The Iranian Prisoner Solidarity Letter: Some Replies to Critics

The Guardian on August 20th published an open letter from two dozen U.S. and international intellectuals and activists, expressing solidarity with Iranian political prisoners and at the same time opposition to the U.S.-Israeli war and sanctions on Iran. It quoted a former Evin Prison inmate saying that Iran’s prisoners “feel stuck between the two blades of a scissors, the evil regime that imprisons and tortures them and a foreign force dropping bombs on their heads in the name of freedom.” Some Critics accused the letter of implying a false geopolitical symmetry, and several signatories removed their names. However, Walden Bello (twice) and Angela Davis and Mumia Abu Jamal explained why they would not withdraw their signatures. Many Iranian and international intellectuals and activists signed a statement supporting the original letter’s signatories. Names can still be added. Another letter of support from Iranians for the original letter is in process. Stay tuned.

We collect here some responses published on New Politics from commentators who believe that it is important to both oppose U.S. and Israeli imperialism and stand with those victimized by and resisting their own authoritarian regimes.