Ban Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf Persidential Campaign

Presidential candidate, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf must not be allowed to become president of Iran. Qalibaf has a history of committing violent human rights abuses and is proud of it. In a recently acquired audio recording of a conference with hardline Basiji students Qalibaf bragged of his involvement in the oppression of student protestors. 

• Regarding the violent repression of student protest in July 1999, Qalibaf says: “I was the commander of the Revolutionary Guards Air Force at the time. Photographs of me are available showing me on back of a motor bike, with Hossein Khaleqi, beating them [the protestors] with wooden sticks….I was among those carrying out beatings on the street level and I am proud of that. I didn’t care I was a high ranking commander.”

• Regarding the repression of the student movement three years later in July 2003, Qalibaf who was head of the Police at the time says on the tape: “I went to the National Security Council meeting and raised hell, spoke very harshly. Didn’t observe proper protocol and I told them as head of the Police, I will demolish anyone who would show up tonight on the campus to protest. Mr. Moin and Zarifian [two other members of the Council] were opposed to giving us permission [to enter the campus], but with my behavior I intimidated them to get the permission to enter and also to shoot [at protestors].

 If elected Qalibaf would undoubtedly oppress the people of Iran and violate their rights as human beings. As the committee that determines who is permitted to run for president it is the Guardian Council’s duty to ensure that men like Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf do not enter into power.