IRAN, TERROR

Here is a translation to English of Editorial published in LE MONDE (Paris-based French newspaper)on 29th June 2009


Iran, Terror
Editorial, LE MONDE | 29.06.09

In Iran, it’s time for terror. A regime whose legitimacy is more and more contested is imprisoning, torturing, and killing. As if it didn’t feel strong enough and sure of itself to leave a space for expression to a legal opposition which agrees to keep within the limits of the islamic regime.

President Ahmadinejad, with the support of the regime’s spiritual guide, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has unleashed his watchdogs. Designated targets: All those representing the broad coalition of opponents which former Prime Minister, Mir Hossein Moussavi, had united around him for Presidential election of June 12th. Fundamentalist Ahmadinejad pretends he won the election with 63% of votes. But, with such popularity, which regime would need to organize such repression.

Since millions of Iranians have dared to rally on the streets to denounce the massive electoral fraud of 12th June, more than 2000 persons have already been arrested. Some of them being tenors of the reformist camp: Collaborators to Mr. Moussavi, former ministers, journalists, university professors, human rights advocates. Also, being denounced by local committees, Iranians of all age are being arrested for simply being suspected of having taken part in the June demonstrations.

Sinister, the scenario is always the same. Plain clothed armed men without any kind of warrants come to private homes at all times of day or night. The worst is to fear. Pro-Ahmadinejad supporters have publicly threatened to execute opponents. Beatings and torture are normal scenarios in Iranian jails. In many cases arrested persons have simply disappeared. Iranians are once again subjected to the arbitrary violence of the basiji, the regime’s militia.

Its purpose is to frighten people. Its purpose is to tame an educated and sophisticated population which does not recognize itself in the illuminated proclamations of Ahmadinejad: quest for islamic purity, obsession of foreign plots, will to transform the Islamic republic in an islamic dictatorship within which would remain no space of freedom. Regime attacks Europe, by arresting Iranian employees of British embassy; regime attacks UN, by arresting a local employee. We hope for international condemnation, we wait for a minimum of solidarity with the Iranians.