Violence against Green Movement 'ineffective'

The Green Voice of Freedom

Mousavi & Karroubi: Violence against Green Movement 'ineffective'

Just weeks before the first anniversary of the rigged presidential election of June 209, former parliament speaker Mahdi Karroubi and former prime minister Mir Hossein Mousavi have met to discuss the latest political and security concerns in the country.

According to the Mousavi’s official website Kaleme, during the meeting which was held yesterday, the two men stressed on the importance of an accurate documentation of the events that unfolded following the monumental fraud that occurred last June. “Shedding light on the events that took place from 12 June until now is crucial for the advancing the Green Movement and showing the people’s path for seeking and demanding their rights.”

Following their discussions, the two reformist figures decided that in case authorities refuse to grant authorisation for demonstrations on the anniversary of June election, Iranians from across the country will be invited to take part in the rallies. Otherwise, a peaceful campaign of raising awareness will be launched to facilitate in informing everyone using the countless social networks that exist.

The two men said once more that the use of violence against the Green Movement and the green wave of awareness was “useless” as the unrests in universities have shown in recent weeks. They also said that the people were seeking their rightful demands which have been stated in the constitution including free elections, freedom of media and the release of political detainees.

Attacks by plain-clothed militia—who are armed and have radio communications—against political figures and their offices were also discussed. “These actions are organised and are a continuation of the crimes in Kahrizak prison and the Tehran university dorm, yet they have manifested in another form.”

The 2009 presidential candidates expressed their concerns regarding the severe beatings against imprisoned filmmaker and writer Mohammad Nourizad who is under harsh conditions. “All of this is the outcome of being silent in the face of oppression and in order to prevent and end such illegal and anti-religious methods, the rights of different individuals and groups must be secured regardless of their beliefs and the accusations against them, because the approach of Islam is defending the right of the oppressed no matter what their tendencies or thoughts are.

Mousavi and Karroubi both expressed their concerns regarding the expansion of lies and deceit in comments of officials and warned against the manipulation of statistics and data by authorities. The men maintained that the spread of lies would most certainly harm the economic, political and cultural situation in the country as well as the foundations of thought within society. “We must tell everyone that Islam is against lies and corruption and we must ask the people to separate corruption and other inhumane and illegal acts from Islam.

During the meeting, the country’s economic situation, the decline of industry, the increase in unemployment and the ordeals of workers, teachers and other Iranian employees were discussed. The Green Movement leaders also argued that through various tactics, the government was trying to divert attention from the real problems in the country such as unemployment and high prices. “Instead of providing excuses, the government must control unemployment and high prices and support a national economy. If they do so, they will see that many of the crimes rates will decline”

The once-sided approach of Iran’s state television was also discussed among the two opposition leader. “What kind of an organisation is titled ‘nation’ but does not broadcast the news and views of the people?”