Nat Troy sends along this translation from Issue 8 of Khiaban. Thanks Nat!
“What do the people want?”
The coup d’état government did not expect the people to stand against it with such courage and solidarity and has lost its focus. The government continues to fight and try to stand on its feet again. But every action it takes backfires. During a revolution a regime digs itself deeper with every action it takes to preserve itself.
The government closes existing semi-independent media sources; freedom of the press becomes a demand of the people. The government tortures detainees; outlawing torture becomes a demand of the people. The government tramples on the people’s vote and defends its right of rule by the few over society; rule by the people becomes a demand of the people. The government sends the guards and the basij to kill and crush the people; the dissolution of these institutions of repression becomes a demand of the people. The government throws political opponents in prison; the release of all prisoners becomes a demand of the people. The government represses young people and women; the young people and women turnout on the square for their freedom. The government denies people the right to determine their own fate based on religion; the separation of church and state becomes a demand of the people. The government uses existing laws to repress the people; a change in laws becomes a demand of the people. The government uses economic pressure to stop strikes; a society free from economic pressure on living standards becomes a demand of the people. The government prevents freedom of worship; freedom of worship becomes a demand of the people. The government declares a ban on public gatherings; a system that officially recognizes freedom of assembly and protest becomes a demand of the people. The government fires a bullet into the throat of a young women; the voice of young women becomes louder and more enveloping. The government is imprisoning writers; freedom of the pen is becoming more universal. The government is cutting off communications among the people; free and easily accessible communication networks are becoming a more universal demand. Owners of factories and manufacturing centers are fighting demands for strikes; labor control over industrial and manufacturing centers is becoming a demand of workers. The government is jailing people accused of belonging to political parties and organizations; freedom of political party and organization activities is becoming a more widespread demand. The government becomes more barbaric; a noble life is becoming more important.
A transformation is beginning. At the same time, pressure is building. New dreams are taking shape in the consciousness of society. Dreaming of all that seemed impossible has become universal with everyday of struggle. You see the spark in people’s eyes. You see the revolution.
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