Poster of the Week

Halt Execution and Torture in Iran!
Neusha
International Solidarity Front for the Defence of the Iranian People's Democratic Rights
Offset, 1982
Berkeley, California

In 1953, the CIA organized a coup against Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh, democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran, who had nationalized the Iranian oil resources. The CIA reestablished the monarchy, and sponsored the dictatorship of Shah Reza Pahlevi. Protests against the Shah occurred during his visits to the United States and many European countries. The Shah’s brutal regime was overthrown in 1979 and was succeeded by the Islamic Republic under the leadership of the Ayatollah Khomeini. This poster protests the continued use of torture, repression and execution under Khomeini’s regime.

June: Torture Awareness Month

Several years ago, U.S. religious and human rights organizations declared June to be Torture Awareness Month to provide greater visibility to this issue and provide an opportunity for coordinated actions across the country. June 26, the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, reminds us that torture is a crime and provides an opportunity to stand united against this cruel violation of human rights.

This Poster-of-the-Week is done in partnership with the Program for Torture Victims, a non-profit in Los Angeles that rebuilds the lives of torture survivors from over 65 different countries, many of whom have stood up for freedom, democracy, and human dignity. The first organization of its kind in the country, PTV has helped heal the wounds of thousands of survivors through comprehensive services, empowering them to reenter society, reclaim their identities, and work toward a world without torture. For more information, visit www.ptvla.org