November 16, 2024
On the evening of Friday, November 15, political prisoners in Ghezel Hesar Prison gathered to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the November 2019 uprising. They paid tribute to the martyrs of the uprising and reaffirmed their commitment to resisting the ruling regime in Iran
The Iranian regime has long sought to crush the people’s spirit of resistance by imprisoning political dissidents, aiming to suppress any spark of rebellion or protest. However, these prisons, intended as instruments of repression, have transformed into hubs of defiance and inspiration. According to accounts from residents living near the prisons, these areas now resonate with a revolutionary atmosphere, as messages of resistance radiate from within the cells to the outside world, fueling the determination of the Iranian people
The voices of political prisoners in Ghezel Hesar pierced through the prison walls, carrying powerful messages against tyranny and oppression. One of the recurring slogans was: “The uprising and resolve of November (Aban) chart Iran’s path forward,” reflecting their unwavering dedication to continuing the struggle for freedom and justice
They also chanted: “November continues, even if bullets rain on us day and night,” emphasizing that the flames of resistance remain unextinguished. Other chants included: “November, the shining month; the regime is nearing its end,” and “November, the month of blood; Seyed Ali [Khamenei, the regime’s supreme leader] will fall
In their defiant messages, the prisoners vowed to persist in their fight against the regime. A prominent chant declared: “From Kurdistan to Tehran, my soul is a sacrifice for Iran,” highlighting the widespread national support for their cause
Additional slogans such as “Death to the dictator,” “Death to Khamenei,” and “Khamenei, the tyrant; we will bury” echoed their anger toward the regime’s leadership. They also repeated a famous quote of the Iranian Resistance: “The noose of execution no longer affects the summit of Damavand,” symbolizing unyielding resilience in the face of threats
This uprising in Ghezel Hesar can be seen as a continuation of the courage displayed by female prisoners in Evin Prison, who sparked a wave of resistance within prison walls with slogans such as “Woman, resistant, Freedom.” During the 2022 revolution, these women not only inspired a new generation but also spread the spirit of defiance to all political prisoners across the nation. Their courage reminds us that Iran’s liberation movement began with the sacrifices and bravery of women and continues to thrive, from within prisons to the streets
This event underscores the enduring spirit of resistance among Iran’s political prisoners. Despite harsh conditions and the looming threats they face, these prisoners delivered a message of hope and a call for freedom and justice to a nation worn down by oppression. They made it clear that the November uprising is not just a historical memory but a living movement, ongoing until freedom and dignity are achieved