Mousavi’s Statement on June 12th Events and Attack on Marjas

Mousavi’s Statement on June 12th Events and Attack on Marjas
Monday, June 14, 2010 at 10:07am

Mir Hossein Mousavi in reaction to the attacks on the residences of Maraje (the highest ranking religious spiritual leaders) in a statement considered these actions the result of the need of the ruling powers to create distractions in order to hide the disasters they have caused for the country from people’s eyes. He also considered this year’s Khordaad 22nd (June 12, the anniversary of rigged presidential election) the sign of the Green movement’s maturity and wisdom. The full statement is as follows:

In the name of God

Refusing to issue permit for rally on Khordad 22nd (June 12th) more than anything showed the fear of the government from the repeat of the epic of Khordad 25, 1388 (June 14, 2009). The unprecedented array of security and armed forces in Tehran showed that even after a year of suppression, imprisonment, partisan use of the IRIB (the state-run televisions and radios), government’s media and spending billions, the totalitarians could not convince people of that they have sincerity and truth in their actions. As if they could, why would they have need for all these expenses, bringing forces, and spreading lies?

Attack on the people and students on Khordad 22nd and then attack on the residences of great Marja, Grand Ayatollah Saanei and attack on the office of late Grand Ayatollah Montazeri and insults to Hojat-al-Islam Karroubi revealed the extent of mental crisis and unrest among the attackers. On this year’s Khordaad 22nd, people didn’t give any excuse to the government to hide the outcomes of the Security Council’s resolution 1929 that was enforced on our country and nation because of bad management and populist policies and to make people forget the consequences of the double-faced and unjustified actions during the Khordaad 14 commemoration.*

Khordaad 22nd showed the maturity of the great Green movement and showed that every Green citizen wherever he or she is, at home, office, workplace, factory, school or on streets, with innovation and originality, is a movement on his or her own.

The Green movement has the wisdom to not act in a way that the totalitarians can hide the outcomes of their wrong policies in economy, culture, politics and foreign affair. Today the ruling powers need more than ever to create distractions to hide the consequences of the disasters that they have brought on the country from people’s eyes.

Attack on the office of a respected Marja and one of the beloved students of Imam [Khomeini] is a new stage of these kinds of tension creations. But those who ordered and those who executed such a dangerous act must know that attack on Marjas and insulting and putting pressure on them only destroy the legitimacy of the establishment.

Have they forgotten that it was the attack on Imam [Khomeini’s] house [by Shah’s forces] that laid the foundations to eliminate the bases of despotism on 15 June 1963 and then later on February 1979, and they still do not take lessens from these?!

Is it based on these historical experiences that you still sit on the branches and cut the roots?!

Mir Hossein Mousavi

14 June 2010

* When the government supporters insulted the grandson of Imam Khomeini and didn’t let him speak in the anniversary of his grandfather passing because of his supports for the people

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Mousavi’s Message Condemning Insults on Grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini

Mousavi’s Message Condemning Insults on Grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini
Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 12:33pm

Mir Hossein Mousavi by issuing a statement while expressing his point of views regarding the events that happened at the ceremony commemorating the 21st anniversary of the passing of Ayatollah Khomeini, strongly condemned the organized insults made on Seyyed Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini, during this ceremony and called it an engineered plan. Full English translation of Mir Hossein Mousavi's statement is as follows:

In the name of God

Few years ago late Ayatollah Tavasoli, the close ally of late Imam [Khomeini], dedicated his life to fight with a project that its aim was to eliminate Seyyed Hassan Khomeini (the grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini) from the political scene and removing Imam [Khomeini] from memory of the nation. The sad and shocking passing of Ayatollah Tavasoli although created a pause in this project but did not stop it.

This year the ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the passing of Imam [Khomeini] on June 4th was reduced to only one day and all the other public and official programs including the programs of June 4th and 5th nights was eliminated and even in this brief ceremony it was expected that it would be limited to only mentioning few moral characterises of Imam and nothing would be said regarding Imam’s respect for people’s vote and his view that the parliament is on top of all affairs, and again it was predictable that Imam’s concerns about the dangers of radicalism and dictatorship in the future of the revolution would be ignored and in contradiction to Imam’s humility toward the shia Imams, some would be portrayed in same the level of Imam Ali (Shia’s first Imam) and other saint Shia Imams, but those opposing violations, lies, corruptions, violating the constitution and destroying the country because of foolish policies would be portrayed as opponents.

Judging this method of comparison and falsifying the history is by knowledgeable historians, informed politicians and accomplished principalists and I only suffice to this point that the recent killings and imprisonments are the consequences of such interpretations of history, religion and principles and one should find out what would be the opinion of the senior religious figures about these kinds of interpretations given their practical results and outcomes.

This year’s ceremony, because of the recent crimes of Israel, was with the harshest anti- Zionism slogans but among these harsh slogans there was no reference to the interview of one of the Arab presidents, who is an ally of Iran, in which he recently said that the government of Iran is for their negotiations with Israel; and again it was not far from prediction that the advice of late Imam [Khomeini] to the officials of the government in the story of Mac Farlyn would be forgotten, the advice that said: “Don’t do anything that you cannot explain to the people.”

Isn’t it time to ask this question that with all these deceptive, obscure and damaging policies, who can be considered as golden opportunities for United States, Israel, MKO and the monarchists: The freedom and justice seekers who seek the glory of Islam, Iran and the Iranians through return to the constitution and eliminating corruption and lies? Or the suspicious cults that with their policies are destroying the working class, teachers, staff workers , farmers and all the oppressed classes, and despite their rhetoric and verbal attacks against East and West have handed over the Muslim markets to the foreigners?

Disruptions and insults made by few on the ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the passing of Imam [Khomeini] in front of the podium could not have happened without the previous consent and engineering. Who is not to know that always some in an organized manner and to create disruptions, such as what happened, gather in front of podiums? In the ceremony of June 4th this also happened and in front of the cameras and surprised eyes, a small group extended the usual insults this time to the grandson of Imam [Khomeini]; presumably because he never wanted to leave the people alone, [but] [they are] unaware that these kinds of engineered actions will raise more awareness on the importance of safeguarding and protecting the inheritors of Imam [Khomeini].

Seyyed Hassan Khomeini is one of the shining starts of the Seminary schools and our national scene and plans to diminish this light will not have any result but damage for their architects.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

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Mousavi’s Interview About Ayatollah Khomeini’s Character and His Era

Mousavi’s Interview About Ayatollah Khomeini’s Character and His Era
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 4:06am

Iranian opposition leader, Mir Hosein Mousavi says Islamic Republic rulers have turned into violent and oppressive “jailors” of the people, denying them their legitimate liberties, Kaleme website reported today. He also condemned the parliament for its inability to hold the government responsible for its “financial violations” regarding the use of the national budget. Reportedly the government has refused to report all its financial activities to the parliament.In reference to his stance regarding Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, Mousavi maintained that he is faithful to the ideals set out by the late ruling cleric; however, he does not aim for a return to that time.While he admitted his great affection for Ayatollah Khomeini, he said that he also has criticisms of the time of the Leader of the Revolution. He added: “Our intention in looking back at that time does not mean that we want to return to that era but rather to remind ourselves of the roots and the main directions of the Revolution which were justice, freedom and spirituality.” Mousavi also condemned the official media for representing a “distorted” image of Ayatollah Khomeini to the public and maintained that if they continue in this manner, people will “deplore” the past more and more.

(English summary by Radio Zamaaned)

The full text of this interview is as follows:

Kaleme: We are approaching the anniversary of the departure of Imam [Khomeini.] This year the ceremonies seem different from previous years. On one side old opponents of Imam inside and outside the country try to desecrate his image and they are supported by foreign media. On the other side, there are those in State TV and the strong advocates of imprisonments that promote and image of the Imam that advocated oppression. What is your opinion on the goals that these groups seek? And what may this end with?

If the unintended collaboration of the State TV and opponents of Imam in desecration of his image is allowed to continue and is not responded to, it would end with nothing but hatred towards our past. These new images are introduced by constant meddling in the original perception of Imam and the revolution. Those who have directly experienced those years with Imam perceive and image of him that has no proximity to what is being promoted right now. The revolution won its victory with the messages of independence, freedom and the Islamic republic. It was these messages that gained the support of people. People gave Imam a unique welcome in the days of revolution on 1978. In Imam’s funeral people even came out in numbers four times more. I don’t think such crowds came out to just see and get some time off. The clips from those days clearly show the waves of emotions and opinions that people had toward Imam. Let us remember that people showed that much emotion after enduring the hardships of the war, and the early days of the revolution. If Imam’s image was even slightly close to what the State TV claims it were, then we would not have had so much people pouring the streets on his funeral, or at least we would have witnessed people being more indifferent. I think there is a lot of light to be shed on this distorted image of Imam that his mask-less opponents outside, and the authorities inside who are now turning into guards who constrain freedom.

Kaleme: There are expensive programs being organized for anniversary of Imam’s funeral. Why do you think such a course of action is taken?

Please pay attention to the fact that the system still gets a significant amount of its legitimacy from Imam and the collective memory of people from that great character. In the current context, those currently in power that have violently constrained the legitimate freedom of others and filled the prisons, and those who promote superstition and advocate a stone-age Islam, need to excessively spend from this great social asset. Instead, when one brings forth this image, one is also highlighting the differences between those times and now which puts to question the corrupt and despotic nature of policy approaches today. A right look back at the early years of the revolution shows how far we have deviated from those goals and values that we first set. Notice that by saying to pay attention to those years does, I do not mean to return to those days. The goal is to remember the roots, and the directions that we set for the revolution: justice, freedom and spirituality.

We want to use the Islamic revolution to launch [our nation] to [a bright] future. We don’t want to create a chaotic emotional environment and lose our direction to that future. We must constantly remind our younger generations that what is happening today is different that what happened during the time of Imam. I am confident, that if for the sake of assumption, the youth of today were there yesterday, they would be amongst the martyrs like Martyr Bakeri, Bagheri or Hemmat. Just as how the youth of that time were here today, they would be the leaders of the Green Movement of Hope, and would have been probably in prisons now held captive for their national and religious beliefs.

Kaleme: You talked of the early years and the initial goals of the revolution. But how can one talk of those years with environment of today that is bombarded with propaganda?

There are countless papers and books written and continues to be written on the Islamic Revolution in Iran and, and for obvious reasons too; because of revolution’s great impact on the region and throughout the world. After the revolution, not only Iran started to look very different, but also the whole region started to change. However, what we need today in the back and forth around the media and propaganda is promotion of a clear and visible image of that time and the Imam. As I said, there is a immature attempt to highlight ostensible similarities between now and Imam’s time and this must be stopped. For instance, you can discuss the theoretical perspective of Imam on parliament. You can break down his ideas to what was in religious scholarship and what was acceptable to people; and Recognition of parliament whether from the religious perspective or acceptability of it lays on the people. Parliament is composed of representatives of people, and these representatives come out of the people themselves. Accordingly, the parliament is “at the forefront of the affairs.”

But more important and more effective is to recount memories that demonstrate the means of political action at the beginning of the revolution. For example I was talking to Mr Karoubi about election process during Imam’s era. He recited a memory that helps us get a more clear understanding of Imam Khomeini’s personality and the values that were dominant in society at the time. In the third parliamentary election two candidates, a poor, hardworking intellectual teacher and a person with ties to Imam Khomeini’s family , were running in the region of Khomein . Although a person close to Imam Khomeini was supporting the second candidate people chose the first one. The person who was a relative of Imam sent a letter to him questioning the results. Imam replied laughing , “ what is a better indication of a fair election that a person related to me , who also enjoys the support of yourself , runs for election but people chose a simple teacher who does not have such supporters “.

Is n’t this one of the beauties of election that we should be grateful for?. Compare this with the case that occured during the sixth parliamentary election in Tehran [region] were 700 ballots were cancelled to replace an intellectual [1] who enjoyed no [state] support with an individual with relations [to high establishment officials] [2]. Or the implementation of “approbation supervision” that did not exist during Imam’s time which was in reality a mean of dividing the election in two stages. If you pay attention carefully you will see how this term that has no root in the constitution or public wisdom has been [mis]used to disqualify a large number of valuable and caring individuals. The result has been to undermine the status and role of the parliament.

I ask all the conservative members of the parliament, who have not stained they faith with tyranny, does n’t thinking about all these humiliation directed toward parliament make you feel worried and empty? Is the current situation you are in fitting to the meaning of this sentence “The Parliament leads all affairs”? [3] You have been incapable of scrutinizing even a small portion of the government financial irregularities and receive a proper response. What answer would you give God and his servants whom you represent? Does the current situation in the parliament has any resemblance to parliaments during the time of Imam Khomeini ?

One issue that can provide a better understanding of Imam Khomeini and also demonstrate differences between the current situation [and that time] is discussing the chain of events that lead to introduction of 8 point order by Imam Khomeini. This document without any changes can show the tragedy of the current situation including arrests and tyranny. The youth should look at this document to know where we were headed then and to which direction we are going now. Some people in this country are destroying everything including Imam’s image and the first 10 years of revolution. This was a project that was started in the 10th presidential election. As I said a proper introduction of Imam Khomeini and a fair introduction of the revolution will expose and scathe the politics of oppression and superstition.

Kaleme: You are known as the prime minister of Imam Khomeni. In your speeches, statements and interviews you always speak about the bright era in the first decade of the revolution and Imam’s path. In general and in the political sphere of Iran [in particular] , have different dimensions of Imam’s personality been exaggerated ?

Dr. Shariatie one said “ Peak of the Damavand[4] does not need a proof that it is the tallest” . Imam was an extraordinary person. He brought an irreversible change in our history , and ended the monarchy , a system that prided itself in humiliation of peasants in face of their kings. Some images from the epoch of Shah could mislead our youth. But [they ] should be reminded that one of the posters published repeatedly in newspapers of the time showed a poor peasant kissing Shah’s shoes.

In response to your question I should reiterate that Imam was an extraordinary man. But he did not perceive himself as such. He despised praise and eulogy. Once he banned national TV from showing his picture and said “ Whenever I open TV , I see myself , it make me want to puke”. He had the same ban for newspapers for a period. People who have experienced that era remember that when the top elected member of parliament from tehran praised him [in public] he ferociously interrupted him. This was while the MP was not expecting any gain from the praise. Similar case occurred for the head of the expediency council who was also Imam Khomeini’s student. When he lauded Imam Khomeini in public, Imam rejected his words publicly. It is not strange if we see him as a symbol of a new system that is progressive, seeks freedom and demands justice. Without his charisma and his relationship with people our nation would not have resisted for 8 years of war. Without our nation’s believe in him , we would not have survived numerous terrorist attacks during that era.

Kaleme: In any case , some members of green movement raise a question as why you repeatedly speak about Imam Khomeini or use his picture?

I referred to the necessity of introducing Imam Khomeini to the youth. But I should also discuss another point ,which I have no doubt all supporters of green movement agree on , and that is integrity. I cannot pretend against my attachment to and admiration for Imam Khomeini and revolution. Since the formation of green path of hope I clearly introduced myself as companion of green movement so I can discuss my beliefs transparently. A characteristic of this movement is transparent and honest discussion of thoughts and ideas. Exchange of ideas does not harm us. We should remember that one of the best posters regarding the movement was the one that read “lying is disallowed”. What kind of expectation requires me to ignore a ten year period full of experiences and various events. Not only me but a large number of our people have thousands of memories from Imam Khomeini. They have been influenced by that era and are not willing to keep quiet in the face of injustice and distortion toward Imam’s character. Is it correct to ignore this great political capital? Is not this what the prison guards want us to do?

Kaleme: You introduced yourself as a member of the green movement, and talked about your devotion, and love for the Imam and the revolution. You talked about how it is necessary to protect the spiritual asset that is the experiences during the Imam era. But haven’t these talks stopped you from critically viewing those times? Don’t you think that there are problems with those times as well?

I have heard this issue before, specially after the speech of Tehran’s Attorney General. There is also a letter published on one of these websites addressing this very issue. As a Shiite Muslim one of our beliefs is that after the 14 innocent ones, all the rest of God’s people are not innocent and the commit sins, unless God keeps the innocent. The same reasoning applies to Imam’s era. However, I don’t see it necessary to criticize when internal and external enemies have aimed for the Imam’s image and that era. Obviously, in the context of today, even a slight allusion to a problem would be greatly magnified just like the plot that was the tearing the picture of Imam, that was abused by enemies outside and inside the country.Today, the enemies of the green movement are looking everywhere for a prey, or an excuse to destroy that bond that connects us together. Millions in our country like and appreciate Imam, and I am one of the. Recognition of this affinity [to Imam] and the freedom that brings about is a great asset that we cannot make a mistake about specially in the current conditions. Let me repeat again, we do not expect a companion [of the movement] to lie, no matter how small a member that person is.

[1] Alireza Rajaie
[2] Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, father in law of Ayatollah Khamenei’s son Mojatabi Khamenei.
[3] A famous quote by Imam Khomeini regarding the role of parliament
[4] The highest peak of Iran located on Alborz Mountain

With special thanks to Khordaad88 for full English translation

Khordaad 88
http://khordaad88.com/?p=1623

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Mousavi Condemned Israel's Deadly Attack on Humanitarian Ships

Mousavi Condemned Israel's Deadly Attack on Humanitarian Ships
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 3:25am

Following the deadly attack by Israel in international waters on flotilla of humanitarian aid-carrying ships destined for Gaza, Mir Hossein Mousavi in a statement strongly condemned this horrendous act. The full text of this statement is as follows:

Once again in a new act of aggression, the occupying regime of Al-Quds raided the convoy of civilian flotilla ships carrying aid for the Muslim people of Gaza and unveiled its violence seeking nature. This attack that left many dead or injured, is the flagrant violation of international laws and basic human rights. I, along with the justice seeking Green Movement around the world and in a united voice with all those who seek freedom, condemn this international crime and while expressing sympathy with the oppressed people of Palestine and offering my condolences to the people of Turkey for the loss of a number of their fellow citizens, urge the international community to firmly confront the perpetrators of this inhumane act and the violators of human dignity.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

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Joint Letter to Request Permit to Hold Rally

Joint Letter to Request Permit to Hold Rally
Monday, May 31, 2010 at 1:33pm

Date: 1389/3/10 (May 31, 2010)

Source: Saham News
http://www.sahamnews.org/?p=3149

Joint letter to request permit to hold rally by Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi:

In the name of God

Dear Mr. Tamaddon, the honourable Governor of Tehran

With greeting and respect,

Due to the rare and prideful attendance of the great nation of Iran, the tenth presidential election of Iran turned into another glorious event in Iran’s political history and now we are approaching the anniversary of this historic event that because of the serious doubts about its announced results caused some bitter events in the country.

Therefore, we hereby according to Article 27 * of the constitution and the citizens’ rights request to have permit for a peaceful rally on 1389/3/22 (June 12, 2010) from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square.

God willing, with the issue of permit for this rally, we will witness glorious presence of knowledgeable, spiritual and revolutionary groups to defend the virtue of the ideas of the Islamic Republic’s divine establishment.

Mehdi Karroubi / Mir Hossein Mousavi

* Article 27 of Islamic Republic's constitution [Freedom of Assembly] : Public gatherings and marches may be freely held, provided arms are not carried and that they are not detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam.

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Mousavi’s Statement Regarding Recent Executions

Mousavi’s Statement Regarding Recent Executions
Monday, May 10, 2010 at 11:28am

Mir Hossein Mousavi released a statement regarding the executions of 5 Kurdish political prisoners yesterday

Yesterday morning, five political prisoners were executed at Evin prison. Tehran’s prosecutor accused them of attempting for bomb plots in government’s centers as well as being members of armed opposition groups. Farzad Kamangar, Ali Heydarian, Farhad Vakili, Shirin Alam-Holy, Mehdi Islamian, were hanged yesterday at Evin prison despite the fact that they had denied such allegations and there were no complete and fair trials of them for these serious charges. In reaction to these sudden executions so close to the anniversary of the rigged presidential election, Mir Hossein Mousavi issued the following statement

The full text of this statement is as follows:

The sudden execution of five of the citizens of this country without giving any clear explanations regarding their charges, prosecution procedure and trials to the people, is just similar to the unjust trend that in the recent months have led to the surprising sentences for a lot of caring women, men and citizens of our country.

When the Judiciary shifts its position from supporting the oppressed toward supporting authorities and those in power, it is hard to stop people from judging that the judiciary sentences are unjust. How is it that today the courts pass on those who ordered and committed the crimes of Kahrizak prison [1], University dormitories [2], Sobhan residence [3], the days of 15th and 20th of June [4] and Bloody Ashura [5], and closes the thick corruption cases before opening them [6] and then suddenly on the eve of the month of Khordaad [7] (June), the month of consciousness and seeking justice, hangs these five individuals with so many unanswered questions?! Is this the Alavi [8] justice that you were after?!

1-The prison that many of those who were arrested in the peaceful protests after the election were detained, tortured, raped and some even killed in it.

2-Referring to the attacks by Basij and plain clothes militia on University dormitories and brutal beating of students as well as destroying their belongings following the students protests to the rigged presidential elections.

3-Referring to the Sobhan residence that Basij and plain clothes militia attacked at night and vandalized people’s cars in the parking and damaged the building in the aftermath of the election.

4-Referring to the days that peaceful protestors were brutally attacked and some killed by security forces, Basij and plain clothes militia days after the rigged presidential election in June 2009

5-Referring to the religious day that marks the martyrdom of the Third Imam of Shias and the peaceful mourners were inhumanly attacked and butchered by security forces and plain clothes militia in December.

6-Referring to the massive corruption case of Ahmadinejad’s deputy which was raised in the parliament by some MPs but then according to informal reports was closed before even getting to the court by an order from the supreme leader and was never talked about again.

7-Khordaad is the third month of Persian calendar and the month that one year ago the tenth rigged presidential election was held which intrigued all the protests.

8-Alavi is the name affiliated with those who follow Imam Ali, the first Imam of Shias who is well known for his justice and fairness.

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Mousavi’s Condolence Message for the Martyrdom of a Veteran Commander

Mousavi’s Condolence Message for the Martyrdom of a Veteran Commander
Friday, April 23, 2010 at 4:31am

Mir Hossein Mousavi issued a condolence message for the martyrdom of one of the commanders of the Iran-Iraq war who after long and painful illness due to his exposure to chemical gas (used by Iraq during the war) passed away couple of days ago. In this message Mousavi praised the bravery and courage of this departed commander and expressed his deep sympathy with his family and fellow comrades. Mir Hossein Mousavi was the prime minister during the 8 year Iran-Iraq war.

The full text of Mir Hossein Mousavi’s condolence message is as follows:

In the name of Almighty God

The great and brave warrior, veteran Seyyed Mostafa Almousavi, after long time suffering from the injuries due to his long presence at the front lines during the holy defence ear (Iran-Iraq war) was honored with martyrdom.

I express my condolences for his martyrdom to all the warriors of the holy and honorable defence ear and to his respected family.

He formed the initial core of the Division of Ashura and was a close friend of many devoted commanders. May God return his and his fellow martyred comrades souls to heaven with the souls of martyrs of Karbala (Imam Hossein, Shia’s 3rd Imam and the Grandson of the prophet Mohammad and 72 of his close allies and family members who were martyred by the tyrant ruler of the time in a land called Karbala)

Mir Hossein Mousavi

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