In remembrance of the flower that did not bloom
Memoir of my dearest sister Latifa Abbasi
Latifa was born in February 1967 into a large family in the city of Saqqez. She had a childhood with deprivations like many other children in this city. The life of children in those days was accompanied by many deprivations and restrictions that were beyond the will and material and social power of the family. She completed her primary education to the third grade of high school
in her hometown. Latifa was a smart and talented student who was studying with great interest. After graduating from school, she helped her mother with household chores. She was dear and lovable among her family and classmates. Her distinctive characteristics were honesty and truthfulness.
Her period of studies in high school coincided with the uprising of 1978-1979 in Iran. Latifa’s life, like others, was influenced by the atmosphere of demonstrations and protests. The desire to participate in the protests was more noticeable among young people than in other sections of society. She was only 12 years old at that time. Under the influence of the political atmosphere, and especially the young members of her family, who all took an active part, she also became interested in political issues. After the revolution, young people turned to activities in the ranks of parties. Latifa sympathized with the left trend and socialism. She became acquainted with Komala. She entered a new phase of life and was involved in organizational activities. Latifa eagerly performed her duties.
In 1983, Latifa and a large number of Komala supporters were arrested by the security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Saqqez. She was held in solitary confinement for three months and subjected to severe physical and mental torture. She was then transferred to the public ward of the prison along with 17 other girls who sympathized with Komala. Latifa was always full of courage and self-giving according to information received from the prison. The comments of a number of Latifa’s comrades, who fortunately survived and some of them are residents of European countries, confirm this too.
She heard the news of her mother’s death. Her mother was always a source of hope and strength in her heart. Islamic authorities did not allow her to bid farewell to her mother.
1983 was the culmination of the Iran-Iraq war. The cities of Iran and Iraq were constantly bombed reciprocally by the bloodthirsty rulers of Saddam’s regime and the government of Khomeini. These bombings caused destructions and death. In one of these attacks, the Saqqez prison was bombed by Iraq on 25.12.1362 Iranian Calendar (15.03.1984). One of the bombs hit the women’s prison ward. Unfortunately, Latifa lost her life along with two other loved ones named Sara and Suwaibeh Mahmoudzadeh, who were supporters of the “Cherickhaye Aqalyiat” organization.
They became victims of a devastating war which was carried out by the two rabid and criminal governments of Iran and Iraq. Many others were injured. Yes, in this painful and heartbreaking event, Latifa, the not blossomed bud of her family, friends and Komala left us forever. The wound of loss in her family has not yet been healed.
Dear Latifa, your memory is lasting and cherished forever.
Your brother Khalid Abbasi, your name and memory are engraved in my heart.
01.10.2020
