12^th November 2025 

The Executive Committee of the Committee for the Defence of Iranian People’s Rights (CODIR) met last night to prepare for its December AGM at a critical time for political developments in Iran and the wider Middle East.

Assistant General Secretary, Jamshid Ahmadi, outlined the ongoing concerns that further attacks initiated by the US and Israel remains a distinct possibility following the attacks in June this year, with sections within both the US and Israeli governments keen to see regime change in Iran.

Mr Ahmadi also outlined the dire situation within Iran, with water shortages and power cuts becoming an increasing feature of daily life for the people of the country, as the economy struggles in the face of international sanctions and widespread domestic corruption.  In addition, the pressure upon the shambolic banking system, worsened by evidenced criminal corrupt practices, is increasing the uncertainties faced by Iran’s working people.

Widespread strike action has greeted the government’s failure to tackle the issues facing the Iranian people, with protests in the oil industry, the public sector and from pensioners all demonstrating against poor working conditions and a deterioration in the value of earnings.

CODIR General Secretary, Gawain Little, condemned the recent arrest by the Iranian government of seven well known academics and writers, pledging to maintain the solidarity organisation’s focus upon human rights in the coming year and campaign for their immediate release.

“The continued arrest, imprisonment and torture of those opposed to the regime, or simply deemed unacceptable to the Iranian government, continues to be an outrage”, said Mr Little. “Any dissent, whether it be from trade union, academic or cultural activists is routinely suppressed in Iran. I have no doubt that our forthcoming AGM will fully back the continuation of our decades long activity to highlight the plight of democratic voices in Iran and our commitment to peace and social justice.”

The meeting went on to agree keynote speakers for the annual meeting and stressed the importance of building the trade union links with Iranian workers to deepen solidarity and understanding.

CODIR affiliates and supporters are invited to attend the online AGM on 6^th December. 

ENDS.

Further information for Editors

Contact Information for CODIR:-

Postal Address:
B.M.CODIR
London
WC1N 3XX
UK
 

Further information on CODIR

CODIR is the Committee for the Defence of the Iranian People’s Rights.  It has been established since 1981 and has consistently campaigned to expose human rights abuses in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

CODIR has worked closely with the trade union movement in the UK, the peace movement, all major political parties and Amnesty International to press the case for an end to torture in Iran’s prisons.  8 major national trade unions in Britain are affiliated to CODIR and support its campaign for peace, human and democratic rights, and social justice in Iran.

CODIR has published Iran Today, its quarterly journal, since 1981, explaining the latest developments in Iran and the most effective way that the British public opinion could demonstrate its solidarity with the people of Iran.

In recent years CODIR has worked closely with Stop the War Coalition and has been vocal against any form of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of the nation.

Office

Central Executive Council

CODIR