Worker-communist Party of
Press Release
2 on the earthquake in Bam
The Islamic
The number of victims of the Bam disaster is still rising. Some news agencies put the figure for the dead at 50 thousand. The Worker-communist Party of Iran (WPI) is in receipt of reports that say the people, vastly forming their own non-governmental aid centres, are dispatching their donations Bam’s way. News agencies report on the obstacles created by the government to prevent the people’s independent aid initiatives from reaching the people of Bam, often resorting to its military and militia forces. The low standard of state facilities and management also thwart proper rescue and relief works. There are serious weaknesses in its organisation and decision making processes. The government also obstructs the work of international aid workers to the point of disabling them. Even its official media has admitted that thousands of victims have lost their lives because of the cold and delays in relief and rescue operations. It has also been reported that heaps of people’s donations in various parts of the country, especially in Tehran, are lying idle in the open air exposed to the elements, and that the government is taking no action towards sending them to the Bam survivors.
The WPI calls upon everyone to help the people of Bam. Organising independent aid centres is an apt, effective initiative that must continue to spread. The obstructions caused by the government and its armed forces must be confronted with people’s protests. Objection must also be raised against the looting of international donations by the state. Continue sending news about the situation in Bam to the WPI to ensure it will be exposed worldwide.
The Islamic Republic of Iran must be held culpable for the lives of tens of thousands of people, for not heeding the research reports that predicted the strong likelihood of an earthquake in Bam several years ago. This catastrophe must also be added to the already long record of crimes by this regime.
The present widespread loathing of the regime must be directed towards pushing these criminals aside and giving full support and assistance to the survivors of the Bam quake.
WPI International Relations Office, BM