Khatami breaks his silence, Khamenei’s sister attacks his bloody rule
The sister of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has joined her daughter in condemning her brother’s repressive approach, calling on the Revolutionary Guard to lay down arms as Iran’s clerical regime has hit its opponents and opponents, according to a letter published Wednesday by her son based in France. Former reformist President Mohammad Khatami’s stance marked a turning point in the movement’s support for protests, expressing his support for the popular movement and warning the current leadership against continuing the bloody crackdown.
Iranian-based Badri Hosseini Khamenei has criticized the religious establishment from the time of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, until the rule of her brother, according to the letter, dated “December 2022.”
“I think it is appropriate now to announce that I oppose my brother’s actions and express my sympathy to all mothers who cried over the crimes of the Islamic Republic, from the era of Khomeini to the current era of authoritarian succession under Ali Khamenei,” she wrote in the message, which was posted on Twitter by her son Mahmoud Moradhani.
“The Revolutionary Guards and mercenaries loyal to Ali Khamenei must lay down their arms as soon as possible and join the people before it is too late,” the letter said.
The IRGC includes the Iranian Elite Forces, which have helped to form Iranian proxy entities across the Middle East and run a vast commercial empire.
In November, authorities arrested activist Farida Moradhani, the daughter of Badri Hosseini Khamenei, after she called on foreign governments to sever all ties with Tehran.
Iran’s protests have been shaking for nearly three months following the death of Amini, who was arrested for violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code for women.
In their bid to control them, the authorities have described the protests as “riots” provoked by the United States and allies including Britain and Israel.
Khatami, who was forced into silence by the ruling establishment years ago, expressed his support for the protest movement.
The 79-year-old former president called the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom” (the most prominent chant chanted by protesters) “a wonderful message reflecting a move towards a better future.”
“Freedom and security must not be put in front of each other,” he said in a statement reported by ISNA news agency on Tuesday, the eve of “Student Day”. “Freedom and security must not be trampled on in order to maintain security.. Security must not be ignored in the name of freedom”.
Khatami also spoke against the arrest of students who led protests across Iran since Amini’s death while in custody since September 16.
Imposing restrictions “cannot ultimately ensure the stability and security of universities and society,” he said. In his statement, he also called on officials to “lend a helping hand to students” and recognize “the wrong aspects of governance” by helping them before it is too late.
Khatami was banned from appearing in the media after mass protests triggered by the 2009 re-election of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Iran’s National Security Council, the country’s top security body, reported Saturday that more than 200 people had been killed in the unrest. An Iranian general said last week that more than 300 people had been killed in the unrest, including dozens of security personnel.
Norway-based Human Rights in Iran reported on November 29th that at least 448 people were “killed by security forces during ongoing protests across the country.” Thousands were arrested, including prominent actors and football players.
