Mir Hossein Mousavi’s Daughters Congratulate the Newly Elected President of Iran

Mir Hossein Mousavi’s Daughters Congratulate the Newly Elected President of Iran
By Banooye Sabz
June 16, 2013

June 16, 2013 – [Kaleme] On the eve of the eight hundred and fifty second day of the illegal house arrest of former presidential candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi, Mehdi Karroubi and Zahra Rahnavard, Mousavi and Rahnvard’s three daughters published a statement congratulating Ayatollah Hassan Rohani, the newly elected president of Iran stating: “Your victory in the eleventh presidential elections is the result of the well deserved efforts of a patient, forgiving and resilient nation that has seen their perseverance, sacrifices, martyrdom, imprisonments and house arrests lead to fruition on the anniversary of June 15th [25 Khordad].”

The complete congratulatory statement as provided to Kaleme is as follows:

To the honorable Ayatollah Hassan Rohani, the elected president of the people of Iran,

Your victory in the eleventh presidential elections is the result of the well deserved efforts of a patient, forgiving and resilient nation that has seen their perseverance, sacrifices, martyrdom, imprisonments and house arrests lead to fruition on the anniversary of June 15th [25 Khordad].*

We extend our congratulations to you and our nation at large. We congratulate both those who chose to forgo their right to vote as a result of their concerns for the pain and chagrin associated with the tragic events following the previous election cycle, and those who created an uprising based on their hope for change, despite the fact that they were uncertain of the results of their votes. We are hopeful that through wisdom and respect for law, mistrust will transform into trust and our nation’s entrustment will lead to utmost pride and stability and cohesion for all.

We the daughters of Mir Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard pray for your success as you traverse this momentously dangerous path, wishing you success in the fulfillment your campaign promises.

Kokab, Zahra and Narges Mousavi

*[Translator's Note: Reference to the million march rallies by supporters of the Green Movement on June 15th, 2009, protesting the election results that announced Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the elected president of Iran.]

Source: kaleme http://www.kaleme.org/1392/03/26/klm-148050/

Banouye Sabz
http://banouyesabz.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/mir-hossein-mousavis-daughters-congratulate-the-newly-elected-president-of-iran/

Mir Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard’s Position on the Upcoming Presidential Elections as Described by their Daughter Zahra

Mir Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard’s Position on the Upcoming Presidential Elections as Described by their Daughter Zahra
By Banooye Sabz
June 11, 2013

June 10th, 2013 – [Kaleme - Haniyeh Rezaii] In an interview with Kaleme opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi’s daughter Zahra Mousavi denounces the continued pressure and restrictions imposed upon her family, discusses Mir Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard’s position on the upcoming presidential elections, while once again expressing concern regarding the physical well being of her parents.

The full content of Zahra Mousavi’s interview with Kaleme is as follows:

When was the last time you heard from your parents? Do you have any update on their current condition?

One of my sisters was recently allowed a very short visit with our parents. If we take this past visit into account, in the past 7 months two of us have been allowed one visitation and the third sister two visitations with our parents. As you can see our visitation rights continue to be restricted and we continue to grapple with the pressure imposed upon us by the security apparatus in Iran. We are also deprived of all phone calls. They won’t even grant us the basic rights afforded to all prisoners under the law. On the rare occasion that we have been granted visitation, it has been impossible to visit with our parents in a peaceful environment given the commotion associated with the unannounced and unexpected visitations, the extreme psychological pressure exerted on us and on our parents, the heavy presence of security officers and the watchful eyes of the security cameras. Given the restricted nature of the visitations we generally have little time for extensive conversations, other than greetings and a brief dialogue about our lives. As a result we don’t have detailed information on their condition and well being. It is difficult to have a real conversation both for them and for us.

In your opinion, how are your parents enduring their house arrest?

Our parents are political figures. Their life together has always been a combination of a normal and loving existence intertwined with their political activities. The ramifications of having a politically active life in countries with similar condition such as ours are apparent to all. As a result, despite the fact that the level of corruption and injustice far exceeds what they could have imagined, our parents were nevertheless always mentally prepared for the potential consequences of their political activism. Though they have always been in great spirits and their faith has only strengthened as a result of the difficulties over the years, their physical condition has however seriously deteriorated and this is one of our greatest concerns. We have endured the pain and anxiety of separation, the lack of news regarding our parents and the complex and cruel nature of the interactions with the security apparatus, but their physical condition is concerning to say the least.

Can you please expand upon this last point? What exact physical ailments are your parents suffering from?

My mother’s blood sugar has increased and the arthritis in her hands and shoulders is much more prominent. She is in pain and yet nothing has been done regarding her medical condition. My father was also supposed to go for a check up with the doctors who preformed his cardiac stent operation in May, but the security agents announced that they will take him to a hospital of their choice. When my father went for his first check up and stress test to this hospital affiliated with the security apparatus, as a result of an apparent collusion between the security agents and the physicians, they did not shut off the stress test machine despite the fact that my father was not feeling well and the stress test was positive. Given the circumstances of his last visit, my father did not feel comfortable putting his life in the hands of the aforementioned physicians and facility and did not agree to continue treatment there. As a result, he has been unable to complete his medical treatment. They are however providing him with the medicine that was prescribed by his former physician. Despite our continued insistence to review his medical files we continue to be deprived of access to his files.

Are the conditions imposed upon you and your parents related to the upcoming elections and as a result of the crisis that has engulfed the nation?

The conditions imposed upon our parents have become harsher as we approach the elections and our communication with them has been even further restricted. They are being treated by physicians that are not trusted by the family. They [the ruling establishment] are fearful that father may find an outlet and say something to the nation that may lead to any change. We see no other reason for the increased restrictions.

In recent weeks there have been many rumors about Mir Hossein Mousavi’s stance regarding the upcoming elections. Did your parents make any statements regarding the elections during the two short visits you had with them?

Our parents did not make any specific recommendations to us. With regards to whether or not we would participate in the elections, they neither expressed their opinion, nor did they expect us to explain anything. They did mention in the last two brief visits however, that under the current restrictive security measures imposed upon them, they are not privy to the details of the circumstances of our society and as a result will refrain from speaking about the elections.

Do you believe that the situation will continue as is, or will there be any changes?

We are always hopeful. Our parents are also hopeful that not only their circumstances, but the circumstances of all prisoners will change. This situation cannot continue for ever and this crisis will continue to manifest itself in some form or other and it cannot be denied. Even though some may be afraid to utter our parents’ names as a result of the heavy security atmosphere engulfing the nation, they may instead dare to speak of their address. Even if people may be fearful of referring to this continued illegal detention, I still believe that their circumstances are relative, in other words they will evolve in relation to the circumstances and changes taking place in the country. It is very difficult to make exact predictions in Iran. God willing we are hopeful that all political prisoners behind bars will be released so that this great crisis facing our nation can be resolved and peace and tranquility can once again reign.

As Mir Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard’s family members what are your demands when it comes to their current circumstances?

When our parents were arrested our initial demand was the right to see them. The repeated insults and pressure each time we went to the prison at Akhtar street and demanded to see our parents but returned home empty handed had a heavy toll on the family. We were shocked when observing the tragic and heinous scenes and took refuge in our homes. Today, however, our one and only demand is the immediate and unconditional release of our parents from prison. They have been treated unjustly and imprisoned because they love their people and only want what is best for their country. They have been deprived of their basic human rights. They have even been deprived of the same laws protecting all prisoners, despite the challenges associated with those laws. While detained and isolated from the outside world, they have been unfairly accused of false charges. They have put the most nationalistic , sympathetic and compassionate citizens of our country who are devoted to our nation in the hands of the most brutal segments of the IRGC and the security apparatus, accusing them of the most bizarre and unbelievable charges such as association with foreign powers and inciting unrest and upheaval; an accusation that they themselves know not to be true and is viewed as false by the nation at large. We are their children an remain loyal to our parents while believing in the path they have chosen. We know what our rights are and are fully aware of the rights of our parents. We realize that we should be allowed to have normal visitation rights with them and under the circumstances are extremely concerned and demand an immediate end to the current circumstances.

What are your expectations from the people, your supporters, friends and activists?

Our parents did not turn their back on justice. They responded to the trust and affection bestowed upon them by the Iranian nation in an ethical and compassionate manner. We are confident that the people will not abandon them. We are confident that they will respond to our parents’ promise and covenant by providing their support and being mindful of their sensitive and critical circumstances. It is both this tangible and intangible presence that has helped keep our parents safe during these perilous circumstances.

Source: Kaleme - http://www.kaleme.org/1392/03/20/klm-146970/

Banouye Sabz
http://banouyesabz.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/mir-hossein-mousavi-and-zahra-rahnavards-position-on-the-upcoming-presidential-elections-as-described-by-their-daughter-zahra/

Fervor ahead of Iran election

Mousavi: Put the Current Destructive Policies on Referendum (FULL EN)

Mousavi: Put the Current Destructive Policies on Referendum (FULL EN)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 6:59am

Mir Hossein Mousavi, in an interview with Kaleme described the characteristics of the Green Movement and stated that this movement is the outcome of the unanswered demands of the recent hundred years of Iran’s history and is a lively, freedom-seeking, liberating and modern movement with look to transition and past which its roots deepens as each day passes. Mousavi in this interview which was conducted recently addressed to the totalitarians said: “Assume that we all are either enemy or deceived by enemy; you raise the Green flag yourselves by returning to the side of the people and law and distancing yourself from tyranny." Mir Hossein Mousavi in this interview asked the government officials: “Who has given you such a permission to put country’s vote against the whole world with your adventures policies and tyranny and created such dire conditions in economical and political affairs of the country? Don’t praise yourselves! Hold a referendum and see if people support these destructive policies or not!” Mir Hossein Mousavi stated that the integrity of the system depends on fulfilling the promises and implementing the law regarding the cases such as the crimes committed in Kahrizak prison and attacks against the student dormitories as well as acting on the complaints and letters of the innocent political prisoners. Mir Hossein Mousavi in this interview also talked about the economy crisis of the country and stated that besides the security and economical dangerous that the country is facing today from outside, one of the domestic fundamental problems of the country is “disadvantaging the country by not utilizing the qualified recourses in managing the crisis in political, economical and social affairs of the country; the qualified resources whom instead of being busy trying to solve the problems, which are the outcome of the destructive actions of these fellows (government officials), are either in prisons or have been isolated.”

The full transcript of Mir Hossein Mousavi's interview is as follows:

One of the critical debates in national stage is the state of the Green Movement in current conditions. What is your analysis of the current state of the movement and who do you predict its future?

The Green Movement is very much alive and its roots deepen as each day passes. "Green Movement" is a green phrase that has emerged from the loving hearts of our nation and is the outcome of the unanswered demands of the recent hundred years especially the demands risen from the Islamic Revolution, and more importantly is a modern movement in compliance with the conditions and necessities of today's world. If you pay attention you can see that the slogans and demands of the movement are expressed such that it is difficult for the totalitarians to publicly oppose them.

Describe precisely what are the slogans and demands which makes it hard for the totalitarian camp to publicly oppose them?

Who can publicly oppose freedom-seeking, justice-seeking or non-selective, free and competitive elections? Or who can reject to rely on the values of diverse ethnic cultures; or easily and loudly announces that does not recognize the inherited human dignity; or does not want the poeple to be in charge of their own destiny; or says that reproducing tyranny, which according to late Alameh Naini[1] is the worst kind of tyranny, is a good thing?

We know that in the conscience and nature of no human, even among those security and military forces and today's black-wearing Basijis, is the will to kill, suppress and imprison scholars, teachers, workers, women and men; except a few sick ones or those who are reliant to power and those who have their interests in plundering national resources. Therefore when those who are against the Green Movement cannot oppose to the demands of the movement, they fabricate "enemy"; the kind of fabricating enemy that was evident in the audio tape of [the speech of] commander Moshfegh.[2] Therefore the audio tape of [the speech of] Commander Moshfegh is an important historical document.

For several times you have pointed to the importance of the audio tape of the remarks made by commander Moshfegh, the same remarks that made the seven senior reformists file a complaint against the coup election, first of all what is the importance of those remarks? second, in your opinion what was the reason behind the anger of totalitarians from the complaint filed that was based on the remarks of commander Moshfegh?

The remarks made by commander Moshfegh besides the fact that is a document to prove the fraud and coup carried out in election, is very important to demonstrate the downfall trend of thoughts of the enemies of nation; this is the reason behind the anger of totalitarians from the complaint filed against the wicked speech.

But in response to this anger we can say, let's assume that we all are enemy or deceived by enemy; you, without considering us, honor your promises you made to the people which are respecting the rights of the people, preserving freedoms , implementing the constitution comprehensively and honoring the rights of the people to take charge of their own destiny.

You raise the Green flag yourselves by returning to the people and the law and distancing from tyranny . Who has given you such a permission to put country’s vote against the entire world with your adventures policies and tyranny and create such dire conditions in economical and political affairs of the country? Don’t cry Hurray for yourselves! Hold a referendum and see whether people support these destructive policies or not!

How do you express the most important features of the Green Movement in current situation?

In the most summarized way I should say that the Green Movement is a freedom-seeking, liberating and completely modern[ movement] that looking to traditions and past is a method that has not restricted it and also hope for the future is not such that had it tied up fantasizing. The destructive policies of the government officials also have had fundamental role in making people pay attention to the slogans [chosen] for the movement and gradually have made it the only alternative for the status quo.

We hear that the fellows (government authorities) in their official propaganda claim that they have finished off the Green Movement and even sometime they easily use the phrase "suppress", what is your opinion regarding this claim?

The test for this claim is very easy, only if without filling the streets with black-wearing armed forces in events such as 16 Azar (national student day) or 25 Khordaad (the anniversary of the historic protest of the people against the election fraud), let the people demonstrate their views based on their rights which have been stated in the article 27 of the constitution.[3]

Our problems will not be solved by counting on the rallies which are organized by checking attendance in [government] offices, encouraging or scaring [people] or by mobilizing military parties and organizations; the very same spontaneous chants of "God is great" on the last Monday of the month of Shahrivar (September 20, 2010) by itself gave an answer to all those [government] engineered gatherings.

I response briefly to this claim by saying that the effects that the Green Movement has had till now cannot be cleared out. You just look at the cracks that have been emerged in the structure tainted with corruption and oppression; these cracks in some cases have turned into non-repairable gaps, and they (totalitarians) in order to cover these gaps have no choice but to constantly tell lies.

The integrity of the establishment today depends on fulfilling the promises and implementing the law in the cases such as the disasters of Kahrizak prison or the letters of the innocent political prisoners (describing how they have been tortured) or the crimes committed in the attacks against the student dormitories; and it is obvious that the government officials have no solution for these cases and that is why the lies are increasing every day more than the day before, their true nature is revealed to the people of Iran and the world.

In my opinion converting lying into a method to run the country is the sign of fear as well as the sign of decline; they (totalitarians) not only are scared from the street rallies and demonstrations but they are even scared from green wristbands of artists, athletes and youth.

We should remember that in the absence of the movement this organized corruption, oppression and dictatorship could have been stayed hidden for long time and could have put the country in face of unrecoverable dangers in future.

In summary, I am saying that when in front of billions of people and from the podium of United Nations one says that there are no political prisoners in Iran and all those who have been imprisoned wanted to kill the police, or when one cannot hide the fear from green wristbands of the athletes and artists, just proves that the movement is present at all time and everywhere in Iran and around the world and will not leave them at peace and has made the situation so hard for oppressors that acknowledging the most obvious is equal to leaving the power for them; and that is why promoting awareness has vital role for the future of the country and the movement. Bringing the armed forces to the streets on the eve of the Qods Day [4] to scare people shows that the totalitarians are very well aware of the liveliness of the movement; now if a minster unconsciously loses it in face of green wristbands of the filmmakers, it should not be taken seriously.

Let's talk about economy. In the country in addition to political crisis there are clear signs of economical crisis. The exchange rates, the price of gold, the stop of opening credit lines, reduction in oil revenue, the strikes that occurred in the recent months in country's major bazaars, unemployment, inflation and everyday economical problems are evident for the people; but on the other hand it has been said [by government officials] that these sanctions are useful for the country and we go around the sanctions and similar remarks! As someone who was in charge of the government during 8-years of the most critical era (Iran-Iraq war) of the country, what is your opinion regarding the current economical crises and government's claims?

Following the resolution 1929 in a note I immediately stated that this resolution and the previous resolutions were avoidable and thoughtless remarks and adventurous actions in foreign policy for domestic use led to the issuance of this resolution and its consequences, and unfortunately still the former trend is continuing.

One can put the recent speeches and remarks made in New York up for discussion among professors, scholars and even knowledgeable experts of foreign ministry from national interests point of view so that it can be determined how much these positions were beneficial for our national interests. However it is possible that in the coffee shops of some Arab countries there would be some praises but the true effects of these positions will be felt more and more every day on the kitchen tables of poor and underprivileged as well as in the Bazaars (markets) and national economy.

Aside from the foreign security and economic dangers we are facing, a more fundamental domestic problem which might not be noticed in the first look is disadvantaging the country from utilizing qualified resources for managing the crisis in political, economical and social affairs.

The system is engaged in dangerous illusions and is destroying all the small and large bridges behind itself, otherwise in the middle of all these issues they would have not come up with the idea of eliminating the day of "Dialogue Between Civilizations"[5] from country's calendars. This very same minor act clearly shows the short-minded and biased views that the country is suffering from.

These fellows think that the stage of domestic and foreign policies of the country is like the narrow old alleys in which they could defeat the rivals with bluffing, swearing and fighting. The problem is that these values have been confused; there has been a confusion between the major national interests and petty personal interests, and between the complicated international stage and trivial fights in neighborhoods, otherwise they would have acted with more thoughts and caution.

In all these, the chants for values and religious slogans are louder than ever; and I say that if truly Islam and Iran were valuable to them, they would have not rejected all these elite resources from the system. Where should Aminzadeh [6] be today, in poison or in the Foreign Ministry? And today should Safaai-Farahani [7] be in prison and hospital or in the Ministry of Economy and Finance?

Whether the totalitarians like it or not the majority of the recourses and managers who could be influential in [solving] this crisis are in Participation Front, Mojahedin for Islamic Revolution Organization, Kargozaran party, Etemad-Melli party and similar [reformist] organizations and in all these the major issue of the General Prosecutor and spokesman of the judiciary, and in fact spokesman of the entire system, is to announce that these organizations are illegal and arrest their members!

I am saddened when I see that the distinguished managers of the country instead of being busy solving the problems and eliminating the effects of the destructive actions of these fellows (totalitarians) are either in prison or have been isolated. We all witnessed that some of these [former] managers had made miracles in executive stage. Today all the men and women, either unknown or well-known, who are either wanted or are in prisons could have solved many of country's problems.

I am advising out of care that in these difficult days, which will become even more difficult, pay attention to all the thousands managers and qualified resources who have been put aside from organizations and utilize their experiences as much as possible; although I should not expect an iron nail to go into a stone!

What is your opinion regarding the official claims of having the problems of the country solved which is being heard a lot in official media these days?

In this regards I should say that transparency and admitting that there is a crisis are impartible parts of the solution. By covering the problems and just talking we will not have any oil [revenue] to take to people's kitchen tables [8] or provide our beloved Iran's security.

Lying and giving reverse impression of the truth should be stopped so that we can have all the people behind the system. We should know that in the long run more important for the people it is to have their rightful demands fulfilled and their inherited dignity be respected than the name of the state. If you want to preserve Islam you should show in practice that Islam is not incapable of fulfilling people's rights and their right to chose their own destiny and to solve the problems of the country and is against oppression, corruption, bullying, favoritism and repression.

No government and political system can defend itself in face of serious dangers unless by creating unity among its nation. The way to attract people is to assure them that their votes will not be stolen, and it will be them who can decide how their representative should speak in the United Nations and be friend with which country and be enemy with which one, and it will be their representatives [in the parliament] who can decide when to support the administration and when to impeach them; otherwise by giving two contradicting statements in one day, one in praise and one in condemnation of the administration, people will not be separated from the Green Movement.

Recently one of the spokesman of Motalefeh (conservative front) said that they should distance the core of the people from Mousavi, Karroubi and Khatami in order to solve the issue of "sedition" [9] It seems like this is the new strategy of these fellows. What is you analysis of their new strategy?

I think it is a wise strategy but people will be attracted to the organizations that do not irrelevantly categorize people to "insiders" and "outsiders" for their own benefit and defend people's rights.

No problem, Motalefeh can also pay attention and follow up on the letters written by Hamzeh Karami and Abdollah Momeni and the defence statement of Arya Aramnejad and the activists of Mazandaran province (north of Iran)[10] , and also announce their clear view opposing torture, forced confessions and repentant-making; or as an old party protest to the illegal arrests of the members of the Freedom Movement (reformist), which also is an old organization and party. The problems will be solved when we close our eyes on what categorizes as "insiders" and "outsiders" and defend the justice, even if it would be to our detriment. I am sure that if the great Martyr Araghi [11] was alive today he would have defended the right and justice even if it would have been to his own and his allies disadvantage.

[1] Religious scholar and researcher

[2] Referring to the audio tape leaked from the speech of a high ranking Revolutionary Guards, known as commander Moshfegh, in which he described how the militia forces under his commands interfered in the campaign and election process in order to bring Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power and caused numerous problems for the reformist candidates especially on the day of election.

[3] Article 27th of Islamic Republic's constitution clearly states that holding gatherings and assemblies are free as long as no weapons are carried in them and they are not contradicting the obvious laws of Islam.

[4] Qods Day is the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in which rallies are held in solidarity with Palestinians and condemnation of oppression against the innocent people and since the rigged presidential election in 2009 the Greens have used it to demonstrate their rage and protest against the oppression of the coup government in their own country.

[5] Dialogue Between Civilizations was an idea proposed by Seyyed Mohammad Khatami during his presidency at United Nations general assembly with the aim of replacing dialogue for confrontation among the countries. Since then there has been an international organization in United Nations dedicated to this subject.

[6] Reformist figure and members of Participation Front who has been imprisoned along with many other reformist figures in the aftermath of rigged presidential election.

[7] Reformist figure and members of Participation Front who has been imprisoned along with many other reformist figures in the aftermath of rigged presidential election. Recently Safaai-Farahani suffered a heart attack while in prison and has been hospitalized for treatment.

[8] Referring to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's campaign promise when he ran for president first time in which he made a pledge to the people that if he would become president he would bring the share of every Iranian from oil revenue to their homes!

[9] The term used by the totalitarians referring to the Green Movement.

[10] All innocent political prisoners who wrote open letters to the judiciary or in their defence statements described how they have been tortured in prison and unjustly tried and sentenced to heavy prison times.

[11] Senior member of Motalefeh who was martyred while defending the country during Iran-Iraq war.

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=435247532605

Police Force Will Not Solve the Problems of Those Who Hold the Power

Police Force Will Not Solve the Problems of Those Who Hold the Power
Monday, September 13, 2010 at 2:53am

On many levels, the regime is moving towards Machiavellism and is willing to justify any means to achieve this goal. This is one of the main characteristics of a ruling power that forbids individuals to ask questions. Under such conditions, the rights of human beings are easily ignored and even killing an individual is justified as a means to gain political control and remain in power. Deceit becomes a means for remaining in power and the line between personal and national interests is easily crossed.

The Green Movement will not be stopped because of increased security measures or the elimination of its followers

In an interview with Kaleme, Mir Hossein Mousavi reiterated that the security restrictions surrounding him are nothing new and have been prevalent since the 10th presidential elections when illegal restrictions were first imposed upon him.

Mousavi stated that when lies and deceit become the main means to govern a country and individual interests take the place of national interests, we stoop to levels where when a Marja keeps quiet, the government will leave the Marja alone; if a Marja eulogies and praises the powers that be, they are referred to as grand spiritual leaders, their images shown on the government owned television station IRIB; the level of attention received, is directly proportional to the level of praise given to the ruling powers. On the other hand, for example, if the same Marja criticize the powers that be, or expresses an opposing opinion, he is immediately disowned, reduced to nothing, rendered disqualified as a spiritual figure, accused and slandered, his offices, home and mosque raided and his followers attacked by so called rogue forces.

The complete content of Kaleme’s discussions with Mousavi with regards to the recent security restrictions is as follows:

It has been reported that there has been an increase in the security restrictions surrounding you? What is your opinion regarding this issue?

The illegal restrictions against me and this type of behavior and inconvenience dates back to the 10th presidential elections and began when my election headquarters were attacked on the afternoon of June 12th, 2009. Of course, in addition to existing evidence and plenty of documentation pointing to the aforementioned fact, the objective of those who engaged in these fraudulent actions became very clear to all when they attacked the election headquarters of opposition candidates before the votes were counted, and arrested revolutionary and political figures on the day after the elections and the days that followed. Fortunately because of their mishap and the publishing of the content of two tapes in which “commanders in charge” spoke of what had happened, the public was able to judge for themselves. In any event, the restrictions you refer to began then and continue until this day.

Are you then confirming the report that you now face stricter security restrictions?

Yes the reports regarding increased security restrictions are true. Recently these limitations have become even more severe because the security forces are fearful of people coming to the streets. When you add to that the fact that the head of my security has been prevented from performing his duties, the issue becomes controversial and alarming to say the least. Though he was the head of my security for over 20 years, he was removed from his post. Who knows what the intentions were behind this move.

Do you think that their [ruling government] hope is to limit the activities of the movement through these types of restrictions?

If this is their goal, then they are sorely mistaken. The roots of this movement are strong enough that it will not be stopped because of security restrictions or by eliminating me from the picture. Continuous dissatisfaction and the lack of legitimacy of this government led to our nation’s current situation. If the slogan “Where is my Vote” was able to bring together millions of peaceful citizens on June 15th, 18th and 20th of last year, today, the oppressive policies of this government over the past year and the unacceptable living conditions of our citizens coupled with international pressure have only led to an increase in strength of a movement that was unexpected. I myself, brother Karroubi and others are but humble companions of the people. They should be fearful of the people’s anger and not fearful of us.

Is it your opinion then that the importance of the election fraud has faded now that there is increased dissatisfaction in our society?

Absolutely not! On the contrary, the disastrous and made up policies, coupled with lies and oppression have made our citizens much more aware of the importance of free and fair elections. With the passing of every day, people become more convinced that the roots of this crisis lie in authoritarianism and the lack of attention to their right to determine their own destiny. Our people see that in the name of Islam, their government creates differences between them when in reality they are governing against the principles of Islam.

In my opinion, justice and freedom are becoming more important in the eyes of people with the passing of each day. For this reason those in power are certainly aware of the strategic significance of the written complaints by the seven Green warriors, considered amongst our country’s most educated in reference to the remarks by one of the officers of the IRGC. Rather than the extensive security maneuvers we witnessed on the day before Qhods in the streets of Tehran, or the attacking of the homes of Marajeh so dear to the nation in the Qom and Shiraz, I must stress that the only means out of the current crisis is dealing fairly and unequivocally to this public complaint. The arrest of Dr. Mohammad Reza Khatami and our dear artist Dr. Habib Sadeghi in front of my offices will not help matters and will do nothing to resolve this crisis.

Do you believe that the current restrictions are related to the attacks on the Marajeh who have voiced criticism of the government as of late?

We must pay attention to the root of the problem. On many levels, the regime is moving towards Machiavellism and is willing to justify any means to achieve this goal. This is one of the main characteristics of a ruling government in which individuals are forbidden to ask questions. Under such conditions, the rights of human beings are easily ignored and even the killing of an individual is justified as a means to gain political control and remain in power. Deceit becomes a means for remaining in power and the line between personal and national interests is easily crossed. When lies and deceit become the main means to govern a country and individual interests take the place of national interests, we stoop to levels where when a Marja keeps quiet, the government will leave the Marja alone; if a Marja eulogies and praises the powers that be, they are referred to as grand spiritual leaders, their images shown on the government owned television station IRIB; the level of attention received, is directly proportional to the level of praise given to the ruling powers. On the other hand, for example, if the same Marja criticize the powers that be, or expresses an opposing opinion, he is immediately disowned, reduced to nothing, rendered disqualified as a spiritual figure, accused and slandered, his offices, home and mosque raided and his followers attacked by so called rogue forces. Ayatollah Dastgheyb’s opinion is respected only if turns a blind eye to the oppression by these gentlemen, or when he does not criticize the wrong doings of the Assembly of Experts. Otherwise the mosque in which he prays, a mosque with such reputation, is turned over to another Friday prayer Imman who creates harm, is disrespectful to millions of citizens, and refers to the well known, well liked, Ayatollah Dastgheyb with a deep routed family in Shiraz, the cradle of civilization and culture, as a Friday prayer Imman who is incompetent.

Do you not think that these measures are taken in order to distract the people from the real political and economic crisis engulfing the country?

The crisis we are experiencing today is not just limited to political and economic issues. The attack on the Marajeh and their seminaries and attacks on universities and dormitories is one of the most shocking realities within this crisis. A regime, whose legitimacy is rooted in the hierarchy within its seminaries and clergymen, is now engaged in destroying the seminaries and universities. On the one hand, one of its ministers threatens to annihilate one of our universities, and on the other hand the homes of the Maraje who are critical of the oppressive policies of the regime are raided, they are physically attacked and the ruling powers engage in their character assassination.

Those who engage in these types of plots should know that this type of behavior will do nothing to keep them in power. They should continue to engage in this type of behavior if they believe that past oppressors were successful in staying in power using such tactics. If an individual wishes to focus on our country’s national interests rather than his own personal interests, then he must return to the principles of law and justice, even if this means losing his power and position. Mousavi stated that when lies and deceit become the main means to govern a country and individual interests take the place of national interests, we stoop to levels where when a Marja keeps quiet, the government will leave the Marja alone; if a Marja eulogies and praises the powers that be, they are referred to as grand spiritual leaders, their images shown on the government owned television station IRIB; the level of attention received, is directly proportional to the level of praise given to the ruling powers. On the other hand, for example, if the same Marja criticize the powers that be, or expresses an opposing opinion, he is immediately disowned, reduced to nothing, rendered disqualified as a spiritual figure, accused and slandered, his offices, home and mosque raided and his followers attacked by so called rogue forces.

With special thanks to Negra Irani for English translation

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