John McDonnell: honorary president of HOPI now shadow chancellor

Hands Off the People of Iran congratulates Labour’s John McDonnell on his appointment as shadow chancellor. The MP for Hayes and Harlington was a founding member of HOPI and is honorary president of the organisation. He has consistently opposed imperialist intervention in Iran and elsewhere in the Middle East, as well as supporting movements for democracy from below. We… Continue reading John McDonnell: honorary president of HOPI now shadow chancellor

Ideas to empower the anti-war movement

Michael Copestake reports on HOPI’s successful weekend school “The only thing that is certain is uncertainty,” said Labour MP John McDonnell in his talk at the April 21-22 weekend school organised by the Hands Off the People of Iran at the University of London Union. Given the negotiations between the five members of the United… Continue reading Ideas to empower the anti-war movement

Walking for Workers in Iran – Donate Here! Donate Now!

On March 4th five members of the Hands Off the People of Iran Manchester branch will be walking the Bogle, a fifty five mile walk round Manchester. We are walking to raise money for the charity Workers Fund Iran, which was set up in December 2005 with the aim to reduce and relieve poverty amongst… Continue reading Walking for Workers in Iran – Donate Here! Donate Now!

Hopi Annual General Meeting 2011

This successful meeting on February 12 2011 agreed to launch the campaign ‘Free Jafar Panahi and all political prisoners in Iran!’ For a report (first published in the Weekly Worker) , click here For videos of the event, click here For John McDonnell’s speech which launched the campaign, click here Find below information on the… Continue reading Hopi Annual General Meeting 2011

Free Behzad Bagheri, Bahman Khodadadi and all political prisoners now!

As we approach the anniversary of the mass demonstrations that shook the theocratic regime last year. The repressive security apparatus has stepped up their attacks and violence on opposition activists. The regime executed 13 people in Ghezel Hesar prison at the beginning of June in a warning to opposition activists that a repeat of last… Continue reading Free Behzad Bagheri, Bahman Khodadadi and all political prisoners now!

Dreaming is a crime: Jafar Panahi on his detention

Jafar Panahi says at the moment he has little hope of making another film, all he can do is produce a film in his head but he adds “I will have to make a film, that is my life.” He is eager to thank all those who called for his release, film directors, actors, theatre… Continue reading Dreaming is a crime: Jafar Panahi on his detention

Over one hundred people attend solidarity screening of arrested Iranian film maker Jafar Panahi’s Offside at Soho Theatre.

Over one hundred people attend solidarity screening of arrested Iranian film maker Jafar Panahi’s Offside at Soho Theatre. May 12 saw a well-attended solidarity solidarity screening of Jafar Panahi’s best known film, jointly organised by Hands Off the People of Iran (Hopi) and the Labour Representation Committee. The event is part of a series of… Continue reading Over one hundred people attend solidarity screening of arrested Iranian film maker Jafar Panahi’s Offside at Soho Theatre.

Manchester solidarity demo against executions in Iran

On May 13th around 30 members of Hands Off the People of Iran along, Iranian students and exiles demonstrated in support of the general strike in Iranian Kurdistan and protest the executions of five political prisoners on May 9th in Evin prison. Those executed were school teacher and trade unionist Farzad Kamangar, Ali Haydarian, Farhad… Continue reading Manchester solidarity demo against executions in Iran

‘Reformist’ confusion stunts opposition protests

Yassamine Mather reports on the February 11 Revolution Day celebrations Last week’s official celebrations of the February 1979 uprising that brought down the shah’s regime in Iran stood in total contrast to the events of 31 years ago. The Islamic state’s lengthy preparations for the anniversary of the revolution included the arrest of hundreds of… Continue reading ‘Reformist’ confusion stunts opposition protests

Theocracy threatens bloodbath as mass movement grows

Iranian workers are on the offensive, reports Chris Strafford 2010 has begun the way 2009 ended in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with millions protesting in cities and towns across the country. But the dangers facing the Iranian people have undoubtedly increased over the last few weeks. Further sanctions are being put in place, and… Continue reading Theocracy threatens bloodbath as mass movement grows