On December 1, 2025, the PMOI Resistance Units and freedom-loving youth across Iran organized a nationwide tribute to Mirza Kuchak Khan, the legendary leader of the Jungle Movement (Jangali Movement), marking the anniversary of his martyrdom. In 15 cities, including Rasht, Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, and Hamedan, brave youth posted flyers and held photo rallies, pledging to keep the flame of liberty alive against the current religious dictatorship.
A symbol of struggle against two dictatorships
Mirza Kuchak Khan (Mirza Yunes), born in Rasht in 1878, was a revolutionary who played a pivotal role in Iran’s Constitutional Revolution. However, he is best known for establishing the Jangal (Jungle) Movement, based in the forests of Gilan, to fight against both foreign occupation—specifically Russian and British forces—and domestic despotism.
We have sworn to carry on Mirza’s path pic.twitter.com/KzaQeKq4mp
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 2, 2025
The activities of the Resistance Units highlighted a profound historical continuity. By chanting the slogan “Death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Leader,” the youth emphasized that the fight for freedom in Iran rejects all forms of tyranny—whether the hereditary dictatorship of the Pahlavi shahs or the religious tyranny of Ali Khamenei.
This slogan holds particular weight regarding Mirza Kuchak Khan. In 1921, after years of resistance, Mirza was pursued by the forces of Reza Khan (who later became the first Pahlavi Shah). Betrayed by insiders and battling the elements, Mirza died of exposure in the Talysh mountains on December 2, 1921. In a display of brutality characteristic of the monarchy, Reza Khan’s mercenaries severed Mirza’s head from his frozen body and displayed it publicly in Rasht and Tehran.
Activities on the ground
In Rasht, Mirza’s hometown, members of the Resistance Units gathered at his tomb. They laid a large floral bouquet with a tag reading, “We have sworn to carry on Mirza’s path.” During the ceremony, one member delivered a speech declaring, “Hail to our great Mirza. We are proud to be his children and we continue his path.”
Shiraz
"Mirza gave his life for his ideals and now flows through the veins and hearts of each of us" pic.twitter.com/7yPRVIi2bY— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 2, 2025
In Tehran, posters appeared on walls declaring, “We are the generation that carried the Mirza’s struggle and ideals,” accompanied by chants of “Death to Khamenei” and “Hail to Rajavi.”
Similar activities were reported in Shiraz, Qazvin, Karaj, Kermanshah, and other cities. Youth held placards with messages such as “Mirza is right here, in the heart of each of us” and “Truly, Mirza was a great teacher of loyalty, sacrifice, patriotism, and compassion.”
A legacy of justice
The tribute serves as a reminder that the regime has failed to extinguish the spirit of resistance. In his last letter, written shortly before his death in 1921, Mirza Kuchak Khan wrote: “Today our enemies call us thieves and plunderers, while we have taken no step except for the comfort and protection of the people’s property and honor.”
Today, the PMOI Resistance Units echo this sentiment, as they are the defenders of the Iranian people against a regime that plunders national wealth and suppresses dissent.