Public Letter for the attention of G-8 summit in Scotland

SMCCDI (Public Statement):

The "Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran" (SMCCDI)
_____________________

June 30, 2005

The Right Honorable. Paul Martin, Prime Minister of Canada
His Excellency Jacques Chirac, President of the French Republic
His Excellency Gerhard Schroder, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany
The Honorable Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic
His Excellency Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan
His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation
The Right Honorable Tony Blair, Prime Minister of UK
The Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States of America
His Excellency Jose Manuel Barros, President of the European Commission

Via Fax and Email


Gentlemen:

During the past two weeks, the theocratic regime in Iran held its elections for the successor to Mohammad Khatami, which according to the mafia theocratic Regime resulted in a run-off between Ali-Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani, a "moderate" and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a "hardliner." In reality, these terms of "moderate" and "hardliner" mean little. Both of these men, as well as all those who ran for any office in Iran, did so only upon the approval of the Guardian Council. While the Islamic Republic Regime decides who is allowed to run for office, we Iranians are only allowed to pick our political leaders and representatives from a field of supporters of the oligarchic Regime.

Ahmadinejad "won" the run-off amid claims of ballot tampering and rigged results by other candidates, a nonstop program of propaganda and decrees by the tyrannical mullahs in an attempt to intimidate the Iranian people into participating in the election, closing of newspapers questioning the veracity of the election, and armed conflicts between the militias of the "moderate" and "hardliner" camps. All of which is evidence of a crisis of legitimacy, power and control within the cabal, which ruthlessly wields control in Iran. This is the critical step of the slow process of a Islamist Coup d'Etat, masterminded by the supreme leader and his cronies, at the highest levels of the Islamic Republic. If successful in this final attempt, the theocratic tyranny will be the sole possessor of every aspect of Iranian society.

Regardless of the events of the past two weeks; it is the Iranian people who are the end losers. There will be no improvement in basic freedoms and human rights for the average Iranian.

Despite his new and phony claims of "safeguarding legitimate freedoms and rights of the people", we Iranians know the true nature Ahmadinejad. He has, in fact, already announced his intentions to quash some of the few meaningless social "freedoms" that Iranians enjoy today. Social freedoms lost when the Islamic Regime took the power in 1979.

Indeed, the Regime in Tehran has denied us the basic freedom of expression. Newspapers, magazines, websites and other forms of publication that call for real reform and question the foundations and actions of the Mullacracy have been closed in recent years. Hundreds of writers and journalists have been imprisoned. Many have been beaten at the hands of its cronies. Some have even been killed, others have been exiled.

Freedom to information is also severely curtailed by the Regime. Private satellite dishes are confiscated and international programs are electronically jammed so that we can learn little of the world outside our borders. By its heavily and haphazard electronic jamming, the dictatorial Regime has put the health of Iranians at risk. Only news and events, as interpreted by the Regime are permitted. Music, news, magazines and literature are also restricted for our consumption. In a world that is continually getting smaller by the forces of technology and globalization, we Iranians are being further isolated.

Family members of those who dare to speak out (whether in or out of Iran) against the Islamic Republic are often detained for questioning or tortured. Intimidation is a tool the dictatorial Regime knows well how to use. Non-violent protests by our fellow students, teachers and workers calling for better conditions, more freedoms and real reform have led to their being been imprisoned and tortured by the Regime. Worse yet, many of them (regardless of sex) have been beaten with clubs, whipped with chains or murdered by Bassiji, the Regime's henchmen and militia. Last year, the Bassiji stormed another dormitory at the University of Tehran and pushed another female student out of a second story window causing her death. The Islamic Republic and its Bassiji are nothing short of brutes, murderers and thugs.

The repressive Regime has also denied us the basic freedom of religion. Any Muslim who converts to another religion can be arrested and imprisoned. All religious materials must be approved by the Regime's censors before being published or distributed. Shia Islam is unabashedly promoted by the Regime, which discriminates against other beliefs including Islamic sects. Any personal exploration into one's spiritual needs is forbidden if it means looking beyond their version Islam. For an example, tombs of Bahais are destroyed and the surviving family members are required to remove the remains of their loved-ones to other locations. Even the celebration of ancient Persian traditions of Nowrooz, going back over 7000 years, are considered pagan by dogmatic ruling Mullahs and hardly tolerated. Just as the Taliban attempted to eradicate any evidence of an ancient culture and religion, so do the Islamo-fascists in Tehran.

Denial of our basic freedoms has been especially severe upon our wives, sisters, mothers, daughters and female friends or colleagues. The chador, once an outward symbol of one's religious faith, is now the world-wide symbol of the Regime's oppression. The proud women of Iran are now relegated to the status of second class citizens. Backward Shari'a laws adopted by the Regime have been a detriment to our Iranian sisters. In addition to the Regime's requirement of wearing the chador, the legal age to marry for women (or should we say, girls) has been lowered to 13. Divorce laws in Iran place women at a distinct disadvantage, as do the Regime's approval of "temporary marriages". Often the female "criminals" are subjected to the barbaric punishment of public lashings and stoning. Stoning is particularly cruel wherein the victim is buried to her waist (and in some cases to above her breast) and then battered with stones that are not large enough to killer her instantly, but rather smaller ones to ensure a long and torturous death. Women are segregated further in the workplace, professional fields, education, classroom, public transportation, and even in various forms of public entertainment. Iranian women are not allowed to attend male sporting events, such as the recent qualification 2006 World Cup soccer game. Even female athletes who participate in international events, such as last summer's Olympics, are required to remain "covered".

The effect of the Regime's policy (of Gender Apartheid) has been devastating. Not only are the women isolated from the rest of the world, but they are isolated in their homeland. This has lead to a sharp increase in crime by women; especially in drug use and prostitution. Prostitution has become so prevalent that the Majlis recently debated its legalization. The policy (of Gender Apartheid) also has a devastating effect on Iranian society as a whole; affecting traditional family relations and forcing Iranian men to stand by helpless as their wives, sisters, daughters and mothers are humiliated on a daily basis by laws of the Islamic Republic and personally harassed by the Bassiji.

The treatment of those who defy the dictatorial theocracy is nothing short of brutal and tyrannical. Women who wear "too much" makeup, show "too much" hair or skin, or are with men other than a relative are harassed and many times arrested and detained. Men and women attending private parties can be arrested and jailed. Peaceful demonstrators, public speakers, journalists and writers (whether on paper or the internet), which question or criticize the Islamic Republic are arrested and jailed. Once in jail, our Iranian sisters and brothers must survive at the mercy of the Regime and its henchmen. There are no rights for prisoners. Ill-treatment and torture are commonly used to elicit "confessions". In some cases, those who defied these techniques were murdered. Historically, such tyrannical regimes would attempt to hide such tactics. The Regime in Tehran prides itself in such brutalities. Political prisoners in Iran, after they have been beaten, tortured and incarcerated for some time, are often allowed to go home on a temporary pass for a week or two. The Regime may publicly claim this as evidence of its compassion, but in reality it is nothing short of pride in its tactics. A public notice to the political prisoners' friends, neighbors and family members of what to expect if they too cross the Regime's policy (of Red Lines). Family members and friends of those who were murdered by the hands of the Regime are promised inquiries and justice, but few, if any, are held accountable. The Mullahs' technique of terror, brutality and tyranny upon the Iranian people, would make history's tyrants envious.

Economic freedom is almost non-existent in Iran. The current mafia-type Regime, with its mullahs and cronies, control the purse strings in Iran. As you are well aware, Iran is unimaginably rich with oil reserves and the price of crude oil has sky-rocketed in recent years. In the last 26 years alone, Iran has exported over $600 billion in petroleum, compared to the $140 billion exported during the 80 years prior to the revolution. The official unemployment rate has ranged from 15% to well over 25% during the past 5 years and the rate is twice that for those Iranians between the ages 15-29. According to some of the official agencies of this morally bankrupt Regime, 70% of Iranians are living at are near the poverty line. Furthermore, 40% are living in "absolute poverty" which an agency of the Regime defines as less than $28 US per person per month, or $.92 per person per day in metropolitan areas. No new industries have been developed to employ people. The corrupt Mullahs, their cronies and militia leaders continue to build more buildings, buy more land and own more businesses. This mafia-style cabal controls over 85% of the Iranian economy and all exports and imports in and out of the country. Meanwhile, educated Iranians are leaving the country as soon as they are able so that they can find jobs in Europe and North America to support their families in Iran. This massive "brain-drain" will have dire effects on Iranian society for generations. This illegitimate Regime is plundering the natural resources of Iran and forcing the exile of Iran's future potential, at the expense of the Iranian people who cannot escape.

Gentlemen, distinguished members of the G-8 Session,

In his State of the Union Address in 2002, President Bush included correctly the current regime in Iran as a member of the Axis of Evil. Many around the world, including leaders in Europe, scoffed at his words. We Iranians know the truth. This tyrannical government in Iran is not elected, no matter how they perverse and manipulate democratic methods. Rather, the ultimate authority is appointed by a theocratic cabal of mullahs bent on keeping control in their hands. Even Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated that his goal is not democracy but to transform Iran into a model of modern Islamic rule. We can only surmise that this will mean the use of modern technology and methods to further tyrannize not only the Iranian people, but those in the Middle East and the world whom the criminal Islamic Regime considers its enemies. How can any rational person conclude that a regime that has repressed, brutalized, terrorized and murdered its own people (in and outside its borders) for more than a quarter of a century, be anything but evil?

Frankly, gentlemen, we are at a loss for words after hearing the latest comments of Javier Solana, the EU foreign policy chief. Ahmadinejad is the infamous former chief of the Special Unit of Revolutionary Guards, the Mullahs' terror and assassination unit. He has been implicated in the murders of Iranian nationals in Germany, Austria, France and elsewhere. He was one of the leaders and masterminds of the 1979 take over of the U.S. embassy in Tehran and the resulting Hostage Crisis. This man is an unabashed terror master. Terrorists can not be trusted and can not be negotiated with. They care little for human rights. They care little for freedom. They care little for the rule of law. They care little for human life. Their only concern is for their "religious" ideology. What reasonable person believes that he can "negotiate" or "reason" with a man who encourages children to strap explosive on themselves and kill civilians? Why would the EU, Russia, japan or China want to continue usual "discussions" and "negotiations" with this man, a terrorist, who represents the reprehensible terrorist Regime in Iran?

Gentlemen, as we have warned you in many open letters, and again we are saying, this Regime can not be reformed. Islamic Republic is not Marxist China and Religious ideology is not Economical ideology. The corrupt Mullahs are trying to win time to consolidate their power and continue their miss deeds as before. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has promised to export the revolution in a "new" way; this can only mean a repeat of the tactics with this terrorist Regime used in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere during the 1980's and early 1990's.

Let it be clear that we fully support President Bush's policy of expanding freedom and democracy to the Middle East. During the 1980's and 1990's, the people of the world witnessed the march of freedom across Eastern Europe. Governments based on ideals of democracy, human rights, and secularism have been formed in countries where tyranny and dictatorship ruled just a generation ago. During that time, the people of the Middle East also longed for those same ideals, rights and freedoms in their homelands. 2005 has seen historic change across the Middle East. Iraq has had free elections and is working on its own constitution. Palestinians were able to elect a new President. The Cedar Revolution has taken place in Lebanon and they have just concluded their first free elections in over thirty years. Political reform is starting in Egypt. Laws in Kuwait have been passed to grant women the right to vote and hold office. Democracy is taking root in the Middle East. We Iranians have an undeniable right to the same opportunities.

We want to thank President Bush for the respecting the territorial integrity of Iran,; including the Persian Gulf, Aboo Moosa and the Greater and Lesser Tomb Islands and Iran's 50% share of Caspian Sea. Indeed, the territorial integrity of Iran is based upon various conventions and treaties all signed before 1979, regardless of what the Islamic Regime in Iran has agreed to since. We should all not forget that the short life which is the fate of the Islamic Republic in Iran, is totally different form the destiny of the Iranian people.

We, the people of Iran, ask you, the leaders of the most politically and economically powerful countries in the world, to support us in our struggle for freedom. We do not want you to invade Iran or "liberate" us. Rather, we want you to stand by us and support us with words and your deeds. Publicly denounce the Regime's repressive actions and atrocities against Iranians at home and abroad. Publicly support our public demonstrations for freedom and basic human rights. We also call on you to end all government and corporate business dealings with the Regime. Past business deals have done little but fatten the bank accounts of the mullahs and their cronies, embolden their repressive tactics on the Iranian people, and tighten their grip on Iran.

Gentlemen, more specifically, we ask that you support the Iranian people and isolate the Islamic Regime in Iran by: READ MORE

1. Implementation of full international economic and military sanctions via a UN Security Council Resolution based on human rights and support of terrorism, regardless of the IAEA board recommendations on the nuclear threat the theocracy poses.
2. Full diplomatic sanctions and closing of Islamic Regime's embassies world-wide, removal and deportation of Regime representatives, their agents and spies from all nations.
3. Diplomatic sanctions by the UN, including removal of its representation in this international forum until such time as a legitimate interim government can be established in Iran. Iran is a party to the 1948 UN Charter, yet not having been a signatory, the Islamic Republic regime is abysmally derelict in its adherence to the provisions contained with in.
4. Freezing of any and all financial assets of the Islamic Republic regime, their current and former leadership, and corporate interests world-wide, until such time as a new interim government can be established. Such funds should be used to support legitimate non-violent opposition groups inside and outside Iran and coordination efforts to rebuild Iran post-regime.
5. Repeated statements by world leaders publicly calling for the leadership of the Islamic Republic regime to step down peacefully, and to relinquish the government to the hands and will of the Iranian people.
6. Assist in the formation of and support a Provisional Iranian Government to coordinate post-regime rebuilding of vital social institutions and the infrastructure of democracy; including the training of judges, civil servants, police, etc. Initially, the Iranian exile community can provide some talent and then, as the situation permits, those inside Iran supporting the opposition to the Islamic Republic regime will answer the call to service and offer their talents.
7. Such provisional government will be obligated to conduct a genuine referendum in Iran and assist in the formation of a secular government in Iran.

In the political legacy of Ghandi in India, Martin Luther King in America and Lech Walensa in Poland, we Iranians are dedicated to achieving change by non-violent methods. We have a right transform our beloved country into one freed of the shackles of ignorance, oppression, terror and tyranny. We are requesting from you and your governments, gentlemen, vocal and transparent support to aid us in our struggle. Your strong words will give the Iranian people hope and courage to continue their civil disobedience and unrest to fight the tyrannical Regime; just as the encouragement that many of your governments gave to people living behind the Iron Curtain during the 1980's and 90's. Because of that brave, moral and often derided support, hundreds of millions of people across Eastern Europe and Asia were encouraged to peacefully resist their oppressors and now live in freedom.

Please help us in our struggle! Help us in a way so that we can count each of you among our friends, friends that will be equitable partners of a free Iran of tomorrow.


Respectfully Yours,


On behalf of SMCCDI,

Aryo B. Pirouznia (Movement's Coordinator)



SMCCDI
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