Mousavi releases Green Movement charter

In his 18th statement following last June’s fraudulent presidential election, 2009 presidential candidate has proposed a charter for the Iranian opposition Green Movement, laying out its goals, strategies and identity.

The statement was published by Mousavi’s official website Kaleme today and on the anniversary of the memorable mass demonstrations on 15 June 2009, in response to last year’s rigged election. Some have put the number of protesters who took to the streets on 15 June as high as three million participants.

“On the first anniversary of the tenth presidential election, we stand tall with dignity, yet beaten, wounded and imprisoned; we stand. With demands for freedom, social justice and materialising national rule sovereignty, we are most certain about our victory with the aid of God almighty, for we have not demanded anything but the nation’s rights.”

Referring to the tenuousness of tyranny, Iran’s former prime minister cited the following verse from the holy Quran:”As for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth.”

“From the deceit, unlawfulness and fraud that was carried out during the election, the slogan ‘Where is my vote?’ was born, and in a clear, unambiguous manner, you the people, peacefully echoed this question in a louder and more thunderous voice during the historic and unprecedented demonstrations on 15 June 2009. And except those who had been blinded and deafened by their ignorance, illusions, self-interest and deceit, everyone heard it and saw, both across the nation and across the world. But what was the response? Was it anything but torture, murder, imprisonment and beating up prisoners with chains and attacking university dorms?

Mousavi stated that the “scandals of Kahrizak” prison and the “killings on 15 and 20 June” and the Ashura protests (27 December) would “never be erased from the collective memory of the nation.” “And it shouldn’t be erased,” he added. “This is a betrayal of the spilt blood of the martyrs and the innocent. How can we forget the direct shooting towards the people and their getting run-over by police vehicles?”

“The bloods and sufferings,” Mousavi added, “exposed the deceit and insincerity of the seekers of tyranny and revealed their deep-rooted corruption that had been hidden beneath a saintly disguise.” “These bitter events, and the government’s treatment of the people, showed all sectors of the people, workers, students, journalists, professors, clergy, employers, Bazaaris, women, men, the youth, the elderly and all social movement activists as well as the impoverished and middle class, where the roots of their problems were.”

The former prime minister stated that “our country has the most number of executions in the world per capita, this is because of the sinners’ wrongdoings, but it is the result of injustice and a lack of management and good governance in our society.”

“The fact that even the daily and urgent needs of the state have not led the seekers of tyranny and those in government to abandon their lies, corruption, falsehoods, and their disregard for the constitution and other laws, is an indicator of the depth of this malice in the most inner layers of the system, as though a robust structure has been placed to protect certain interests which is the result of a lack of effective supervision over hundreds of billions of oil revenues and an annual import of commodities with a worth of $70 billion and a tight grip over financial resources.”

Referring to the massive squandering of the people’s funds and recent corruption scandals surrounding Ahmadinejad’s vice-president Mohammad Reza Rahimi, Mousavi asked “Despite claims and promises of identifying, introducing and prosecuting these corrupt people, people have not seen anything.” “What happened to the massive dossier that was raised in Parliament but was declared closed after a one-night deal?”

In addition, Mousavi criticised the lack of financial supervision over military and security bodies asking, “Who has the courage to even mention anything about the tragic lack of the slightest bit financial supervision over military and security organisations as wellas paramilitary bodies who have gained dominance over the country’s entire economic assets? And our nation asks again, was this the just Islamic system that we were seeking? What problems could transparency before the nation possibly set off that pushed us towards secrecy in relation to our people?”

The Green Movement leader argued that the people’s loss of faith and hope in the state had pushed them towards forming their own social networks and learning to rely on themselves for raising awareness among the population. “The Green Movement has produced a wave of discourse regarding the important and critical issues in the public sphere among people, and this has been unprecedented in our contemporary history.”

“More than ever before, the people have identified those who violate the people’s fundamental rights and are aware of the continuous breach of human rights and human dignity in the security-judicial regime in the country. They know how far the despots have proceeded in disregarding the national pact, especially when it comes to the people’s fundamental rights.”

“The struggle and resistance through peaceful means is our most effective weapon in the face of bullets, electric batons and uncultured and ill-mannered club-holders and sward wavers,” continued Mousavi. “In their millions, the masses of the great nation, are able to see who is hunting downs women, men, the elderly and the youth with daggers. Those who—with their downward culture—utter the most foul words and phrases during protests and public gatherings and in response, the people have produced beautiful songs and have presented meaningful posters to one another and have taken and distributed countless films and photos from the people’s lives and struggles.”

In an attempt to boost “coordination and sympathy and to strengthen a common identity within the Green Movement” Mousavi’s statement also included a charter for the Green Movement. He acknowledged that the charter would not appease all “tastes and demands” and that it was a first step in the Green Movement’s evolution:

Roots and Goals:

1. The occurrence of various deviations and gradually-organised-obstacles in the path towards realising such goals and ideals as justice, independence, liberty and Islamic Republic for which the people started the great Islamic Revolution, the emergence of despotic tendencies among certain state officials, the violation of the citizens’ fundamental rights, disrespect for human dignity, government mismanagement, a widening of gap between classes and an increase in economic and social exclusion, disregard for and even battling against the law on the part of certain executors of the law, neglecting national interests and deceitful adventurism in international relations as well as a gradual and painful neglect of ethics and [morality] in power are among the causes that have led to the formation of oppositionist sentiments among the caring, the suffering and the masses of the Iranian people in recent years which clearly and strongly manifested itself in the Green Movement of the Iranian people following the tenth presidential election in 2009.

2. Along with its commitment to the principles and fundamental human, moral, religious and Iranian values, the Green Movement considers itself to be a purifier and a modifier of the governing trend in the Islamic Republic of Iran in the years following the revolution and based on this, it will move forward in the framework of the constitution and respecting the opinion and votes of the people.

3. The Green Movement is a continuation of the movement of the Iranian in achieving liberty, social justice and the realisation of national sovereignty which had previously appeared in certain eras such as the period of Constitutional Revolution, the Oil Nationalisation Movement and the Islamic Revolution.

4. Recalling the contemporary experience in achieving the grand social goals of the Iranian people shows, that achieving the goals of the Green Movement can only be done through strengthening civil society, expanding the sphere of the social discourse, elevating the level of awareness and the free flow of information, effective participation of parties and factions as well as laying the foundation for the free activity of intellectuals and socio-political activists loyal to national interests who are in line with the seek for change and its implementation under the current situation. This requires an agreement and emphasis over a minimal set of principles and common demands in addition to interaction and coordination among all forces that fall under the extended umbrella of the Green Movement and accept the pluralism within Movement, despite their independent identities.

Fundamental actions for the path

1. The Green Movement is a pervasive social movement that does not consider itself to be flawless and objects any ... absolutist approach, it stresses the importance of expanding an atmosphere of criticism and discourse both within and outside the Movement. Monitoring the Movement’s path and its transformation by all activists especially those with ideas and experience is vital and can help save the movement from slipping towards despotism and corruption.

2. In the eyes of Green Movement activists, the Iranian people seek a developed, dignified and exalted Iran. The Green Movement is in favour of pluralism and opposes monopolisation. As a result, there is no room for enmity and antagonism towards the social body of any portion of society. Striving for dialogue and interaction between opponents and rivals in a healthy environment of awareness, should be the responsibility of all those who consciously consider themselves as activists for the Green Movement. We are all Iranians and Iran belongs to all of us.

3. Expanding and activating social networks—both in real life and in cyber space— and developing an atmosphere of dialogue on the goals of the Movement and the root of its identity are pivotal ways forwards and require the attention of all Green activists.

4. While the Green Movement emphasises on preserving its independence and its boundaries with respect to non-national and foreign forces, it does not seek a path of isolation and rejecting-the-other and will not be bounded by zealous tendencies. Justice, freedom, independence, human dignity and spirituality are universal values and learning from the experience of other nations who have struggled for attaining these virtues and welcoming the well-intended seekers of freedom and peace who struggle for the salvation of humankind and human dignity, is among the other actions to be taken Green Movement.

Green Identity

Iranian-Islamic treasure:

1. The Green Movement accepts pluralism from within the Movement itself, and stresses the continued presence of the compassionate religion filled with mercy, kindness, spirituality, ethics and human dignity and considers the strengthening of the moral and compassionate aspect of the enlightening religion of Islam and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a means of strengthening religious values in society. Forging a link between the Iranian-Islamic heritage and the enthusiasm for development and progress, refraining from forcing any tenet, sect, or any particular doctrine upon the people, fighting against the use of religion as a tool and preserving the independence of religious and clerical institutions from the state are the only means for safeguarding the high position of religion and a continuation of its significant role in Iranian society which is at the forefront of the Green Movement’s core principles.

2. The key to the preservation of the Irano-Islamic civilisation is the coexistence and convergence of religious and national values throughout the history of this land. Thus the Green Movement places [great] emphasis on the preservation and strengthening of the transcendent values of Iranian culture and the rich treasures stored in national traditions and customs and in accordance with this path, it will attempt to desanctify baseless fanatical devotions and to raise awareness about the identity-building feature of [our] national and religious beliefs.

3. Throughout their history of struggle for freedom and independence, the Iranian nations have demonstrated time after time, their self-belief and unity when it comes to principles. By relying on this valuable heritage, their collective wisdom and denying any form of self-centredness and selfishness, the Green Movement of the Iranian people seeks to materialise its goals through achieving a mindful consensus over identity-building features and setting aside divisive elements, something that is achievable only by relying on a wisdom resulting from the different collective minds and based on a unifying system of thought.

4. The Green Movement is an Iranian-Islamic Movement that seeks a prospering, free and progressive Iran. Thus any Iranian individual who accepts resorting to a monotheist collective wisdom as a basis for creating a better future for the country is considered to be among the Green Movement’s activists. The Movement, “considered Iran to be for all Iranians.”

People’s right to rule

1. The right of the people to control their own destiny is incontestable principle in the Green Movement which considers the election authority as the most appropriate way for realising this principle. Based on this, the Green Movement will continue with its attempts at safeguarding the people’s votes until the establishment of an electoral system that is free and competitive, one which is without vetting, and is fair while its complete transparency and soundness can be guaranteed.

The vote and will of the people is the source of a political power’s legitimacy and the Green Movement regards any intractable and selective vetting process under the name of monitoring, as against the constitution and the people’s right to determine their own destiny as well as their fundamental rights, and will thus rise against it.

2. Achieving goals such as freedom and justice are only possible when based on national interests and maintaining [the country’s] independence. [Fully] Aware of this, the Green Movement will take action against any act that is against national interests and in violation of the principle of independence and considers this to be at the forefront of its essential principles.

Values of the Green Movement

Human dignity and avoiding violence

1. The primary social value in the Green Movement is defending human dignity and fundamental human rights, regardless of ideology, religion, gender, ethnicity and social class. Establishing and guaranteeing human rights principles is among the most important achievements of humankind and a result of the collective wisdom of all humans, and it is thus endorsed and emphasised by the Green Movement. These rights are God-given and no ruler, state, parliament or power can annul them or justifiably or intractably limit them. Its realisation requires the respect for principles such as equality, tolerance, dialogue, peaceful resolution of disputes and peacefulness which will in turn pave the way for the free activity of independent press, prevention of censorship, free access to information, expansion and deepening of civil society, respect for individuals’ privacy, free activity of nongovernmental social networks and a reform of rules and regulation in the interest of eliminating any discrimination between citizens.

2. The Green Movement is a civil Movement which gives utmost importance to refraining from violence and moving in the framework of principles for social action. Based on the belief that the “people” are the only victims of violence in any scenario, this Movement considers peaceful activism and the resort to peaceful solutions as an irrefutable value. Based on different circumstances and requirement, the Green Movement will use all [available] capacities for peaceful action.

Justice, freedom and equality

3. Amongst the values and ideals of the Green Movement, justice has dedicated an exalted status to itself. The fair distribution of resources, whether it be economic, political, social or in any other area of human life, is among the Green Movement’s incontestable goals, and no effort should be spared in achieving it.

The spread of justice in society is only possible when the governing regime in the country acts—both within and outside the country—with complete independence from organisation and political, class-based and economic powers, can develop the economy, guarantee economic development and the country’s progress in such a way that welfare and social justice are provided for the entire Iranian people.

4. Having regard to the necessity for delivering on the rightful demands of all sectors of society, the Green Movement is intent on linking itself with the middle-class and low-income sectors of society—who are more vulnerable in the face of social and political pressure. Inspired by article nine of the constitution, this Movement opposes the deprivation of people of their fundamental rights in the name of preserving the country’s independence and sovereignty, and stresses the political, cultural, economic and military independence while at the same time it considers “the rule of the people over their own destiny” on all levels as the only way for ensuring national interests and defending the country’s frontiers.

5. Establishing freedom and equality are the undeniable goals of the Islamic Revolution and the Green Movement considers their attainment as necessary. Rejecting any form of control over thought, media, politics and fighting against the physical elimination of any idea and opinion are among the Movement’s most important goals. Thus it is necessary for efforts to be made for liberating the people from any kind of religious (tyranny and monopoly), social (social discrimination and inequalities) and cultural (ideological dependence and constraints) mastery. The Green Movement places special importance on supporting women’s rights, rejecting any kind of gender-based discrimination and protecting the rights of minorities and ethnicities.

6. The Green Movement believes that security should not only belong to the government, but belongs to each and every Iranian citizen. Security must be the entire population must enjoy security so as to live free from fear and the need for legal protection. The interference of military and police forces in political affairs as well as the meddling of irresponsible individuals in police matters and the influence of security and police forces over judiciary officials is a violation of the security of the state and the people. The independence of the judiciary, the non-intervention of the military in political and economic affairs and confronting the organisers of the groups know as ‘plain-clothed militia’ are among the Green Movement’s serious demands.

7. The full implementation of al articles of the constitution, especially those articles that oversee the people’s rights (chapter three) is an inflexible and definite demand of the Green Movement.

8. Setting free political prisoners, eradicating the illegal limitations and the security approach against the activities of parties, groups and social movements such as the women’s movement, student movement, workers’ movements and similar movements as well as the legal prosecution of those who ordered and carried out fraud in the election, the torture and killing of protestors to the election results, exposing and prosecuting the theoreticians and supporters of violence in different layers of the state, are among the clear solutions that must receive attention.

Ethical conduct and respecting individual and social creativities

1. It is with utmost regret that we must admit to how the wrong political, social and economic policies carried out by the rulers have led to the decline of morals and the degradation of social assets in society. While stressing the revival of morals as a shared chapter that links the social life of the Iranian people together in their struggle for upholding the rights of the nation, the Green Movement is fully committed to the moral principles.

2. The Green Movement is not considered to be a well-defined party, but nor is it considered to be unorganised and lacking purpose. Going over the experience of the Iranian people throughout history shows that they have continuously demonstrated their awareness, capabilities and great understanding during critical moments in history and have paved the way for achieving their goals by relying on their creative strengths.

3. Based on its most basic principles and essential and counting on social networks, the Green Movement relies on the understanding, thought and civil innovation of the Iranian nation and considers the attainment of virtues such as justice and freedom to be dependent on the flourishing of these creativities. The slogan “Every Iranian, a campaign” can now turn into “Every Iranian, a Movement.”

Lawfulness and negotiation

1. By pursuing the everlasting goals and ideals of the Islamic Revolution and by relying on a critical view of what has taken place following the revolution—especially when it comes to the relation between the people and the state—the Green Movement seeks a bright future for the Iranian people based on their shared covenant, the constitution.

2. Therefore the “full implementation of constitution”, is the most basic and fundamental way forward for the Green Movement. This Movement believes that the only way to break away from the various crises and to move towards the country’s progress and development, is to return to the law and to oblige different bodies to abide by them and to deal with those who breach the law regardless of their position and stature they are. At the same time, the Green Movement is fully aware that lawfulness does not imply taking advantage of the law by the rulers. Conditions must be met under which the law does not become a tool for enforcing inadmissible and obscene violence as well as the violation of citizens’ fundamental rights and violence, injustice and discrimination are not made legal.

3. The country’s laws including the constitution are not eternal and unchangeable. Any nation has the right to modify its path forwards and to reform the country’s existing laws. Yet it should be noted that the only acceptable constitutional change and reform is one that is the result of negotiation and a social discourse and is carried out with the participation of all sectors and groups in society while refraining from obstinacy, monopoly and language of force.

4. An expansion of civil society and a strengthening of the public sphere are among the principles of the Green Movement. This Movement holds the belief that ensuring national security, achieving the goals of the Islamic Revolution and minimising the unwanted consequences of the current crises requires negotiation and dialogue among the representatives of different political and intellectual groups, and in line with this, the Movement encourages any calls for a transparent discourse with the aim of defending the people’s rights and resolving social disputes.

5. This Movement seeks a strengthening of the country’s economy on the international stage, investment, and a boost in the Iranian people’s purchasing power. The Green Movement seeks a rational and respectful foreign policy based on a transparent and constructive cooperation with the world as well as the rejection of an adventurous and deceitful diplomacy and to elevate the position of the great and historic Iranian nation in the world.