Can An Imprisoned Reformist Lead A Movement?

In a letter from his solitary cell inside Evin Prison, published today on Green Movement website, JARAS, former Deputy Interior Minister Mostafa Tajzadeh invited Iranians to arrange “civil gatherings.”

We must use every opportunity to get together, hold discussions, and publish news of these gatherings, and to tear down the walls of fear.  If Iran’s youth, boys and girls and all its aware citizens display their will and form small and large gatherings, depending on circumstances and possibilities, and in practice condemn the illegal actions of the authoritarian officials, I am sure that the ruling faction would retreat a lot sooner than expected, and would provide a chance for all Iranians to benefit from their rights and to realize their ideals.”

A staunch reformist, Tajzadeh was arrested one day after the disputed 2009 presidential election, and sentenced to six years in prison.  In his letter, Tajzadeh suggests that people stage protests in the form of hunger strikes and fasting every first Monday of each month, to condemn the imprisonment of scores of political and cultural activists and to show solidarity with prisoners of conscience, including Green Movement leaders Mousavi/Rahnavard and Karroubi who have been under house arrest for months.  Reactions to the letter, in the forms of a hot topic and multiple links to articles and comments, are still pouring in.  Here are some examples.

“Kudos to Tajzadeh!  This is an admirable man!” said ac.milan, adding: “Khamenei, your turn will come, too, but this is Iran.  Don’t get excited thinking that like Qaddafi, you could die without a trial.  You will be asked some questions.”

“I support this.  But political activists, websites, social networks, groups, organizations, and bloggers should support it, too,” said cobweb.

mehreiran said:  “The important thing is getting together, which they will not allow.  What impact would fasting have if you are inside your own home?  If people are told to gather somewhere, now that’s something.”

“If the Green Movement intends to return actively to the country’s political arena, this is the best opportunity and it must be seized.  As a reformist member of the Movement, Mr. Tajzadeh has made this suggestion and if different layers and groups of Greens agree, the Green Movement’s demands can be raised this way again,” said mosharekati.  jerjis also said: “If people could only realize their real power, it would be great.”

imasoud said: “With the frequent fall of dictators, the regime is seriously fearful and in order to deal with our fearful enemy, waking people up for weekly protests is simple:  1) dedicated dissemination of information in cities, 2) coordination, and 3) continuity.  If all these factors are continued for two or three months on a weekly basis, you can be sure that we will slowly start seeing a movement by the millions again, that will end it this time.  Don’t forget the economic problems and the pressure they put on people and of course the huge rift between regime heads.”

Not all reaction has been positive.  Some users objected to using a religious gesture, such as fasting, to protest.  Some also showed their disapproval of the reformists.

Obviously, this discussion has only just started.  Stay with us on Balatarin and see how it shapes!