Rights group condemns attack
Press release
The Alliance for Defense of Human Rights
in Iran
PMB 197, 344 Maple Ave. West, Vienna, VA 22180 , USA
Tel: (703) 319-1807
Email: Alliance@iranma.org
On Wednesday, May 19, 1999, following a peaceful gathering held by students
commemorating the birthday of Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh in Ahmadabad, Iran,
his hometown located about 60 miles west of Tehran, the participants were
attacked by members of the Hezbollah group, supported by the government,
leaving many injured and hospitalized as a result.
According to the communiqué issued by the National Coalition
of Iranian Students and Graduates, Hezbollah thugs used bayonets and knives
to attack the gathering of over 5,000 people who were chanting slogans
in favor of freedom of expression and democracy. The attackers ripped
the posters of the late Forouhars, Dr. Mossadegh and Amir Entezam leaving
many students and other people critically injured, including two student
leaders, Mr. Manouchehr Mohammadi and Mr. G. Moajeri Nezad.
The Alliance for Defense of Human Rights in Iran condemns this brutal
and vicious attack and holds the government of Mr. Khatami responsible
for the safety and security of the citizens of Iran. The Iranian authorities
and the Islamic Regime should be held totally responsible for any act of
violence against the students and citizens who voice their opinion in peaceful
demonstrations and any gathering. The Alliance supports the Union of Iranian
Students in their effort to achieve freedom of speech and democracy in
the Iranian society.
This incident which is parallel in nature to the events of recent months
and the escalation of abuses against the basic freedom and human rights,
follows a speech yesterday by the supreme religious leader, Ali Khamenei,
who condemned openly anyone who disobeys the rulings of the Islamic Republic.
Stating that Iranian people are not free to express themselves and newspapers
are not free to write whatever they think, except what is approved by the
government. In his speech, he has given carte blanche to the Hezbollah
thugs to use their power to curb any opposition and silence any opponent
who express their opinion contrary to the regime.
The Alliance for Defense of Human Rights
in Iran requests all individuals and Human Rights Organizations to
express their protest to the Iranian authorities for denying the basic
rights of the Iranian people under the international law.
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