Two Political Prisoners on the Anniversary of November 98: 'Major Changes' Are Within Reach

Reza Mohammadi and Zartosht Ahmadi Raghb, two political prisoners incarcerated in Qazalhasar Prison, issued a message on the fifth anniversary of the 'Bloody November 98' calling for the release of political prisoners and an end to the 'case-making' against them. In their letter dated Thursday, November 24, which was sent to the Persian section of Voice of America, Reza Mohammadi and Zartosht Ahmadi Raghb emphasized that Iranians seek 'freedom and peace' while 'avoiding violence.' They stated, 'We witness the crimes committed by the oppressors and murderers of the dictatorial system to maintain the corrupt government's survival!' They referred to the 'brutal massacre of people in the streets by security, police, IRGC forces, and mercenary plainclothes agents during the Bloody November 98' on the fifth anniversary of 'this crime against humanity,' stressing that 'the slaughter and shooting of unarmed and defenseless youth who came with great hopes for fundamental changes and sought freedom and justice. They shouted no to the Islamic Republic and no to tyranny.' Reza Mohammadi and Zartosht Ahmadi Raghb also recalled 'other blatant crimes' of the Islamic Republic in the years 2009 and 2022, stating, 'Now we must remember the families of the victims left behind from inhumane atrocities who are under severe security pressure.' These two political prisoners held in Qazalhasar Prison in Alborz Province also said, 'Case-making and imprisonment for mourners such as Nasrin Shakeri, Nahid Shirpiseh, Mashallah Karami, the Bakhtiari family, and others continue, and we here cry out from the depths of our being, all these dear ones must be released immediately and unconditionally.' Hours before the letter from these two political prisoners calling for the release of political prisoners, Kianoush Sanjari, a political activist and former prisoner in Iran, ended his life in protest against the continued detention of Fatemeh Sepehri, Nasrin Shakeri, Tomaj Salehi, and Arasham Rezaei, as well as in protest against 'Khamenei's dictatorship and partners.' Reza Mohammadi and Zartosht Ahmadi Raghb also emphasized the 'right to life, freedom, and choice,' referring to '46 years of long progress and prosperity that has been forcibly taken from Iranians,' stating, 'The persistence of the ruling repressive apparatus in continuing the process of bullying, oppression, censorship, and dictatorship, supporting terrorism and warmongering, has led to the destruction of Iran and the deepening of the people's plunge into the quagmire of poverty, misery, addiction, corruption, and inflation, and the widening of the astronomical class gap, showing that major and fundamental changes are undoubtedly possible and within reach through the solidarity and unity of the people.' Concurrently with the letter from these two political prisoners and their emphasis on the Iranian people's right to return to the path of 'progress and prosperity,' Prince Reza Pahlavi stated in a message that at the request of the 'great nation of Iran,' he is ready 'to lead change and guide the transitional period,' emphasizing that 'my power comes from your strength.'