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| Avshar Abbasi |
Nationalist groups, known as supporters of the "Iranshahrism" ideology in Iran, have been demanding for several years that the government impose stricter measures against Turkish activists.
Speaking to Voice of America, Turkish activist Avshar Abbasi stated that the Islamic Republic and its judicial institutions are currently implementing the policies proposed by these groups.
Avshar Abbasi differentiates the "Persian proficiency test" initiative from the recent increase in pressure.
"I want to separate this Persian proficiency test from the others. I see it as a continuation of the assimilation policy that has been in place for years, and a specialization of this policy. In other words, since the state itself cannot apply this policy effectively, it is now leaving it to the families. When this project is implemented, families will continue the assimilation process by teaching their children more Persian," says the Turkish activist.
Avshar Abbasi views the harsh prison sentences and the closure of newspapers in Iranian Azerbaijan as part of the policies the Islamic Republic is applying in response to the political crises it faces.
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| Lawyer Musa Barzin recently emphasizes that the decisions made against Turkish activists are not even in accordance with Iranian laws. |
According to him, the government is increasing pressure on non-Persian internal opponents to give them a "warning."
"Yol Press was closed by the Supreme National Security Council. The political and cultural activists' trials have always been interfered with by political institutions. This has not been the case only for non-Persians, but for Persians as well. But today, even the political institution that interferes in judicial matters is making distinctions," Abbasi states.
He adds, "Today, if the regime considers possible pressure, does it also push Persian nationalists to protect itself? Does it also sentence racists to heavy prison terms? For example, does the regime sentence a young person holding a Gray Wolf sign to prison, but give 13 years to those who salute with the Pan-Iranist symbol? On the contrary, it gives them more room."
According to Avshar Abbasi, "The demands and proposals of the Persian nationalists have already started to be implemented by the judicial system. When there is an external threat, there is solidarity between the regime and its Persian opponents. They unite. But they increase the pressure on non-Persian ethnic groups they view as outsiders and subject them to harsher sentences. This is done based on the demands of Persian nationalists who are recognized as opposition outside the government."
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| The activities of "Yol Press," the news and analysis website for Iranian Turks, and its affiliated newspaper "Açıq Yol" have been terminated. |
The Turkish activist draws attention to the statements of prominent figures from reformist groups, such as Said Hajjariyan and Mustafa Taczadeh:
"Said Hajjariyan, known as the brain of the reformists, emphasizes the threat of Iran’s fragmentation and wants the regime to be in solidarity with the Persian nationalists. He also sends a message to the government not to disqualify them in future elections, as they are needed. On the other hand, Mustafa Taczadeh demands the disqualification of non-Persian politicians who are against the Persian nationalists."
Avshar Abbasi adds, "Today, these seemingly incompatible groups need an alliance. Based on that need, they believe that uniting around Aryanism and Persianism will protect them from external threats."
Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Avşar Abbasi: Türk fəallara basqıların artması İran millətçilərinin tələbi idi