Ape Hessen officially joined the Kurdistan Worker Party (PKK) in 1996. Although he was suffering from serious illnesses he returned home and joined Kurdish Defence Forces in the Kurdistan’s Regions of Medya.
The Kurdistan Worker Party (PKK) was founded in 1973 as the result of the continuous and systematic oppressions and the denial of the Kurdish nation by the occupying powers of Kurdistan. The PKK took up arm in 1984 since all the possible political and diplomatic means applied for 11 years in between 1973-84 proved exhausted.
The PKK however declared its first unilateral ceasefire in 1993 since it believed the arm struggle hit its targets. Since 1993 to date the PKK has declared unilateral ceasefires in 6 different occasions and called upon Ankara to solve the Kurdish question in a peaceful democratic procedure. Despite the facts that the PKK has declared 6 unilateral ceasefires and also it sent peace groups in two different occasions yet the PKK is considered as a 'terrorist' organization by Ankara and the US.
It also continues to be on the blacklist in EU despite the court ruling, which overturned the decision to place the Kurdish freedom movement on the EU's terror list “By labelling PKK as a terrorist organisation, the EU and the US are giving the Turkey a green light to target its civilians. They give the Turkish government a free hand to do what it will, a mother of Kurdish martyr said”.
After 1954, apart from the Korean war, 1949-52 and the invasion of Cyprus, 1974, the Turkish Army operations have continued to be exclusively against the Kurds.
Turkey should provide Kurds, Armenians and the Turkish people with an apology for the past
Bitlis MP: "Turkey should provide Kurds, Armenians and the Turkish people with an apology for the past miseries", the Bitlis MP of Peace & Democracy Party (BDP), Nezir Karabas, said.
Speaking to AKnews, Karabas said: “The Ottoman authorities created deliberate conflicts between Kurds and Armenians to serve their economic and political wishes,” he said, “therefore the Turkish state should apologize to Kurds, Armenians and its people.”
Turkey has been hiding the tragedies and massacres occurred in the last 90 years which mislead the public, Karabas added. He further said that Kurds have become a victim of the ambitions of the authorities in the past. In the Denizli conference, he said Armenians were exterminated and forced to immigrate involuntarily in 1915.
Speaking to AKnews, Karabas said: “The Ottoman authorities created deliberate conflicts between Kurds and Armenians to serve their economic and political wishes,” he said, “therefore the Turkish state should apologize to Kurds, Armenians and its people.”
Turkey has been hiding the tragedies and massacres occurred in the last 90 years which mislead the public, Karabas added. He further said that Kurds have become a victim of the ambitions of the authorities in the past. In the Denizli conference, he said Armenians were exterminated and forced to immigrate involuntarily in 1915.
"United States Supports Kurdistan Ministry of Peshmarga"
Well..Yeah..The United States Supported and trained people in the tribal belt as well..And look what happened to them..
The United States Supported Saddam...And look what happened to the Iraqi Kurds..The United States Supported and trained Turkey and it´s terrorist forces and look what happened and happens to the Kurds..
The United States Supported and aided the installation of the Iranian regime as well...And look what happened and happens to the Kurds in Iran and the Persians and the Persian heritage dating back tens of thousands of years back..While the U.N has watched the situation of a ongoing genocide for over 30 years and the German bank give loans to Greece coming out of Persian blood.
The United States Supported Saddam...And look what happened to the Iraqi Kurds..The United States Supported and trained Turkey and it´s terrorist forces and look what happened and happens to the Kurds..
The United States Supported and aided the installation of the Iranian regime as well...And look what happened and happens to the Kurds in Iran and the Persians and the Persian heritage dating back tens of thousands of years back..While the U.N has watched the situation of a ongoing genocide for over 30 years and the German bank give loans to Greece coming out of Persian blood.
Meanwhile, The Kurdistan Workers' Party - PKK
And Kurds that were just HAPPEN TO LIVE in the region are ¤%¤¤ fighting for their right TO LIFE, while soldiers Kurds and young Turks are sent out to be blown up by Turkey´s planted landmines, where both Kurds and Turks are shot and killed on "both sides", in a FORCED instigated GENOCIDAL war-fare with U.S. and Israeli weaponry, a Gold Calf isolated on a isolated Island, lobbyists and a majority of Jews in the U.S. Treasury department designating Kurds on terrorists lists in a ongoing genocide that has been going on ever since ¤%¤¤ Ataturk.
And Turkish young slaves to be killed along with Kurds on all sides of the borders, while having Jews as director of Lockheed Martin, weapon sells for over 30 years, while getting a whole lot of money transferred to the Israeli state from the U.S. to have Palestinians working for them while having settlers going wanton destruction and have all the time in the world to beat and harass Palestinian workers!
Get this right ones and for all:
Majority in the U.S. Treasury Department are Jews that designate Kurds on terrorists lists and have had weapon sells for over 30 years, with directors for Lockheed Martin, and then gets money transferred to the Israeli state that have Palestinians working for them while the Israeli government and state do their out most to stall negotiations and having settlers going wanton destruction.
While having their own people maintaining both their own military state, maintaining the Turkish terrorists military state and the Iranian military state, where Kurds are DENIED THE RIGHT TO LIFE and their basic ¤%¤¤ human rights in a ongoing genocide against the Kurds. While both Turkish soldiers and Iranian soldiers are sacrificed in crimes against peace and in the same ¤%¤¤ ongoing genocide on all #¤¤¤ fronts!
No ¤%¤¤ wonder some wanted to overthrow the Shah! The whole ¤%¤¤ region is enslaved in ongoing genocides on all fronts ethnically cleanings, wanton destruction, environmental destruction, archaeological destruction's, cultural genocides and you ¤%¤¤ name it !
And Turkish young slaves to be killed along with Kurds on all sides of the borders, while having Jews as director of Lockheed Martin, weapon sells for over 30 years, while getting a whole lot of money transferred to the Israeli state from the U.S. to have Palestinians working for them while having settlers going wanton destruction and have all the time in the world to beat and harass Palestinian workers!
Get this right ones and for all:
Majority in the U.S. Treasury Department are Jews that designate Kurds on terrorists lists and have had weapon sells for over 30 years, with directors for Lockheed Martin, and then gets money transferred to the Israeli state that have Palestinians working for them while the Israeli government and state do their out most to stall negotiations and having settlers going wanton destruction.
While having their own people maintaining both their own military state, maintaining the Turkish terrorists military state and the Iranian military state, where Kurds are DENIED THE RIGHT TO LIFE and their basic ¤%¤¤ human rights in a ongoing genocide against the Kurds. While both Turkish soldiers and Iranian soldiers are sacrificed in crimes against peace and in the same ¤%¤¤ ongoing genocide on all #¤¤¤ fronts!
No ¤%¤¤ wonder some wanted to overthrow the Shah! The whole ¤%¤¤ region is enslaved in ongoing genocides on all fronts ethnically cleanings, wanton destruction, environmental destruction, archaeological destruction's, cultural genocides and you ¤%¤¤ name it !
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Palestinian workers..
Are used by the Israeli state to working on settlement constructions while the Israeli government is busy killing their aspirations for a own state, evicts people from their homes to the streets, and have fully potential working able people maintaining their military state instead of building their own #¤¤¤ houses.
And at the same time Palestinian workers are harassed, attacked, beaten and abused in the most gross ways both psychologically and physically, to and from work, by settlers which have all the time in the world to destroy Palestinian olive trees and busy with wanton destruction in farmlands, villages, properties and WE DO WONDER WHEN THE HELL THEY HAVE THE TIME TO WORK!
Or they are maybe just floating around on a #¤¤¤ shrimp sandwich and occupied destroying what others pays for while living on American taxpayers and have Palestinians working for them while attacking and beating them every now and then?
It´s just a sign with: "Work sets you free" that is missing..ISN`T IT!
In Bethlehem, workers arrive at the Gilo checkpoint to go to East Jerusalem a few hours early in order to get to their work just on the other side of the checkpoint on time.
"A friend who was standing with Palestinians for 1.5 hours inside the Gilo Checkpoint reports seeing an Israeli poster with the caption, "Feel the Glory."
People crossing through the heavily militarized Gilo checkpoint into Bethlehem read the sign, "Peace be with you."
Every day young Palestinian children have their bags searched at checkpoints for weapons as they travel to school.
The U.S. government allocates $11,000,000 a day to Israel to support its occupation of the Palestinians, and at the same time insists that Israel stop building settlements.
A twenty-five-foot "security wall" stretches more than 200 miles around Palestine, topped with rolls of razor blade wire manufactured in the U.S.A.
Israel destroys hundreds of centuries-old olive trees to build this wall.
Soldiers force young Palestinian men against the wall, handling them roughly and searching them as a part of their practice drills.
CPT's neighbor must enter her house, carrying groceries, by climbing up a ladder over the roof entrance and then climbing down into her home. She is one of many Palestinians who are not able to use their front doors because their front doors are facing a street that Palestinians, and their international and Israeli friends are forbidden to walk on.
In an ancient Palestinian pastoral village located near a huge Jewish settlement, the Israeli military and settlers have installed four different roadblocks and barriers across the Palestinian road to provide security for the settlers.
And at the same time Palestinian workers are harassed, attacked, beaten and abused in the most gross ways both psychologically and physically, to and from work, by settlers which have all the time in the world to destroy Palestinian olive trees and busy with wanton destruction in farmlands, villages, properties and WE DO WONDER WHEN THE HELL THEY HAVE THE TIME TO WORK!
Or they are maybe just floating around on a #¤¤¤ shrimp sandwich and occupied destroying what others pays for while living on American taxpayers and have Palestinians working for them while attacking and beating them every now and then?
It´s just a sign with: "Work sets you free" that is missing..ISN`T IT!
In Bethlehem, workers arrive at the Gilo checkpoint to go to East Jerusalem a few hours early in order to get to their work just on the other side of the checkpoint on time.
"A friend who was standing with Palestinians for 1.5 hours inside the Gilo Checkpoint reports seeing an Israeli poster with the caption, "Feel the Glory."
People crossing through the heavily militarized Gilo checkpoint into Bethlehem read the sign, "Peace be with you."
Every day young Palestinian children have their bags searched at checkpoints for weapons as they travel to school.
The U.S. government allocates $11,000,000 a day to Israel to support its occupation of the Palestinians, and at the same time insists that Israel stop building settlements.
A twenty-five-foot "security wall" stretches more than 200 miles around Palestine, topped with rolls of razor blade wire manufactured in the U.S.A.
Israel destroys hundreds of centuries-old olive trees to build this wall.
Soldiers force young Palestinian men against the wall, handling them roughly and searching them as a part of their practice drills.
CPT's neighbor must enter her house, carrying groceries, by climbing up a ladder over the roof entrance and then climbing down into her home. She is one of many Palestinians who are not able to use their front doors because their front doors are facing a street that Palestinians, and their international and Israeli friends are forbidden to walk on.
In an ancient Palestinian pastoral village located near a huge Jewish settlement, the Israeli military and settlers have installed four different roadblocks and barriers across the Palestinian road to provide security for the settlers.
500 thousands cheered in Taksim Square: Long live May Day
ISTANBUL (DIHA) –Taksim Square, which was 32 years after opened to the public for the celebration of May Day, witnessed an exuberant celebration. 500 thousands attendees cheered as “Long Live May Day.” Preparation lasted for days for May Day celebration finally finished by an exuberant ceremony in Taksim Square. 500 thousands of workers and friend of workers gathered in Taksim Square after 32 years. Banners, slogans, flags and songs mostly marked peace and brotherhood of people in Turkey.20 thousands of police took widespread security measures around Taksim Square from yesterday as well as workers’ organizations and parties’ preparation for huge demonstration. DİSK, KESK, Turk-Iş, Kamu-Sen, Hak-Iş and Memur-Sen as all federations of workers’ in Turkey and BDP, ODP, ESP, EDP, EHP, EMEP, SDP, CHP, SHP and the numerous NGOs for human, women, children and workers rights were all together in Taksim. There were three different branches due to entering Taksim Square. Attendees began to flooding in the square from early morning. Gathering took 3 hours and then celebration was begun by May Day march. Then leader of confederations made short speeches in turn.
Turk-iş leader Mustafa Kumlu was protested by TEKEL workers who were member of Turk-is and fired beginning of this year. Kumlu succeeded to run from this attack but Sağlik-Sen Trade Unions leader Mahmut Kacar was hurt when he was trying to protect Kumlu.
The next speaker was KESK leader Sami Evren welcomed by attendees and speeches of other leaders of Confederations were made without incidents.
Some noteworthy points in the rally;
*37 May Day martyrs have been commemorated by their pictures and during the speeches also.
*May Day March practiced in any occasion from 8:00 AM until 15.30 PM.
*National and International Press were there as full complement. The platforms prepared for press weren’t enough and most of press created their own platforms.
*Seeing the square was impossible because of huge banners and the square became a sea of colors.
* Interpreters from TV or newspapers particularly pointed out that there were no unwanted events during the celebration because of no police intervention.
*1500 volunteer behalf of the confederations were also in charge for security of the attendees.
* The number of attendees was more than expected in everywhere such as Ankara and Eastern and Southeastern Turkey.
The 36 people killed in Taksim Square on “Bloody 1 May” in 1977. Last May Day celebration in Taksim was in 1978. The state of emergency practiced and then September 12, 80 coup banned all kind of celebration in May Day. There was no permission to celebrate May Day in Taksim Square until this day, even though coup had been lifted by the elections. AKP announced that May Day is holiday last year and this year one more step has been taken by making it free to celebrate May Day in Taksim Square in Istanbul.
Labour Day Finally Back in Taksim Square
For the first time in 32 years, Taksim Square was open to the public for a celebration of the labour movement and a call for more rights. After Labour Day was declared a public holiday in Turkey last year, this year saw the central Taksim Square in Istanbul reopened to the public on the day, after a ban since 1977. Three processions towards the squareStarting at 10 am, trade unionists and workers converged on Taksim Square from three different locations. At 11.40 am, presidents of the trade union confederations laid down carnations at a site near the square where workers had been shot dead on Labour Day in 1977.
Mustafa Kumlu, president of the TÜRK-İŞ confederation, said, "We remember the friends we lost from the depths of our hearts. We rejoice in the fact that Taksim Square has been opened, and we thank our friends who struggled for this cause." A minute of silence followed in front of the monument at Taksim Square.
The police has closed off the side streets leading to Taksim and only certain roads to Taksim are open. Uras: "If only army and police had trade unions, too"MP Ufuk Uras from the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) was at the square, too. He told bianet, "I congratulate all workers on their day. As in all countries of the world, Labour Day needs to be celebrated in peace in Turkey, too.
From now on, Turkey will become a more democratic and free country. I congratulate everyone who worked on making the celebration in Taksim possible. He added, "We defend the right of all public workers, be they uniformed or not, to organise in unions and to have collective labour agreements. If only the police and the military also had trade unions and fought for their rights. We have taken a great step in getting over the 12 September [the military coup of 1980] in Turkey. This is our shared success."
Evren: "Emotional"Sami Evren of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Public Employees (KESK) said, "It is impossible not to get emotional. It is very important that Labour Day is being celebrated in Taksim Square again after so many years. We struggled for years to get this ban lifted. We expect around 100,000 people to converge on the square from the Şişli meeting point."
Akay and Tanbay: Ban was for nothingbianet also spoke to film director Ezel Akay and dancer Zeynep Tanbay on the square. Akay was taking part in his trade union SİNE-SEN's walk. He said, "Today an area ended and a new one has started. We will not have a revolution immediately, but for the whole of Turkey the opening of Taksim Square has symbolic meaning. Today is as important as the fall of the Berlin Wall. This is not the success of a political group or the government, but of the public. Everyone ridiculed the ban anyway.
Tanbay also referred to the ban on celebrations in previous years, saying, "This is 1 May and this is Taksim. We suffered for nothing for years. There was no need.
Demand for free education
Some highschool students joined the march to Taksim Square from Şişli. They told bianet about their demands and feelings. Eylem Karaca said, "We are struggling for socialism. We do not see the student movement as separate. As a woman I believe that my liberation can only be achieved through the liberation of all women." Other students demanded free and equal education, as well as democracy and peace. University students added a call for autonomous universities.
"A better world for our children"
Ayşen Aksakal came to the demonstration with her two 4-year-old children. She said, "We have come here with our children on purpose. We want to leave our children and all other children a free and equal world.
Souces: http://bianet.org/english/ http://www.diclehaber.com/3
Iran: 1 May International Workers’ Day
A number of workers of the auto repair shops of “Iran Khodro”-car manufacturing in Tehran staged a gathering in front of the company office in Azadi Street to protest undesirable employment status and worsening work conditions. Unbridled imports of auto parts from China have greatly diminished the quality of work in these offices and workers are continuously forced to face complaints by people due to low quality of service.
In recent days, in Marvdasht, protests by laid off workers of the Fars meat plant continue in front of the plant, the labor office and the insurance office of the municipality. The production unit, which has over 1400 workers, has now been shut down completely. The regime´s officials are refraining from investigating and responding to the workers’ demands and protests, which started in April, including their retirement needs.
In Rasht, on April 27, workers at the “Khavar” textile plant staged a protest gathering in front of the plant and prevented the board of directors from entering the site. The workers’ protests, which have continued in recent days, aim to have their rights and benefits respected, including receiving of three months of delayed pay.
In Kerman, on April 24, about 50 workers of the “Bardsir” sugar cube factory gathered in protest along with their families in front of the factory to demand their delayed salaries and obtain work.
Protests in Tehran, Tabriz, Kurdistan, Qazvin, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan
With International Worker’s Day a high volume of security is apparent in Tehran, especially in the central region. Military and disciplinary officers are concentrated in Enghelab Square until near Azadi Square. Government-operated vans are stationed around Enghelab Square. Security agents are concentrated outside the Ministry of Labour and Laborer’s House (on Azadi Street). There were also reports from Fatemeh Square of security agents based across the Ministry of Interior Affairs.
Workers Gather in Protest after Labour Minister Speech in Mashad. Yesterday in Mashad, on the first national conference for the day of labour mobilization and celebration of worker martyrs, Abdolreza Sheikholeslami, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, analyzed the third verse of Surat Al-Baqarah from the Qur’an and then interpreted the concept of absence of the Imam and faith. Since the conference was supposed to be held on May Day and he did not mention the situation of workers in Iran.
A group of workers gathered after his speech in the Ayeha building to protest the minister’s talk. One of the workers said, “We expected the minister to say better words on the improvement of workers situation, but he did not even mention workers.”
Another worker said, “When the Health or Education Minister talks, part of the speech focuses on congratulating nurses and teachers, but the Labour Minister spoke and didn’t say a word about workers.”
A worker Mohammad Karimi said, “The minimum we expected from the Labour Minister was that after he analyzed the Qur’an, he would talk about problems pertaining to workers and also provide solutions.” He added, “Unfortunately, in our country, there is no value for workers. The proof of this is all the letters and correspondence I had with the Ministry of Labour since March 2009 that have gone nowhere.”
Despite the strong security atmosphere, a gathering began in front of the Ministry of Labour a crowd was gathered in Azadi and Enghelab Squares. Between Enghelab and Azadi Squares, INA correspondent reported that three buses full of workers coming from Varamin was stopped by police. The forces acknowledged that the workers were on their way to the demonstration, but did not allow them to proceed. One worker was badly beaten and left there in his blood.
Workers in Shiraz organized a protest gathering on the occasion of International Worker’s Day. The gathering took place in front of Shiraz’s Azadi Avenue in the province of Fars. emonstrators held banners that read: “Expelling workers will bring them a black destiny.” Another banner read: “Workers, congratulations on your day of employment, we won’t sit down until we get what is ours.”
One of the workers at the gathering said that in the last few months he has been expelled from the Gooshe Fars industrial complex and has not been paid his wages for seven months. The annonymous worker explained that Gooshte Fars Industrial Complex has been shut down for over two months and close to 1,200 workers are now unemployed. Workers from the Gooshte Fars factory also protested their situation in March and April 2010.
Tabriz - Several hundred workers and citizens gathered in front of the Labour Department on Khomeini Street in Tabriz and protested against massive expulsions, unemployment, and poverty. The protests began at 11:00am (Tehran time) and hundreds of people continue to protest as evening approaches. The gatherings have taken place despite the vast presence of oppressive forces.
Eyewitnesses have reported over 40 cars belonging to regime agents stationed at the scene of protest. Also, a large number of baton-wielding motorcyclists are patrolling the streets. Plainclothes forces from the Ministry of Intelligence and the Revolutionary Guards are present in strong numbers as well.
According to eye witness reports, there were heavy security presence in Tehran and some other major cities of the country on International Worker’s Day with large security and plain cities militia presence in the central areas of the Tehran and near Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare Organization.
There have been gatherings and heavy security presence in other major cities of Iran including, Tabriz, Shiraz and Qazvin; in these gatherings workers by holding signs in their hands stressed that layoffs will bring the workers “Black fate” and some other signs read: “Worker, congratulation on your Unemployment Day” and “We will not give up until we gain our rights”. There have also been some unconfirmed reports of clashes between protesters and security forces.
Saqez, Kurdistan - A large number of workers moved toward Jaghal Mountain, a leisure hanging place for the citizens of Saqez (a city in the province of Kurdistan). A large number of people also gathered at the mountain to celebrate International Worker’s Day. First a moment of silence was held for those killed for the freedom of the working class. After, everyone stood up and a poem was read to break the silence. Activists addressed the crowd for Worker’s Day. An article was read by another activist, followed by a poem titled, “I am a worker.” A student present at the gathering also gave a speech.
At the end, a nationwide resolution was read and then the people, in an organized manner, returned back to the city.
source: Coordinating Committee for the Formation of Worker’s Organizations
In recent days, in Marvdasht, protests by laid off workers of the Fars meat plant continue in front of the plant, the labor office and the insurance office of the municipality. The production unit, which has over 1400 workers, has now been shut down completely. The regime´s officials are refraining from investigating and responding to the workers’ demands and protests, which started in April, including their retirement needs.
In Rasht, on April 27, workers at the “Khavar” textile plant staged a protest gathering in front of the plant and prevented the board of directors from entering the site. The workers’ protests, which have continued in recent days, aim to have their rights and benefits respected, including receiving of three months of delayed pay.
In Kerman, on April 24, about 50 workers of the “Bardsir” sugar cube factory gathered in protest along with their families in front of the factory to demand their delayed salaries and obtain work.
Protests in Tehran, Tabriz, Kurdistan, Qazvin, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan
With International Worker’s Day a high volume of security is apparent in Tehran, especially in the central region. Military and disciplinary officers are concentrated in Enghelab Square until near Azadi Square. Government-operated vans are stationed around Enghelab Square. Security agents are concentrated outside the Ministry of Labour and Laborer’s House (on Azadi Street). There were also reports from Fatemeh Square of security agents based across the Ministry of Interior Affairs.
Workers Gather in Protest after Labour Minister Speech in Mashad. Yesterday in Mashad, on the first national conference for the day of labour mobilization and celebration of worker martyrs, Abdolreza Sheikholeslami, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, analyzed the third verse of Surat Al-Baqarah from the Qur’an and then interpreted the concept of absence of the Imam and faith. Since the conference was supposed to be held on May Day and he did not mention the situation of workers in Iran.
A group of workers gathered after his speech in the Ayeha building to protest the minister’s talk. One of the workers said, “We expected the minister to say better words on the improvement of workers situation, but he did not even mention workers.”
Another worker said, “When the Health or Education Minister talks, part of the speech focuses on congratulating nurses and teachers, but the Labour Minister spoke and didn’t say a word about workers.”
A worker Mohammad Karimi said, “The minimum we expected from the Labour Minister was that after he analyzed the Qur’an, he would talk about problems pertaining to workers and also provide solutions.” He added, “Unfortunately, in our country, there is no value for workers. The proof of this is all the letters and correspondence I had with the Ministry of Labour since March 2009 that have gone nowhere.”
Despite the strong security atmosphere, a gathering began in front of the Ministry of Labour a crowd was gathered in Azadi and Enghelab Squares. Between Enghelab and Azadi Squares, INA correspondent reported that three buses full of workers coming from Varamin was stopped by police. The forces acknowledged that the workers were on their way to the demonstration, but did not allow them to proceed. One worker was badly beaten and left there in his blood.
Workers in Shiraz organized a protest gathering on the occasion of International Worker’s Day. The gathering took place in front of Shiraz’s Azadi Avenue in the province of Fars. emonstrators held banners that read: “Expelling workers will bring them a black destiny.” Another banner read: “Workers, congratulations on your day of employment, we won’t sit down until we get what is ours.”
One of the workers at the gathering said that in the last few months he has been expelled from the Gooshe Fars industrial complex and has not been paid his wages for seven months. The annonymous worker explained that Gooshte Fars Industrial Complex has been shut down for over two months and close to 1,200 workers are now unemployed. Workers from the Gooshte Fars factory also protested their situation in March and April 2010.
Tabriz - Several hundred workers and citizens gathered in front of the Labour Department on Khomeini Street in Tabriz and protested against massive expulsions, unemployment, and poverty. The protests began at 11:00am (Tehran time) and hundreds of people continue to protest as evening approaches. The gatherings have taken place despite the vast presence of oppressive forces.
Eyewitnesses have reported over 40 cars belonging to regime agents stationed at the scene of protest. Also, a large number of baton-wielding motorcyclists are patrolling the streets. Plainclothes forces from the Ministry of Intelligence and the Revolutionary Guards are present in strong numbers as well.
According to eye witness reports, there were heavy security presence in Tehran and some other major cities of the country on International Worker’s Day with large security and plain cities militia presence in the central areas of the Tehran and near Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare Organization.
There have been gatherings and heavy security presence in other major cities of Iran including, Tabriz, Shiraz and Qazvin; in these gatherings workers by holding signs in their hands stressed that layoffs will bring the workers “Black fate” and some other signs read: “Worker, congratulation on your Unemployment Day” and “We will not give up until we gain our rights”. There have also been some unconfirmed reports of clashes between protesters and security forces.
Saqez, Kurdistan - A large number of workers moved toward Jaghal Mountain, a leisure hanging place for the citizens of Saqez (a city in the province of Kurdistan). A large number of people also gathered at the mountain to celebrate International Worker’s Day. First a moment of silence was held for those killed for the freedom of the working class. After, everyone stood up and a poem was read to break the silence. Activists addressed the crowd for Worker’s Day. An article was read by another activist, followed by a poem titled, “I am a worker.” A student present at the gathering also gave a speech.
At the end, a nationwide resolution was read and then the people, in an organized manner, returned back to the city.
source: Coordinating Committee for the Formation of Worker’s Organizations
INSTIGATED!
Kurdish children attends the grave of shot youths in the border regionTurkey sentences 15 minors to jail. The photo shows a minor being held at a detention facility in Turkey. A Turkish high criminal court has sentenced 15 minors to 3-5 years in prison on charges of hurling stones at police officers and chanting illegal slogans during a protest in the southern province of Mersin.
The minors, whose ages range between 13 and 17, were arrested recently for participating in protests against the imprisonment of MR. Abdullah Ocalan, according to a report published by Hurriyet newspaper on Thursday. Turkey has witnessed frequent Kurdish protests since October. Kurdish demonstrators complain about the prison conditions of Ocalan, who is serving a life sentence at the maximum security prison island of Imrali. The Kurds are also angry about the closure of the DTP Party in December.
Azerbaijan broke truce 1088 times in 2010 first quarter
Last week (April 19-25) Azerbaijan fired at Karabakhi positions on the contact line of NKR and Azerbaijani armed forces, NKR Defense Ministry press service reports. According to the ministry’s operational data, 1088 ceasefire violations from Azerbaijanis side were registered in the first quarter of the current year, mainly from AK-47, AKM, Dragunov sniper rifle, Black Arrow, DShK 1938 and RPG-7. Overall 7500 bullets were moulded from Azerbaijani side to NKR defensive posts. High intensity of truce violations (454) was registered this March. 2872 bullets were fired.
Well..Yeah..We assume that´s why U.S. arms reach Azerbaijan through Turkey in addition to the arms the Israeli state is supplying Azerbaijan with..That on the other hand we also assume Russia will take the opportunity to sell some weaponry..
Actually...It´s some MASSIVE crimes against humanity being committed in a ¤%¤¤ common agenda to enslave people all over this planet!
Well..Yeah..We assume that´s why U.S. arms reach Azerbaijan through Turkey in addition to the arms the Israeli state is supplying Azerbaijan with..That on the other hand we also assume Russia will take the opportunity to sell some weaponry..
Actually...It´s some MASSIVE crimes against humanity being committed in a ¤%¤¤ common agenda to enslave people all over this planet!
International war corporatism continues silencing Eezham Tamils
TamilNet, Diaspora Tamils wonder at the arrests, crackdowns and deportations of Eezham Tamil activists taking place in an orchestrated way in the West as well as in the East by governments conniving with the war-crimes-accused defence establishment of Colombo.
The targets are those who are firm in their views on the national cause and those who work with the grass root. The timing is when diaspora organising its polity. Whether the orchestration is pre-emption, expecting resurgence of the struggle as the International Community knows no solutions to the crisis in the island, or whether it foretells something unpleasant that is going to be imposed on Tamils through a deal of Colombo with New Delhi and the West, are questions asked in the diaspora.
How the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam is going to be structured and how Tamil Nadu is going to play its role gains new significance in the unfolding situation.
It is going to be one full year since international war corporatism enacted the genocide in Tamil Eelam and incarcerated hundreds of thousands of Eezham Tamils in a war that was for the first time conducted without witnesses.
Neither the world establishments nor the so-called international organisations were there to take charge of the situation either during the war or in its aftermath. Instead, leading world establishments chose to victimise the victims further.
First of all they refused to acknowledge what happened and what is happening in the island is genocide, because acceptance of it will justify the national cause the Eezham Tamils righteously lead in the island. After co-operatively crushing the Tamils, some powers of the West tried but miserably failed even in putting the crisis as a ‘human rights situation’ in the international arena, because there were others who saw the paradigm a shield for claiming the spoils.
Then the powers of the West were calling for ‘war crimes investigation on both Colombo and the LTTE.’ Colombo, confident of the support it gets from some rogue powers, pooh-poohed it by saying winners can never be sued. Many observers think Colombo will now buy them off for its acquittal of war crimes. There will be sell-offs of the assets of the island, manipulations in the UN and promises of cosmetic solutions, observers say.
Observers point out that officers of Colombo’s war-crimes-accused military are accepted as diplomats even in countries that talk of war crimes. The UN that hoodwinks a war crimes investigation has recently recruited to its Peace Keeping Forces thousands of persons from Sri Lanka’s army.
As it looks, 'war crimes' accusations are likely to be stage-managed heavily against the LTTE, by prosecuting the imprisoned cadres in the island with forced confessions, by intimidation of authentic witnesses and by hunting down former LTTE activists in the diaspora for forced confessions or for their silence.
Colombo may have to concede only ‘some accountability’ as suggested by US Asst. Secretary of State, which will be then tolerated citing the fruition of the cosmetic solutions Colombo may come up with.
Even though India and China race to invest and strengthen the Sri Lankan state, basically it is the West that assured Colombo its post-war credibility. “The end of the war last May and an IMF loan in July helped boost investor confidence,” says Shihar Aneez of Reuters India, Monday, on Sri Lanka’s shares gaining new peak.
The Eezham Tamils at no stage challenged the interests of any power in the world or blasted any tower in the US. What they have been struggling for several decades now is only for the national rights of their living space and sovereignty of their nation of historicity that have been denied by a colonially created incorrigible state.
The agenda of international diaspora activities of Eezham Tamils are confined only to their national liberation at home. But world corporatism and its appeasement policy towards Colombo presented Tamils only with genocide. In the 2008 Hero’s Day speech LTTE leader Pirapaharan categorically stated that the Tamil struggle is not against the geopolitical, national or economic interests of any country. A few months before that, the LTTE intelligence chief Poddu Ammaan pointed out that the International Community had a problem in making a balanced judgement between the Tamil struggle and the Colombo government.
Senior member V. Balakumaran saw a problem in the International community failing to identify its interests in right perspectives with the Tamil struggle. Looking at some of the recent developments, it seems the ‘problem’ continues to haunt the Eezham Tamils, now with a new spurt of international orchestration.
After the war the Tamils were told to give up armed struggle and to opt for democratic means. Democratically the Tamils started expressing their wish for independence. It started in the diaspora where they could open their mouths freely. But it seems war corporatism of the world finds even the democratic voice and means of Eezham Tamils a problem.
What is hinted by several quarters of this corporatism is that Tamils should accept ‘reconciliation’ which as being left entirely in the hands of genocidal Colombo means just another word for subjugation. Beneath the deceptive appreciation for Tamil democracy by some politicians of the liberal democratic countries, their state machineries are geared to either engineer or blunt the democracy of diaspora Tamils.
Countering democratic organisation of diaspora Tamils takes place in a counter insurgency style. Advice, division, confusion, vilification, intimidation – all are tried and now there are arrests, crackdowns and in some cases deportations to Colombo. The object is silencing the diaspora on the question of independence. Colombo has declared that its war is now with the diaspora Tamils. It is also boasting that it is successful in effecting arrests and deportations.
Breaking into the network and the assets of the LTTE in the diaspora that is firm on the national cause of Eezham Tamils is the main agenda of Colombo, which uses information extracted from the captured. Much progress in this respect has been achieved with the cooperation of certain countries, claims Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, secretary to the war-crimes-accused defence establishment of Sri Lanka.
Ironically, governments that talk of war crimes investigations collaborate with men of the same military accused of war crimes (now in the guise of diplomats), in arresting Eezham Tamil activists, in the guise of ban on the LTTE and reportedly for ‘past’ activities. Arrests have been made recently in Germany and The Netherlands and crackdowns took place in UK and Denmark. Diaspora circles suspect a EU decision, as was in the case before - twisting a national struggle as international terrorism.
The target is activists whose views are firm on independence and who posses abilities in grass root mobilisation. The timing is the formation of Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam. Some in the diaspora circles also suspect whether there is a concerted effort to influence the nature of the organisation of Tamil polity in the diaspora.
A Sri Lankan intelligence analyst operating from a country in Southeast Asia recently hinted that Colombo should consider giving a chance to selective shades of Tamil national polity in the diaspora. In the Eastern hemisphere, a number of arrests have been made in India reportedly through information of insiders sent by Colombo. Both Malaysia and Singapore have arrested and deported a number of Eezham Tamil activists. These countries, which fear much to touch members of certain global militant movements and activists of other national movements, target the Eezham Tamils with much ease, observed Ceylonese circles in these countries.
If India in a sadistic way gave visa to the ailing mother of Pirapaharan in the morning and refused landing for her in the evening, Malaysia is now grilling the lady who accompanied her, says media sources in Malaysia. Tamil circles wonder at this orchestration of war corporatism across the world. Whether the war is yet to be over or whether it is paranoia resulting from an unfair victory they wonder. They think that it signals that the powers are not going to bring in any satisfactory solution and that’s why this pre-emption, since the powers expect an inevitable resurgence of the struggle.
Tamil circles fear that the orchestration foretells something bad that is going to be imposed on them in the island by power corporatism, and signals a possible undeclared ban on Tamil Eelam in the diaspora countries just like the attempts made to erase that word in Tamil Nadu.
According to some analysts, the orchestrations are to demonstrate a favourable setting for Colombo, India and the West to strike at a deal. Foreign policy trumpets of the Indian Establishment have already started writing that the Eezham Tamils have to forfeit the unity of the Tamil homeland in the North and East as is not anymore possible due to “the East becoming different from the North in terms of its ethnic composition.” For its own continued foreign policy failures with Sri Lanka, India will continue to penalize Eezham Tamils further and further.
The Indian policy trumpets now look forward to help Tamils to integrate into an emerging pluralistic Sri Lanka, in other words they are going to help the Sinhala colonisation in the north too. After the war, Rajapaksa government snatched away even petty privileges the Eezham Tamils were enjoying in the North and East before. The Jaffna Peninsula and most of the East was already under the control of Colombo. But people there were not as subjugated or humiliated as they are now. As long as the LTTE was in Vanni Colombo had the fear. Even after dropping Tamil independence, Colombo is threatening to ban the TNA. Federalism too is interpreted as separatism by Colombo. It says that it will take action on such parties with no hesitation for any amount of political risk.
It is a lesson to all those who were harping on federal solution. What the war corporatism should take note of is that the Sri Lankan state on its own will not come out with solutions. Either there should be another LTTE or there should be a firm, decisive and direct international action. If the LTTE is baneful then the International community should act now.
The war corporatism of the International community cannot go on weakening Tamils and appeasing Colombo for ever. In handling the unfolding situation, diaspora Tamils have to realise how important it is to structure the Transnational Government in an effective way with wide participation and see that it is getting into right hands that uphold the national cause. Equally important is the role that has to be played by the people of Tamil Nadu.
The targets are those who are firm in their views on the national cause and those who work with the grass root. The timing is when diaspora organising its polity. Whether the orchestration is pre-emption, expecting resurgence of the struggle as the International Community knows no solutions to the crisis in the island, or whether it foretells something unpleasant that is going to be imposed on Tamils through a deal of Colombo with New Delhi and the West, are questions asked in the diaspora.
How the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam is going to be structured and how Tamil Nadu is going to play its role gains new significance in the unfolding situation.
It is going to be one full year since international war corporatism enacted the genocide in Tamil Eelam and incarcerated hundreds of thousands of Eezham Tamils in a war that was for the first time conducted without witnesses.
Neither the world establishments nor the so-called international organisations were there to take charge of the situation either during the war or in its aftermath. Instead, leading world establishments chose to victimise the victims further.
First of all they refused to acknowledge what happened and what is happening in the island is genocide, because acceptance of it will justify the national cause the Eezham Tamils righteously lead in the island. After co-operatively crushing the Tamils, some powers of the West tried but miserably failed even in putting the crisis as a ‘human rights situation’ in the international arena, because there were others who saw the paradigm a shield for claiming the spoils.
Then the powers of the West were calling for ‘war crimes investigation on both Colombo and the LTTE.’ Colombo, confident of the support it gets from some rogue powers, pooh-poohed it by saying winners can never be sued. Many observers think Colombo will now buy them off for its acquittal of war crimes. There will be sell-offs of the assets of the island, manipulations in the UN and promises of cosmetic solutions, observers say.
Observers point out that officers of Colombo’s war-crimes-accused military are accepted as diplomats even in countries that talk of war crimes. The UN that hoodwinks a war crimes investigation has recently recruited to its Peace Keeping Forces thousands of persons from Sri Lanka’s army.
As it looks, 'war crimes' accusations are likely to be stage-managed heavily against the LTTE, by prosecuting the imprisoned cadres in the island with forced confessions, by intimidation of authentic witnesses and by hunting down former LTTE activists in the diaspora for forced confessions or for their silence.
Colombo may have to concede only ‘some accountability’ as suggested by US Asst. Secretary of State, which will be then tolerated citing the fruition of the cosmetic solutions Colombo may come up with.
Even though India and China race to invest and strengthen the Sri Lankan state, basically it is the West that assured Colombo its post-war credibility. “The end of the war last May and an IMF loan in July helped boost investor confidence,” says Shihar Aneez of Reuters India, Monday, on Sri Lanka’s shares gaining new peak.
The Eezham Tamils at no stage challenged the interests of any power in the world or blasted any tower in the US. What they have been struggling for several decades now is only for the national rights of their living space and sovereignty of their nation of historicity that have been denied by a colonially created incorrigible state.
The agenda of international diaspora activities of Eezham Tamils are confined only to their national liberation at home. But world corporatism and its appeasement policy towards Colombo presented Tamils only with genocide. In the 2008 Hero’s Day speech LTTE leader Pirapaharan categorically stated that the Tamil struggle is not against the geopolitical, national or economic interests of any country. A few months before that, the LTTE intelligence chief Poddu Ammaan pointed out that the International Community had a problem in making a balanced judgement between the Tamil struggle and the Colombo government.
Senior member V. Balakumaran saw a problem in the International community failing to identify its interests in right perspectives with the Tamil struggle. Looking at some of the recent developments, it seems the ‘problem’ continues to haunt the Eezham Tamils, now with a new spurt of international orchestration.
After the war the Tamils were told to give up armed struggle and to opt for democratic means. Democratically the Tamils started expressing their wish for independence. It started in the diaspora where they could open their mouths freely. But it seems war corporatism of the world finds even the democratic voice and means of Eezham Tamils a problem.
What is hinted by several quarters of this corporatism is that Tamils should accept ‘reconciliation’ which as being left entirely in the hands of genocidal Colombo means just another word for subjugation. Beneath the deceptive appreciation for Tamil democracy by some politicians of the liberal democratic countries, their state machineries are geared to either engineer or blunt the democracy of diaspora Tamils.
Countering democratic organisation of diaspora Tamils takes place in a counter insurgency style. Advice, division, confusion, vilification, intimidation – all are tried and now there are arrests, crackdowns and in some cases deportations to Colombo. The object is silencing the diaspora on the question of independence. Colombo has declared that its war is now with the diaspora Tamils. It is also boasting that it is successful in effecting arrests and deportations.
Breaking into the network and the assets of the LTTE in the diaspora that is firm on the national cause of Eezham Tamils is the main agenda of Colombo, which uses information extracted from the captured. Much progress in this respect has been achieved with the cooperation of certain countries, claims Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, secretary to the war-crimes-accused defence establishment of Sri Lanka.
Ironically, governments that talk of war crimes investigations collaborate with men of the same military accused of war crimes (now in the guise of diplomats), in arresting Eezham Tamil activists, in the guise of ban on the LTTE and reportedly for ‘past’ activities. Arrests have been made recently in Germany and The Netherlands and crackdowns took place in UK and Denmark. Diaspora circles suspect a EU decision, as was in the case before - twisting a national struggle as international terrorism.
The target is activists whose views are firm on independence and who posses abilities in grass root mobilisation. The timing is the formation of Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam. Some in the diaspora circles also suspect whether there is a concerted effort to influence the nature of the organisation of Tamil polity in the diaspora.
A Sri Lankan intelligence analyst operating from a country in Southeast Asia recently hinted that Colombo should consider giving a chance to selective shades of Tamil national polity in the diaspora. In the Eastern hemisphere, a number of arrests have been made in India reportedly through information of insiders sent by Colombo. Both Malaysia and Singapore have arrested and deported a number of Eezham Tamil activists. These countries, which fear much to touch members of certain global militant movements and activists of other national movements, target the Eezham Tamils with much ease, observed Ceylonese circles in these countries.
If India in a sadistic way gave visa to the ailing mother of Pirapaharan in the morning and refused landing for her in the evening, Malaysia is now grilling the lady who accompanied her, says media sources in Malaysia. Tamil circles wonder at this orchestration of war corporatism across the world. Whether the war is yet to be over or whether it is paranoia resulting from an unfair victory they wonder. They think that it signals that the powers are not going to bring in any satisfactory solution and that’s why this pre-emption, since the powers expect an inevitable resurgence of the struggle.
Tamil circles fear that the orchestration foretells something bad that is going to be imposed on them in the island by power corporatism, and signals a possible undeclared ban on Tamil Eelam in the diaspora countries just like the attempts made to erase that word in Tamil Nadu.
According to some analysts, the orchestrations are to demonstrate a favourable setting for Colombo, India and the West to strike at a deal. Foreign policy trumpets of the Indian Establishment have already started writing that the Eezham Tamils have to forfeit the unity of the Tamil homeland in the North and East as is not anymore possible due to “the East becoming different from the North in terms of its ethnic composition.” For its own continued foreign policy failures with Sri Lanka, India will continue to penalize Eezham Tamils further and further.
The Indian policy trumpets now look forward to help Tamils to integrate into an emerging pluralistic Sri Lanka, in other words they are going to help the Sinhala colonisation in the north too. After the war, Rajapaksa government snatched away even petty privileges the Eezham Tamils were enjoying in the North and East before. The Jaffna Peninsula and most of the East was already under the control of Colombo. But people there were not as subjugated or humiliated as they are now. As long as the LTTE was in Vanni Colombo had the fear. Even after dropping Tamil independence, Colombo is threatening to ban the TNA. Federalism too is interpreted as separatism by Colombo. It says that it will take action on such parties with no hesitation for any amount of political risk.
It is a lesson to all those who were harping on federal solution. What the war corporatism should take note of is that the Sri Lankan state on its own will not come out with solutions. Either there should be another LTTE or there should be a firm, decisive and direct international action. If the LTTE is baneful then the International community should act now.
The war corporatism of the International community cannot go on weakening Tamils and appeasing Colombo for ever. In handling the unfolding situation, diaspora Tamils have to realise how important it is to structure the Transnational Government in an effective way with wide participation and see that it is getting into right hands that uphold the national cause. Equally important is the role that has to be played by the people of Tamil Nadu.
Iran: Clashes in Tehran's Ferdowsi Square ....
...with chants of death to Khamenei...
Death Sentences of Two Election Protesters Upheld
An appeals court has upheld the death sentences of Mohammad Ali Haj-Aghayi and Jafar Kazaemi. The 36th branch of the Appeals Court in Tehran has upheld the death sentences of Mohammad Ali Haj-Aghayi and Jafar Kazemi. According to CHRR, Kazemi and Haj-Aghayi were first sentenced to death by judge Moghiseh, head of the 28th branch of the Revolutionary Court, on charges of Moharebeh (enmity with God) for having ties to the MKO and propagating against the regime.
Both men were arrested on September 18, 2009, during a post election rally. Their attorney was not allowed access to their files throughout the legal process and the appeal verdict was communicated to her/him with delay.
In recent days, other reports have surfaced about the death sentence verdicts of other election detainees. The prosecutor has reportedly asked for the death penalty for Masoumeh Yavari, while Mottahareh Bahrami, Mohsen Daneshpour Moghaddam, Ahmad Daneshpour Moghaddam, Rayhaneh Haj-Ebrahim and Hadi Ghaemi, who are among the Ashura detainees, have been sentenced to death.
In January, Mohammad Reza Alizamani and Arash Rahmanipour were executed for their membership in a monarchist group. The Tehran prosecutor cited their involvement in the Ashura (December 09) events as the reason for their execution. Both men had been arrested before the June presidential election.
Since the June election, thousands of protesters have been arrested in Iran. A number of those arrested were killed while in custody, and some of the detainees have spoken out about their treatment in secret detention centers, where, under severe torture, they were forced to confess.
Many international human rights groups have protested the death sentences issued for the election protesters in Iran. After the executions of Alizamani and Rahmanipour, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director said,”These executions highlight how the justice system is used as an instrument of repression by the authorities.”
Mohammad Mostafaee: "Judge Moghiseh Has Violated Many Suspects’ Rights."
In a widely published recent letter to Sadegh Larijani, Head of Iranian Judiciary, Mohammad Mostafaee, lawyer to a group of civil and political activists, has objected to “numerous violations by the Head of Branch 28 of Revolutionary Courts,” demanding closer oversight of court officers related to this branch.
In an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, addressing the inappropriate conduct of the Judge and other authorities of Branch 28, he explained his reasons for writing the open letter. “Several times, when I went to Revolutionary Courts and Branch 28, I was not treated appropriately as a lawyer, unfortunately. I noticed instances which were against the law and even when I submitted requests or raised the issues with the branch judge, the judge would not accept them and I was forced to go visit the Courts Supervisor; at any rate, I couldn’t find any answers [to my objections].”
Mostafaee has referred to instances of “temporary detention” rulings in this branch as clear examples of violation of the law: “One of the most important considerations is that individuals must not be illegally arrested. This has been spelled out by the law. If a suspect is arrested, it is because there are reasons and signs that the individual has committed a crime, and the judicial authority issues a temporary detention order to investigate the matter.
A temporary detention order has limits and boundaries and it cannot last forever. The legislator has determined the framework and has stated that the suspect must not spend more time in detention that the minimum punishment stipulated in the law. If the minimum punishment for a crime is three months, the suspect should not be detained more than three months, and if an arrest warrant has been issued in the meantime, it should be revoked and turned into another appropriate order.”
Regarding the prevalent procedure of verbal summons of individuals to court, calling it “illegal” he has said: “Summons must be made in writing and branch office manager or secretary are not authorized to serve summons verbally. Though it is possible to summon an individual to the judicial offices verbally, but the legislator has stipulated that judicial branch offices must serve the summons in writing.”
Another instance Mostafaee has emphasized in his letter is his suggestion for a committee of judges who serve in the Judges Court and judicial inspectors for overseeing the performance of this unit of the Judiciary.
Regarding specific violations by Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Courts, Mostafaee mentions the cases of two of his clients, Sassan Aghaee and Mohammad Fadaei: “One of the cases in which this specific violation has taken place, is the case of Sassan Aghaee. Though he is currently free on a $100,000 bail, he spent four months in prison. If he were to be found guilty, the maximum sentence for his crime would have been three months and the judicial authorities would not have been able to detain him longer than three months. The other instance is the case of Mohammad Fadaei. He has been in detention for the past five months on charges of propagation against the regime.”
Further describing the violations of the Head of Branch 28 of Tehran Revolutionary Courts in his letter to the Head of the Judiciary, the lawyer writes: “Regrettably, the Judge of Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Courts, Mr. Moghiseh, has acted against the law in numerous cases in some of which I have represented the defense. Fundamental and mandatory laws including the Iranian Procedures for Criminal Prosecution and The Legitimate Freedoms and the Protection of Citizenship Rights have been ignored and the rights of many suspects whose files have been sent to this branch have been violated.
For example, it is necessary to pay special supervision and attention to the matters of illegal arrests of suspects where the law has stipulated that detention of suspects cannot be more than the minimum punishment reflected in the law; refusal to end the temporary detention orders upon expiry of the detention reasons; refusal to issue orders enabling the lawyers to meet with their clients in prison and to sign power of attorney documents; refusing to inform the defense about the exact time of the trial and, more importantly, refusal to serve judicial documents and copies of indictments, depriving the suspects from their right to defend themselves fairly.”
Mostafaeel has also sent copies of his letter to the Iranian Parliament’s Article 90 Commission, Judges Court, Committee to Protect The Legitimate Freedoms and the Protection of Citizenship Rights, Iranian Bar Association of Tehran, and The Judiciary’s Human Rights Commission.
Pressures by Ministry of Information on the judiciary branch to deliver heavy sentences
Ministry of Information, regardless of the lack of credible evidence against political activists, is exercising its power in the legal system by pressuring to cut the political prisoners long-term and heavy sentences.
The International Campaign for Human Rights reports, Nasrin Sotoodeh, the lawyer for many of the political cases, in regards to the recommendations of the Ministry of Information to the judge said:” We can assume that the security officer is lacking in legal knowledge, however, to pressure a judge by law is a crime.”
She continued: “In many cases we have witnessed some judges who not only have acted upon the Security forces’ recommendations but they have also gone beyond. This is in cases where the principle of the judicial independence rules mandates that a judge should react to such recommendations by the security forces.”
Sotoodeh emphasized: “To influence the judiciary branch has become a chronic problem and badly rooted within the legal system and has intensified the severe repression of civil liberties after Khordad 1388 presidential election.
Judicial enforcement officials such as the Police, Ministry of Intelligence and other Intelligence and Security Organizations in the issuance of sentences as well as the interrogation techniques, meeting prisoners, posting bail and other legal affairs have influence on the process which is illegal.”
Actually ..There are nothing legal what so ever with 30 years of massacres and executions and the U.N. should be put to trail for "watching the situation in Iran" for 30 years as well! It´s the same as with the Kurds and the Tamils: There are a whole LOT that have been for a long time and are still participating in crimes against humanity.
Death Sentences of Two Election Protesters Upheld
An appeals court has upheld the death sentences of Mohammad Ali Haj-Aghayi and Jafar Kazaemi. The 36th branch of the Appeals Court in Tehran has upheld the death sentences of Mohammad Ali Haj-Aghayi and Jafar Kazemi. According to CHRR, Kazemi and Haj-Aghayi were first sentenced to death by judge Moghiseh, head of the 28th branch of the Revolutionary Court, on charges of Moharebeh (enmity with God) for having ties to the MKO and propagating against the regime.
Both men were arrested on September 18, 2009, during a post election rally. Their attorney was not allowed access to their files throughout the legal process and the appeal verdict was communicated to her/him with delay.
In recent days, other reports have surfaced about the death sentence verdicts of other election detainees. The prosecutor has reportedly asked for the death penalty for Masoumeh Yavari, while Mottahareh Bahrami, Mohsen Daneshpour Moghaddam, Ahmad Daneshpour Moghaddam, Rayhaneh Haj-Ebrahim and Hadi Ghaemi, who are among the Ashura detainees, have been sentenced to death.
In January, Mohammad Reza Alizamani and Arash Rahmanipour were executed for their membership in a monarchist group. The Tehran prosecutor cited their involvement in the Ashura (December 09) events as the reason for their execution. Both men had been arrested before the June presidential election.
Since the June election, thousands of protesters have been arrested in Iran. A number of those arrested were killed while in custody, and some of the detainees have spoken out about their treatment in secret detention centers, where, under severe torture, they were forced to confess.
Many international human rights groups have protested the death sentences issued for the election protesters in Iran. After the executions of Alizamani and Rahmanipour, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director said,”These executions highlight how the justice system is used as an instrument of repression by the authorities.”
Mohammad Mostafaee: "Judge Moghiseh Has Violated Many Suspects’ Rights."
In a widely published recent letter to Sadegh Larijani, Head of Iranian Judiciary, Mohammad Mostafaee, lawyer to a group of civil and political activists, has objected to “numerous violations by the Head of Branch 28 of Revolutionary Courts,” demanding closer oversight of court officers related to this branch.
In an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, addressing the inappropriate conduct of the Judge and other authorities of Branch 28, he explained his reasons for writing the open letter. “Several times, when I went to Revolutionary Courts and Branch 28, I was not treated appropriately as a lawyer, unfortunately. I noticed instances which were against the law and even when I submitted requests or raised the issues with the branch judge, the judge would not accept them and I was forced to go visit the Courts Supervisor; at any rate, I couldn’t find any answers [to my objections].”
Mostafaee has referred to instances of “temporary detention” rulings in this branch as clear examples of violation of the law: “One of the most important considerations is that individuals must not be illegally arrested. This has been spelled out by the law. If a suspect is arrested, it is because there are reasons and signs that the individual has committed a crime, and the judicial authority issues a temporary detention order to investigate the matter.
A temporary detention order has limits and boundaries and it cannot last forever. The legislator has determined the framework and has stated that the suspect must not spend more time in detention that the minimum punishment stipulated in the law. If the minimum punishment for a crime is three months, the suspect should not be detained more than three months, and if an arrest warrant has been issued in the meantime, it should be revoked and turned into another appropriate order.”
Regarding the prevalent procedure of verbal summons of individuals to court, calling it “illegal” he has said: “Summons must be made in writing and branch office manager or secretary are not authorized to serve summons verbally. Though it is possible to summon an individual to the judicial offices verbally, but the legislator has stipulated that judicial branch offices must serve the summons in writing.”
Another instance Mostafaee has emphasized in his letter is his suggestion for a committee of judges who serve in the Judges Court and judicial inspectors for overseeing the performance of this unit of the Judiciary.
Regarding specific violations by Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Courts, Mostafaee mentions the cases of two of his clients, Sassan Aghaee and Mohammad Fadaei: “One of the cases in which this specific violation has taken place, is the case of Sassan Aghaee. Though he is currently free on a $100,000 bail, he spent four months in prison. If he were to be found guilty, the maximum sentence for his crime would have been three months and the judicial authorities would not have been able to detain him longer than three months. The other instance is the case of Mohammad Fadaei. He has been in detention for the past five months on charges of propagation against the regime.”
Further describing the violations of the Head of Branch 28 of Tehran Revolutionary Courts in his letter to the Head of the Judiciary, the lawyer writes: “Regrettably, the Judge of Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Courts, Mr. Moghiseh, has acted against the law in numerous cases in some of which I have represented the defense. Fundamental and mandatory laws including the Iranian Procedures for Criminal Prosecution and The Legitimate Freedoms and the Protection of Citizenship Rights have been ignored and the rights of many suspects whose files have been sent to this branch have been violated.
For example, it is necessary to pay special supervision and attention to the matters of illegal arrests of suspects where the law has stipulated that detention of suspects cannot be more than the minimum punishment reflected in the law; refusal to end the temporary detention orders upon expiry of the detention reasons; refusal to issue orders enabling the lawyers to meet with their clients in prison and to sign power of attorney documents; refusing to inform the defense about the exact time of the trial and, more importantly, refusal to serve judicial documents and copies of indictments, depriving the suspects from their right to defend themselves fairly.”
Mostafaeel has also sent copies of his letter to the Iranian Parliament’s Article 90 Commission, Judges Court, Committee to Protect The Legitimate Freedoms and the Protection of Citizenship Rights, Iranian Bar Association of Tehran, and The Judiciary’s Human Rights Commission.
Pressures by Ministry of Information on the judiciary branch to deliver heavy sentences
Ministry of Information, regardless of the lack of credible evidence against political activists, is exercising its power in the legal system by pressuring to cut the political prisoners long-term and heavy sentences.
The International Campaign for Human Rights reports, Nasrin Sotoodeh, the lawyer for many of the political cases, in regards to the recommendations of the Ministry of Information to the judge said:” We can assume that the security officer is lacking in legal knowledge, however, to pressure a judge by law is a crime.”
She continued: “In many cases we have witnessed some judges who not only have acted upon the Security forces’ recommendations but they have also gone beyond. This is in cases where the principle of the judicial independence rules mandates that a judge should react to such recommendations by the security forces.”
Sotoodeh emphasized: “To influence the judiciary branch has become a chronic problem and badly rooted within the legal system and has intensified the severe repression of civil liberties after Khordad 1388 presidential election.
Judicial enforcement officials such as the Police, Ministry of Intelligence and other Intelligence and Security Organizations in the issuance of sentences as well as the interrogation techniques, meeting prisoners, posting bail and other legal affairs have influence on the process which is illegal.”
Actually ..There are nothing legal what so ever with 30 years of massacres and executions and the U.N. should be put to trail for "watching the situation in Iran" for 30 years as well! It´s the same as with the Kurds and the Tamils: There are a whole LOT that have been for a long time and are still participating in crimes against humanity.
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