Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi and Iranian Presidnet Mohammad Khatami to Support the Reformist Candidat

Dear Excellencies Shirin Ebadi and President Mohammad Khatami:

It should be no news to you that the Iranian people and the international community are frustrated and in part disappointed at the failures of the Khatami government in fulfilling the expectations of his constituency. We, however, acknowledge that the path to democracy involves numerous struggles and sometimes failures. Furthermore, we assert that the process of democratization should not be pursued by violent or military means and methods. Therefore we believe that the reform process is the only viable option towards democratization in Iran. That’s why we, the undersigned, expect and cordially ask you to break your silence and support the Iranian Democracy and Human Rights Front and their reformist candidate in Iran’s upcoming presidential election of June 17.

Your support of progressive reformists in this election is critical.

On May 23^rd, 1997, millions of Iranians voted –as millions around the world optimistically hoped- for gradual but assertive change toward a democratic system, where any and every voice has a chance to be heard, where people are not prosecuted for what they believe or say, where the rule of law, a law enacted by true representatives of the people, is the rule of the land, and where any and every Iranian has equal rights and opportunities.

It is almost a consensus that Mr. Khatami missed precious opportunities and failed to lead and “assert” the demands of his constituency.

We, however, believe that Iran’s reform movement, thanks partly to Khatami’s government and mainly due to the dedication of brave journalists, human rights activists, and student and political activists, has scored significant and irreversible achievements. A mass public with unidentified groups has been transformed into a politically educated society, in which all players are forced to reveal their true identity and take positions. This was a huge step forward toward the modernization of Iran’s polity.

Severe violations of human rights, which were quietly conducted and/or covered up by governments before May 23^rd, are now brought to the national and international attention instantly. The reformists, notably in the sixth parliament, were frequently bullied by unelected bodies. But every time the reformists took an initiative, they –as Gandhi said- made injustice seen. A “seen” injustice cannot last long. The reform struggle has seriously undermined the legitimacy of unelected power in Iran –another irreversible accomplishment.  

Although these improvements are critical, they are far from what voters demanded on May 23^rd. This gap between expectations and accomplishments has caused disappointment and apathy in the constituency. We are afraid that a low turn-out on the side of a disappointed reform-minded constituency will bring about a situation in which the fate of the election would be decided not on the issues, but solely on “name recognition” of a totalitarian candidate. To save democratic reform in Iran, we ask for your support to boost voter turn-out and enhance the name recognition of the Democracy and Human Rights Front’s candidate.

Dr. Moein, the reformist’s candidate has distinguished himself with a focus on defending human rights and basic civil liberties, and improving civil society. As the candidate of the Democracy and Human Rights Front, he –for the first time officially- represents the disenfranchised voices of Iranian polity and society. He has invited into his government candidates barred from running in the election by an unelected body. He has criticized undemocratic provisions of the constitution. He has highlighted human rights, including women’s and minorities’ rights, as the centerpiece of his presidential program. Compared to Khatami’s agenda, Moein’s candidacy has pushed the boundaries of democratic reform to a new level. His ideas are much more progressive, his positions much stronger and clearer, and his team much more experienced and effective. This promises a much more effective government than that of Khatami’s. 

This profile strongly contrasts with that of any other candidate. All other candidates have left the reform process and human rights out of their agenda in favor of the autocratic rule of Valayat-e Faqih.

Since defending human rights and the rule of law are the main causes you have championed, we, the undersigned, expect and ask both of you to not remain silent, and despite the potential political cost, to lend your support to the reform movement. The fate of human rights and dignity, and civil society in the next four years are at stake.

President Khatami!

You pledged to defend the dignity and human rights of all Iranians. Many of us responded overwhelmingly to that call by our votes. Please do not waste this opportunity. It might be your last chance to fulfill this pledge. As your constituency, we urge you to lend your name recognition to Dr. Moein and join his campaign, especially in small towns and cities across the country. Here it is: you, us and your pledge, for the last time.

Ms. Ebadi!

As citizens of the world, we admire and respect your efforts against violations of human rights. We beseech you to break your silence in the upcoming election and support the only candidate who represents the cause of human rights. We believe that this presidential election in Iran is beyond a political contest of power. Human rights and non-violent democratic reform are at stake.  

 **Initiated by students at the School of International and Public Affairs
Columbia University, New York City