[fse-esf] support the campaign 'Hands Off the People of Iran'

[Tina at cpgb]

Dear comrades,

I am writing to ask for your support for a recently launched campaign, Hands 
Off the People of Iran.

The initiative for this campaign has come from Iranian organisations and 
individuals. Our aim is to oppose any attack on Iran and at the same time 
give solidarity to the fight of the Iranian people against their oppressive, 
theocratic regime. For example, we have organised meetings and activities in 
solidarity with the teachers, women and students who were out on strike 
again on May Day in Teheran.

The campaign's founding statement can be read on our website at 
www.hopoi.org and, if you agree with its aims, we would very much appreciate 
your support as a signatory (you can sign up online). The list of people who 
have signed up so far is shown on the website.

The campaign has already gained the support of a number of leading left-wing 
politicians in Britain, including members of parliament Diane Abbott, John 
McDonnell, Harry Cohen and Tommy Sheridan (member of the Scottish 
parliament), gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, as well as individuals 
from the arts, media and entertainment such as journalist John Pilger, 
author William Blum, singer-songwriters Peggy Seeger and Tom Robinson, 
film-maker Ken Loach and comedian Mark Steel.

We have contacts with students, workers' and women's organisations that are 
struggling for their democratic rights in Iran. These movements are firmly 
against any US military attack or intervention.
They are also in daily struggle with the Islamic Republic.

The campaign is being set up in a number of European countries and aims, as 
a matter of urgency, to extend itself internationally. Currently, meetings 
are taking place throughout Britain and an
organisation has been set up to dynamically build the campaign. Please get 
in touch if you are interested in organising HOPI meetings in your country 
and we can assist with contacts.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Comradely greetings

Tina Becker
for Hands Off the People of Iran