There is an erie quiet in many parts of Iran as protestors gather together in hope of uncovering new ways to protest the brutality of their nation’s government against those expressing their ideas in public. Presidential challenger, Mir Hossein Mousavi, refuses to remain silent and continues openly demanding a new election to replace the fraudulent stealing of the presidency by Ahmadinejad. “It is our historical responsibility to continue our protests and not to abandon our efforts to preserve the nation’s rights.” He wants the constitution respected and rights to free speech, assembly and the press allowed. Former Iranian reform president Mohammed Khatami said the “election” kwas a “velvet coup against democracy.” He noted that while the government press speaks of national reconciliation, protestors still are beaten and imprisoned.
The only response from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is to continue blaming everything on “foreign interference.’ Every time clerics or government officials make this claim it only reinforces belief within the country that the election was a fraud. The people of Iran witnessed their genuine complaint about an election lead to beatings by the government.
Unfortunately, hundreds are still in jail where they are beaten, and in some cases, there are reports of rape.
