–bumped–
(Originally dated 7.9.09, 2:15 p.m.)
On July 9, 1999, known as the 18th of Tir in the Iranian calendar, 200 students protested the closing of a reformist newspaper, Salaam, which supported moderate President Mohammed Khatami. Hard-line activists entered dormitories in Tehran University, broke windows, set fires and attacked the students.
On a conference call put together by the Huffington Post, leading Iranians spoke about what is happening in Iran and how the regime has cracked down on the movement unraveling their power. Mohsen Makhmalbaf (spokesperson for the Mir-Hossein Moussavi’s campaign abroad), Fatemeh Haghighatjoo (former Iranian parliamentarian) and Hamid Dabashi (Columbia University professor) were the participants.
Listening to history, as they also commemorate July 9th anniversary, my extemporaneous notes of the call are below. It was recorded, so if I get the audio/link, I’ll post it as well.
Speaking in Farsi, Fatemeh Haghighatjoo said “the reformist press” in Iran has played a critical part in what is happening today in Iran. For publishing an article, Salaam, the leading reformist Iranian newspaper was “illegally closed down.”
FROM CNN WIRE: Iranian pro-government Basij militia members dispersed crowds of protesters in Tehran Thursday — sometimes with force — according to a journalist on the scene.
The demonstration is taking place on the 10th anniversary of a student uprising that, at the time, posed the biggest threat to the Islamic regime since its inception in 1979.
An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people crowded the streets and headed toward Tehran University, the site of the 1999 student uprising. Several protesters were hit on the arms and backs by the Basij, the journalist reported. The militia tried to convince one man, whose face was bleeding, to get into an ambulance but he refused.
The student dormitory that was attacked is the first to receive such action since the 1979 revolution in Iran.
Students were attacked “while sleeping” by police “and plain clothes men.” One student was killed that night.
These attacks on the student dormitories in Tehran, but also in an outlying town, ignited protests. Within days, these demonstrations were “repressed.”
The students were attacked because they “were an important pillar in the reform movement.”
Instead of an investigation into the dormitory repression, the lawyer of the students was prosecuted, as were students.
Mohsen Makhmalbaf, also in Farsi… Student has always been synonymous with “intellectual” and “well informed.” In Iranian society, students a leaders of reform movements.
The anniversary of the 9th of July has two significances. One is to commemorate the students who have been killed and tortured. Also, it’s an excuse for “strengthening the green movement.” Until “we have a dictatorship,” it is “dangerous” for the government. Anniversaries are utilized to bring out and commemorate repression.
Compared green movement to Ghandi’s, the purpose of which is a non-violent protest. The courage of the protesters, calling students “pioneers,” allows “people to regain their courage and solidarity.” They “are united in what they seek.” After the elections, the millions that participated in the rallies demonstrates to protesters that they are not alone. “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid. You are not alone.” This chant has a deep meaning for Iranians, a response that the government had tried to instill fear and that they were alone.
Hamid Dabashi, in English… When we say “student movement,” it is not limited to students. Only 10% of those applying and desiring to attend the universities are expected. So, this is actually a “student led movement.” It also goes beyond the July 9th anniversary, as the green movement has shown. What’s happening today goes into the leading seminaries and progressive clerics, in religious and constitutional terms, are joining. “We need to place the student movement in a larger context… into civil rights…” Peaceful demonstrations, as stated in the constitution, is not against Islam, is legal. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of intellectuals and newspaper, have been arrested and tortured. Leaders like Mousavi and Khatami cannot communicated with their followers. “These people are risking their lives” against a “very heavy security apparatus.”
Technical difficulties on the call got in the way of reporters on the call asking questions, but the conversation continued. I did email one in, hoping for a response, but didn’t get one, though I was emailed in response they’d try to get an answer for me on the validity and accuracy of the story in the Guardian about Khamenei’s son. I’ll post it if it comes.
McClatchy asked about Mousavi and if he participated in today’s demonstrations. Response: Mousavi is in a difficult position. “He doesn’t have a microphone in his face, so to speak.” His website and other outlets are under watch and there is “heavy propaganda” going against him right now in Iran. “What we believe can take this movement forward is a self populated ‘human chain,’ stretching all through the city.” Mousavi anticipated this reaction, which is why he announced “every Iranian must be a commander and a follower for this movement.” If Mousavi is imprisoned, or “we lose him as a leader,” we are prepared to keep going; thinking of him as “just one” of many involved. “Every Iranian inside Iran is a campaign headquarters.” One of the speakers, I’ll find out which one, just answered that he gave a speech in the European parliament that they not recognize Ahmadinejad as legitimate president. “It’s a dictatorship threatening the Iranian people with flogging” and worse. They also asked that corporations supplying the Iranian regime be punished. Do not accept the propaganda, especially when the regime blames other powers and “foreign peoples. … We do need everybody’s help, international organizations…”
Speakers continued… If the U.S. and other nations do not help the Iranian people and empower them, the despotism inside Iran, but also the nuclear threat will become worse. (The nuclear issue being raised after McClatchy’s question was asked.) The only mistake the international community is making is giving Khamenei time to finalize their nuclear program, which by the time the act it will be too late.
I believe it was Hamid Dabashi, who next mentioned Obama saying there is no difference between Mousavi and Ahmadinejad. Then that means “there is no different between Obama and Bush.” In explanation, invoked Ahmadinejad and Hitler. Iranian people can’t ask Obama or Mandella to lead them; they have to go to the leaders from which they have to choose. A little later, the speaker, who is an Iranian filmmaker, mentioned that world renowned Iranian cinema was founded and supported during Mousavi’s premiership. He made films critical of Mousavi, but unlike what’s happening now, they weren’t censored.
“This movement in Iran is comparable to the civil rights movement in the United States.” Then compared the non-violence aspect to Martin Luther King, but that there are many leaders of the movement in Iran, which is a spontaneous uprising, including those that are now in the prisons. One of the “greatest” movements in the region. As to nuclear technology, “it is our inalienable right” to produce nuclear technology, in line with NPT. Iranians are “perfectly capable of leading our own movement.” Sanctions would hurt the protesters in the streets. No talk of regime change. Any threat of military strikes will hurt the green movement.
