Jul 30, 2007News: New Wave of State Violence in Iran Expected
By vanrozenheim
(Iran) - Within the past two weeks, following the rightful objection of the Iranian people in regard to ever-increasing government pressures, a new wave of repression and suppression has begun inside Iran. As part of an interview with the TV program Kooleh Poshty on July 24th, in an emphasized and detailed account Mr. Saeed Mortazavi names every group and individual targeted by the new wave of government violence and murder in Iran. In these comments, he clearly outlines groups allegedly violating official Islamic laws and speaks in detail about various forms of dress, makeup, and hairstyle deemed unacceptable and unforgivable.
Meanwhile, so as to cover the poison of his violent threats, Mr. Mortazavi considers that in the event the guilty party is not aware of the meaning and message of his/her appearance, he/she will not be punished upon the first arrest and instead receive warning and guidance. Apparently during his discussion Mr. Mortazavi does not refer at any point to images and repeated reports of the method of punishment utilized by the authorities to deal with those they consider guilty of so-called immoral offences.
Considering the circumstances in which respect for the rule of law and people’s fundamental rights is the least matter of concern for the judicial system, a situation where as soon as an individual is targeted he/she is dealt with in a brutal and violent manner, for the purpose of intimidation verbally and physically attacked, and in many cases before the accused has been able to respond to the accusations against him/her all that remains of them is a bloodied and battered body - Mr. Mortazavi’s words cannot warm the hearts and inspire confidence among listeners.
During the course of this interview, Mr. Mortazavi intentionally and incorrectly makes five references to the term “hamjensbaz” [Sodomy] rather than the correct term ‘homosexual’. By relying on an incorrect translation of the phrase “I am object” as seen on a shirt worn by a young man, the homosexual community in Iran has been subjected to intense punishment.
In its recent statement, the Iranian Queer Organization (IRQO) condemned the continued violation of human rights committed by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran using every method of violence and pressure against all sectors of society, in particular Iranian sexual minorities, and asks all individuals and organizations active in the realm of human rights to engage in legal intervention for the purpose of decriminalizing homosexuality.
Taking into account the revelations that have come out of the dark and deadly history of the Islamic Republic of Iran, it is not unthinkable that Mr. Saeed Mortazavi, the well known face of its Judicial power and a man accused of countless deaths including that of Zahra Kazemi, puts his utmost efforts on the translation and analysis of hair styles and written words on the garments of the defiant and repressed young generation while insecurity, injustice, unemployment, corruption and ever-increasing lack of individual and civil liberties have jeopardized the life of the society. Similar comments and behavior often become the initial flames that fuel a new cycle of violence, murder, and violation of people’s rights.
According to the sources, it is anticipated that in this phase of suppression and repression about three hundred individuals will be executed for chimerical crimes.
In its statement, the IRQO writes: “No matter where we are, it is up to all of us to raise our voices in protest against the savage acts committed by this regime and put pressure on international human rights organizations to stop this wave of violence and killing.”
