Unpublished Remarks by Mir Hossein Mousavi to Women's Rights Activists: "We Must Persevere Until We Bring About Change"

Unpublished Remarks by Mir Hossein Mousavi to Women's Rights Activists: "We Must Persevere Until We Bring About Change"
Tuesday, May 24, 2011


Monday May 23rd, 2011 - 100 days have passed since the illegal house arrests of Mir Hossein Mousavi, Zahra Rahnavard, Mehdi Karroubi and Fatemeh Karroubi. During this time, the leaders of the Green movement and their spouses have been illegally denied all contact with the nation of Iran, while facing a myriad of unfounded accusations and allegations. The Green activists and enthusiasts have nevertheless remained steadfast in their support, eagerly awaiting any news from Mir Hossein Mousavi and other key figures within the Green movement.

Kaleme is proud to release the unpublished statements made by Mir Hossein Mousavi when he and his wife Zahra Rahnavard met last year with a group of women's rights activists representing a variety of viewpoints in commemoration of the birth of Hazrat Zahra. The statements made by Zahra Rahnavard were published last year. Today after approximately one year and in honor of National Women's Day and Mothers Day, the statements made by Mir Hossein Mousavi during a meeting that took place with women's activists last year are being published for the first time.

While extending his congratulations to women on the occasion of International Women's Day and Mothers Day, Mir Hossein Mousavi reiterated that in his opinion there are no differences between women and men seeking to achieve freedom and democracy and as such we should all work together when taking steps towards this important goal.

Mousavi stated: "I believe that women have played and will continue to play a pivotal role within the Green Movement. The Women's Movement is part of the Green movement and the destiny of the Green Movement and all movements seeking freedom and justice is interlinked with that of the women's movement. The challenges facing women and the issues associated with women's rights within Iran cannot be resolved unless they become a public issue. There must be no segregation between women and men. Gender segregation is the root cause of the discrimination and the challenges we face today. We cannot have an open and fair society unless we resolve the challenges facing women today."

Gender discrimination imposed in the name of Islam...

Mousavi continued: "The developments of the past year resulted in the rebirth of women and the youth, establishing a new identity for themselves. Their preoccupations and their worlds have also changed. This rebirth brought with it a certain amount of anguish and pain, particularly because our current government structures and legal framework is incompatible with this redefined identity. This is a matter we must address. Women face many serious obstacles in our society - obstacles that have been created in the name of Islam and family values and are based on gender biases and the challenges associated with our legal frameworks.

Mousavi stated: "We have yet to provide a clear road map for a society in which women are able to obtain their rights. When we speak of women's rights, freedom for women, or eliminating gender discrimination, we must do so by providing a framework for women that draws their attention to effects of the elimination of such discrimination in relation to our customs, heritage, fundamental values and political and social challenges. We must paint a picture of a society that includes all segments of our population, encouraging a social movement that motivates more women to become active and involved."

The challenges facing women effects both women and men

While emphasizing that the challenges facing women in Iran is not gender specific and effects both women and men Mousavi added: "Thankfully, men and women are intertwined and it is only when we view them as one that we can resolve the challenges they face. It goes without saying that there is a vast amount of experience in the world regarding this matter. The fate of the Green Movement and the Women's Movement in Iran will remain intertwined. I doubt that the Green Movement can achieve its ideals without women accompanying the movement every step of the way. The reverse is also true; in other words if we are unable to create changes in the current political climate, the challenges women face [in Iran] will not be resolved."

A "Hejab Vice Squad" designed to influence & divert public opinion

Mir Hossein Mousavi explained that in his opinion the recent positioning by the ruling government and their attempts to enforce the Islamic dress code [hejab] are mainly designed to influence and divert public opinion. When asked about the Green Movement's strategy regarding the recent positions by the Friday Prayer Imams regarding Hijab and its supposed relationship with earthquakes* and the recent resurgence of the Hejab Vice Squad, Mousavi responded: "Events are occurring in our society and decisions are being made, that appear not only not to resolve our problems, but are instead designed to create differences amongst us. It goes without saying that our country is prone to experiencing earthquakes. Take Tehran for example that is situated on an fault. Earthquakes can be very dangerous and the government must undoubtedly devise measures to address the risks associated with earthquakes, rather than turn them into dreams and create an association with Hejab. This is exactly how they try to keep people's minds busy creating discord amongst people."

The current climate is not compatible with our Constitution and respect for human dignity

Mousavi added: "The recent insurgence of the Hejab Vice Squad is not focused on enforcing the Hejab, but rather designed to influence and divert public opinion. The Green Movement seeks justice, freedom and the execution of our laws - objectives that if achieved will result in many other challenges being resolved. If we are pained by the measures [taken by the ruling government] it is because the current climate is neither compatible with our Constitution nor does it respect human dignity. Although their measures have failed they nevertheless seek to keep our minds occupied. Though we should continue to be critical of such initiatives, we must refrain from making an issue out of them and keep our focus on the real issues at hand. In other words, we must be careful not to fall into their trap.

Aligning the activities of the women's movement with that of the Green Movement

Mir Hossein Mousavi also addressed a number of questions regarding the One Million Signature Campaign to Change Discriminatory Laws. While referring to the human chain formed last year from Tajrish to Rahahan Square as a sign of national unity Mousavi continued: "In my opinion that day symbolized the essence of the Green Movement. In the past year we offered the slogan of national reconciliation, not only appropriate for national unity but also necessary for resolving the challenges we face. There are some who do not benefit from national reconciliation. If we look in the segments of our society such as the families of prisoners we will find groups and movements that did not exist prior to the Green Movement. Some women were active in the Million Signature Campaign to change discriminatory laws and perhaps even faced accusations for operating independently. As a result of the colorful and open nature of the Green movement the Million Signature Campaign is now linked with the far reaching Green Movement and is no longer looked upon suspiciously. We must be grateful and view reconciliation, friendship and alignment of the various movements as one of our main goals."

The Green Movement opposes any move that would undermine our national unity

Mir Hossein Mousavi added: "We must define clear initiatives and define a framework on a national level designed to bring together the various ethnic groups within our society. The Green movement apposes any movement that would undermine our national unity."

When asked about the position of the various segments of society such as laborers, teachers, farmers, etc. within the Green Movement, Mousavi stated: "Our discussion of justice should not only be limited to judicial and legal justice. Our nation, particularly our laborers and farmers face many challenges and work under inhumane conditions. We must further expand our circle of influence to include these segment of our society. We must at minimum have more compassion for and sympathize with our workers that has not been paid for six months and realize that the challenges they face will only be resolved through dialogue."

Mir Hossein Mousavi reminded everyone of the importance of creating an environment within the Green Movement that is conducive to hearing the voices of all movements, reiterating the importance of making sure that the issues of the women's movement are also further raised within the Green Movement.

We must persevere until we bring out change

In response to a question by a women's activist who inquired how long we have to wait in order to achieve our goals, Mousavi stated: "We cannot assign a time frame when it comes to such matters. What is clear is that we must persevere until we have brought about change. If we continue to resist, express our demands and take steps towards achieving them, we will eventually reach our goals. It is impossible to predict when this will happen. It will depend on the level of our persistence and effort.

Signs that the Green Movement is alive and well

With regards to the issue of hope Mousavi stated: "We must create hope on a national level. If we look back at the past year, some believed that the street protests were similar to those that took place in previous years in Shiraz, Zanjan, Eslam Shahr and Mashhad; movements that were stopped in a matter of one or two days. Some believed that the street protests associated with the Green Movement could also be easily curtailed, but it was not the case. Even if the street protests have discontinued, it does not mean that the movement is no longer alive. The presence of women like yourself at such gatherings and the passionate commemorations for the martyrs of the Green movement such as the one held for Kianoosh Asa at the University of Science & Technology [Elm o Sanaat], demonstrate that the Green Movement is vibrant and continues to grow."

Mousavi reiterated: "In the past year, we have not suffered from blind radicalism, rather people have become aware of the fact that this is a non-violent movement - and this is a major area of strength for the Green Movement."

Mousavi concluded: "The Green Movement has thankfully always belonged to all our citizens. After years of policies and actions leading to a rift between various segments and ethnic groups within our society and years of policies in which some believed that it was to their benefit to create differences, creating a few insiders while sidelining many others, the Green Movement crossed all boundaries, creating alliances and friendships across the various segments in our society - and for this we must be grateful...."

Translator's Note: The reference here is to a statement made last year by Friday Prayer Imam of Tehran, Kazem Sedighi, who said "women who don’t have a suitable appearance" (meaning women who do not fully observe the obligatory Islamic dress code, "hejab") attract young men and lead to the spreading of adultery in the Iranian society which -- according to the cleric -- increases the risk of earthquakes."

Source: Kaleme: http://www.kaleme.com/1390/03/02/klm-58836/

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150186085892606

Banooye Sabz
http://banooyesabzirani.blogspot.com/2011/05/unpublished-remarks-by-mir-hossein.html

Condolence Message of Ayatollah Hashemi to Mousavi family

Condolence Message of Ayatollah Hashemi to Mousavi family
Tuesday 5 April 2011
08:41:14

- Departure of deceased Haj Seyyed Mir-Ismail Mousavi, made me upset.
- I would like to convey my deepest condolence to you, honorable family and to his respectful children especially to engineer Mir-Hussein Mousavi.
- The family who had done decent services for Islam and Revolution and our Islamic country and they attributed to have several martyrs in the path of Islam, the revolution and the country in their records.


Following departure of Haj Seyyed Mir-Ismail Mousavi, Ayatollah Hashemi has offered his condolence to Mousavi family and to his respectful children especially to engineer Mir-Hussein Mousavi.

According to the report of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani web site; the complete text of condolence message of Chairman of the Expediency Council is as following:

We all from God and we will return to him

Dear Mousavi family

Departure of deceased Haj Seyyed Mir-Ismail Mousavi , made me upset.

I would like to convey my deepest condolence to you, honorable family and to his respectful children especially to engineer Mir-Hussein Mousavi.

Family who had done decent services for Islam, Revolution and our Islamic country and they attributed to have several martyrs in path of Islam, the revolution and the country in their records.

I ask God bless this late beatified and to give his family patience.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani
Chairman of the expediency council of the system
March 31, 2011

Official Website of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani
http://www.hashemirafsanjani.ir/?type=dynamic&lang=2&id=3770

Mousavi's Video Message for Workers' Day and Teachers' Day

Mousavi's Video Message for Workers' Day and Teachers' Day
April 2010
Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 6:43am

Mir Hossein Mousavi in a video message for the International Workers’ Day (May 1) and National Teachers’ Day (May 2) emphasised that the hard work of workers and teachers is one of the most important components of national pride and said: “The only way to fulfil the rightful demands of teachers, workers and all classes of people is the return to the constitution and the people’s rights which is the most forgotten part of it.”


The FULL English translation of the transcript of Mir Hossein Mousavi’s video message for the International Workers’ Day and Iranian Teachers’ Day is as follows:

Greetings to all workers and teachers of the country

I congratulate the Workers’ Day and the Teachers’ Day to all you dears. We are on the eve of these two very important days. The hard works and activities of workers and teachers are among the most important factors of our national authority. They are the producers of wealth and the producers of science, virtue and morality in our country and without their hard work achieving fundamental values is not possible in a system and after the formation of governments and nations the role of these two classes has become very important in the countries and therefore paying attention to their fate, tendencies, problems and issues is very important and that is why all countries try to pay special attention to these two classes.

The International Workers’ Day that is being celebrated all around the world and in our country is a sign of the attention to the work forces and their importance. From the early days of the revolution it was a tradition to pay attention to this day and also the Teachers’ Day that its importance is as much as the Worker’s Day. Here in this short message I would like to share with you the issues that are common between these two classes and all the people.

The truth is that we are getting close to these two important days in a situation that the country is in crisis and is having vast economical, political and social problems and each one of these problems has reflected in the fate and everyday lives of these two classes and has many effects.

The domestic market of the country has been handed out to the foreigners

We are witnessing the economical situation of the country. Inflation, the decrease in the rate of investments, corruption, the spread of lies and incompetence, the unpaid wages of the workers and their growing unemployment, the everyday shutdown of the factories or their operations in low capacities while our national markets have been filled with foreign goods and in reality we have handed out our entire domestic markets with respect to goods, services and investment to foreigners and we all aware how much this issue affects the fate of our nation, our independence, our freedom and in the fate of our workers.

The issues and the problems of workers and teachers is tied to the majority of the issues and problems of the country

On the other hand we have the restriction on the freedoms. We have the silencing of the people, shutting down the newspapers and filling the prisons as well as the limitations imposed on unions and political organisation and all these affect the fate of the workers and teachers. This is why it is very important that the workers and teachers realise (although I know they already do) that the problems and hardships they experience and feel in their everyday lives is related to the major issues and problems of the country and this is a direct relationship.

The demands of workers and teachers are the fundamental and main demands of the nation

The demand of a worker or a teacher if is said at the moment and is the natural demand of these two classes, we should pay attention that are the very fundamental and basic demands for the whole country. What does a worker or a teacher want? They want the country to develop. The development of the country is for their benefit. The lack of development of the country is harmful for the entire nation and the most would be harmful for the working class either in the industry of in service sectors; either in villages or anywhere else and also would be harmful for the teachers.

They (workers and teachers) want freedom, because freedom would make it possible for them to form unions and political groups and be active politically and find ways to solve their own problems and the problems of the nation. They are seeking justice, either in economy and everyday life or in assigning social dignity, this would make it possible for them to serve better and produce more wealth, they can defend country’s economy better and with their activities in industry and market defend the independence of the country, and in with their honoured dignity they will achieve a position that they can support the innovative and progressive ideas in country.

The dignity of teachers has been degraded in the eyes of the politicians but it has not been degraded in the eye of the nation

The revolution has stated with this idea. We should remember that most of the members of the parliament in the first term [after the revolution] were teachers. Martyrs Rajaii, Bahonar, Motahari were teachers. We know Shariyati as a teacher and he is a teacher.Being teacher was such that would make nation trust that person. I should add that if this dignity has been degraded in the eye of politicians but it has not in eye of the nation. When we say that we return to the reference groups we see that workers and teachers are still on the high levels of reference groups and are still trusted by the nation; but some events happened in the country that this statue is not honoured as it was on the early days of the revolution. This honoured statue made it possible for the teachers to create a bright and deep atmosphere among the nation and train a proud generation; and they themselves and many workers defended the country on the front lines [during the Iran-Iran war]. But on the contrary we see today that some of the teachers and workers are in prison and it is really bitter to talks about this issue on the eve of these two days.

It is for the benefit of workers and teachers that we have a balanced foreign policy

It is natural that if we pay attention with respect to freedom, justice, prosperity and development of the country or other aspects for instance these two classes are strongly against corruption. They know that it is harmful for them and their interests and is harmful for the national interest and national security of the country when the topic of huge oil revenues is brought up while the promises of bringing hundreds of millions of dollars that were supposed to be brought to their kitchen tables never happened and while instead they learn about the news of corruptions, incompetence and mismanagement in the economy of the country. Naturally, consciously and presently, it is for the benefit of teachers and workers that we have a balanced foreign policy. We should not create so much drama. We should not go on without a specific agenda. We should not endanger our national interests with creating so many ups and downs.

The reckless actions will have their effect on people’s quality of life

The security of the country is not going to be preserved with guns and military forces

These unwise actions immediately show its impact on people’s kitchen tables. The greatness of a country is in the hope and encouragement of that nation about their future; the view and hope that they have for their future. The security of a country cannot be preserved with only guns and armed forces. During the holy defence ear (Iran-Iraq war) we did not have [organised] army or Revolutionary Guards. They were created gradually. In fact the army was dissolved at the beginning of the revolution and was organised again; the Basij and Revolutionary Guards were also formed later. The reason of our resistance during that 8-year war that we did not give in even one centimetre of our land to the enemy for sure was not our many weapons! Our enemy had more weapons and support and had all the help from the world but our nation including these classes of workers and teachers could resist. This was due to the people’s hope about the future of the system. But when this trust is damaged, when cases of corruption are brought up and are not followed up and even would be raised in the parliament and yet nothing happens and suddenly the cases are closed and then from here and there news would be heard, it is natural that we would lose the hope and belief in the system.

The issues of workers and teachers are not separate

Dear workers and teachers know that your issues are the issues of our entire nation and are not separate. If you have problems in forming independent unions and every action you take is answered with limitations and arrests and you are facing problems in your activities; when you go to the classroom with fear and concern because you don’t know if you can tell the right word and defend justice in front of your students, defend justice with your heads holding high and with pride; and testify to the brightness of the white and darkness of the black and don’t give up; and when you face fear and insecurity in these issue, it is natural that these concerns are national concerns and are the concerns of all of us!

The path that the Green Movement is taking with this regards is base on this fact that the solution to our problems depends on a series of activities. It is not that we solve this problem once with promises and once with charity, once with increasing or decreasing salaries, or for example when it gets close to elections we become active and jump from one branch to another. These will not resolve the problems of our teachers, workers, employers and entrepreneurs!

We have no other way than returning to the constitution

I believe that the only way is to return to the constitution. There is no other way for us other than returning to fulfill all of the constitution. This is the least costly way. This is the way to solve our problems in a national level; to solve the problems of our Islamic market so that they are not filled with low quality foreign-made goods. We can defend our national industries so that we can protect the rights of our workers to prevent them from losing their jobs and unpaid wages every day. So that we don’t get buried in the foreign markets and that our staffs don’t go wasted. By returning to the constitution we can prevent corruption and by reinstating people’s rights we can solve the problems. Except free, not pre-selected, competitive elections, freedom of press and freeing political prisoners and groups, there is no other way in front of us; and moving towards the constitution is in the benefit of the whole nation, in the benefit of all who are devoted to their people and seek prosperity of their nation.

We promised people to execute the constitution. The rights of people are the most forgotten parts of the constitution

This is our national covenant and the accord between the people and the government and any lessening of this covenant is a betrayal of people’s trust. People and the government signed that the government would execute the constitution without change. If we consider parts of it inefficient we should reform it. The constitution is not carved in stone but [even for that] we should act according to the constitution and we should honour the rights of people which are the most forgotten parts of the constitution so that problems get resolved one after the other and that way, God willing, the statures of teachers and workers in a way that is suitable of our country and society will be reinstated.

May you succeed and may both these days be happy for the entire nation.

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=121370207879766