Non-Music: Petition for Democratic Iran

Subject: Non-Music: Petition for Democratic Iran
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Aug 00 - 08:49 PM

I just received this from RAWA, the Revolutionary Association of Women from Afghanistan. Please consider copying it and pasting it into an email, then sending it to the addy given, and also forwarding it to people you know who might be supportive. Thank you, kat

From: National Committee of Women for a Democratic Iran: [e-mail]
To: [e-mail]
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2000 5:20 PM
Subject: Petition - and greetings

PLEASE SIGN ONTO THIS PETITION, AND FORWARD IT ON TO ANYONE ELSE YOU THINK MIGHT BE INTERESTED. PLEASE EMAIL THE SIGNED COPIES TO [e-mail]

We have learned that Mohammad Khatami, president of the Iranian regime, is planning to attend the United Nations programs in September in New York. He represents a brutal regime that over the past two decades has executed 120,000 persons on political charges and imprisoned and severely tortured hundreds of thousands more. Khatami's presence in the United States and appearance at the UN contradicts the democratic, human rights and other principles upon which our nation and the United Nations were founded. Welcoming the president of such a regime is tantamount to ignoring these values and sanctioning the atrocities committed by the fascist theocracy ruling Iran. During Khatami's tenure, 670 public executions have taken place and 13 persons have been stoned to death. Inhuman medieval punishments, such as gouging out eyes and amputation, are routine. Khatami personally ordered the crackdown on student protests. The persecution of religious and ethnic minorities has continued unabated. On June 10, ten members of the Jewish community were sentenced to long prison terms on bogus charges of "spying." Forty-one members of the Iranian opposition have been assassinated abroad.

We the undersigned condemn the Iranian regime for its crimes against humanity, and support the Iranian people's Resistance against dictatorship. We condemn Khatami's trip to New York and protest his appearance at the UN, because he does not represent the Iranian people.

Organization:_____________________
Title:____________________________
First Name:_______________________
Last Name:________________________
Address 1:________________________
Address 2:________________________
City:_____________________________
State:____________________________
Country:__________________________
Postal Code:______________________

Subject: RE: Non-Music: Petition for Democratic Iran
From: MarkS
Date: 29 Aug 00 - 09:08 PM

Didn't we go through this once before in the late 70's?

Subject: RE: Non-Music: Petition for Democratic Iran
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Aug 00 - 09:10 PM

Democracy never made it, Mark. From the books, etc. that I've read, recently, and from personal contact with some of the RAWA members who live in Pakistan, it just keeps getting worse, but this time, with the internet, people have more of a voice and the women, esp. are working at making a difference.

Subject: RE: Non-Music: Petition for Democratic Iran
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 29 Aug 00 - 09:12 PM

RAWA stuff comes my way already.

Good to see the Taliban adopting a more enlightened approach when they took on Pakistan at football a couple of weeks ago. Major progress for one of the few nations on earth that doesn't enter the Olympics. Except that police swooped on the stadium, arrested the Pakistani team en block, and threw them all in jail... for wearing shorts.

Subject: RE: Non-Music: Petition for Democratic Iran
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Aug 00 - 09:26 PM

Good for you, Fionn. I don't follow football. Do you have any more info on what happened?

You might be interested in reading one of my articles on RAWA and Afghanistan. It is at www.voiceofwomen.com, in the Media & Society section.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Non-Music: Petition for Democratic Iran
From: GUEST,Irish Sergeant
Date: 30 Aug 00 - 08:08 PM

While I applaud the efforts stated, I do wonder what good it will do. I have done little in the way of international political action. So I am quite new at this. If You could give me some pointers on this. My international action has been of a military nature. Also, how much weight will an American opinion carry? Kindest reguards, Neil (My e-mail is [e-mail])

Subject: RE: Non-Music: Petition for Democratic Iran
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Aug 00 - 08:43 PM

Well, Neil, thank you for asking. I guess one example I would cite about international action being successful is the fight against aparthied in South Africa.

There is also the example of Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. China has been *on notice* for many years and the groundswell for restoration of Tibet as an independent country continues to grow.

My understanding and feeling is that often the people who are living in the countries mentioned have no way of alerting the world to what is happening. When the world does hear of the atrocities, it is imperative that people raise their voice, IMO.

By sending in this petition, one is sending a message of solidarity with the oppressed. It can also serve as a notice to the powers involved that we know what is happening and we are going to be vocal with our opposition.

Vocal opposition has been responsible for the release of political prisoners from many countries, including China.

Also, it is my understanding that when those in power receive one such petition, they figure it represents as least several thousands more who are of the same mind.

I hope that helps. Thanks, again,

kat

Subject: RE: Non-Music: Petition for Democratic Iran
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Aug 00 - 09:57 PM

The Pakistani team was allowed to go AFTER the offending players' heads were shaved as a punishment.