City protesters: We are being spied on by Iran
Freedom activists here claim they have had death threats
BIRMINGHAM protesters against the oppressive regime in Iran claim they are being spied on. And a photograph of demonstrations in Birmingham against the religious leadership in their homeland even ended up on the front page of a staterun newspaper in Tehran.
The activists claim they are being spied on and reported to authorities here and abroad, and have received death threats.
It is part of the intimidation they say they receive for speaking out against the excesses of the Islamic regime, even after fleeing Iran and seeking refuge in Birmingham.
In a series of peaceful protests, the group have been regularly proclaiming their opposition to the ruling Ayatollahs and to the tactics of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an offshoot of the Iranian Army proscribed as terrorists by the USA, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The group has lobbied MPs and pressed for stronger sanctions, a visa ban against regime supporters abroad and a UN-backed referendum for the country’s residents to democratically bring about change.
They also want the UK and other countries to boot out supporters of the regime who enjoy the riches and freedom of western life while backing an austere, oppressive regime at home.
Mojan, 45, was one of the protesters among a small group that met with the Birmingham Post.
He said: “We know information gets back to Tehran from those who wish to maintain the status quo.”
Another Iranian living here said a relative in Tehran was shown footage of her on a protest line in Birmingham city centre, chanting for an end to the Ayatollahs.
She added: “She had to deny it was anyone she knew, because it would be used against her.”
The refugees – all now British citizens – told of their continued, legitimate efforts to undermine the rulers in their home country.
Their anger against the regime is soaked in the sadness of being separated from family, friends and country.
“If you cannot see your parents, your family, your friends of 20, 30 years, nor go back to Iran because you do not agree with the regime there, it is very difficult,” said one, a photographer. He was unable to go home to visit his dying father – a loss he feels deeply.
“They have ways of keeping us in check, even here,” said Mojan. “In the UK, if I am a criminal or do wrong, the Government deal with me, just me, not everyone else I know.
“In Iran, if you do something against the regime, they do not deal just with you, but with your brother, your mother, your cousin, everyone, they can be in danger. It is what stops people speaking out.”
But while this close knit group trust each other, they say this does not extend to all other fellow Iranians living in the city.
“Too many are sympathisers to the regime, they succeed because of it,” they claim.
Protester Mohammed received a tangible death threat a year ago, detailing personal information about him and his family, threatening to kill his children if he didn’t cease.
The threat was reported to West Midlands Police, who are continuing to investigate. “It is scary but we have to stand up and be counted. We cannot stay silent,” he said.
West Midlands Police was asked for comment.
■ The Post has not used real names in this story amid fear of retaliation against relatives in Iran.