Wednesday
Jun162010
Iran Document: Mousavi's "Green Charter" (15 June)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 7:51 
Translated by Khordaad 88:In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful,
We are still standing tall and proud on the first anniversary of the 10th Presidential elections despite our whipped body, which endures bruises and imprisonments. Our demands are the same: freedom, social justice, and the formation of [legitimate] national governance. We are confident of victory, hoping for the will and support of God, because we have not demanded anything other than restoration of our national rights. “All [foam on the surface of water] will move to the sidelines and perish. What remains on earth will be to the people’s benefit.”
The lies, irregularities, and fraud committed during the election prompted a question: “Where is my vote?” You great people shouted this question clearly and unambiguously in a non-violent manner during the historic and extraordinary rally of 15 June. Everyone, nationally and internationally, heard your voice and saw your message, except for those blinded by ignorance, superstition, self-interest, and lies. But what was the response? Stigmatization and accusations of treason, militarization, killing, imprisonments, the chaining of prisoners, and attacks on university campuses.
Doubtless, the people will never forget the atrocities [committed in] Kahrizak [Prison]. [Nor will they forget] the killing of June 15 and June 20. Nor will they forget the murders of Ashura. Indeed, they must never forget lest they betray the blood of the innocents and the martyrs. How can we ever forget something like live rounds aimed at the people and police cars running them over?
However, stains of blood and scars of torment tore apart the deceitful cover-ups of totalitarians. [The people] saw through institutionalized corruption and beyond the hypocritical "holy" veil. What happened [at that time], and the way that different classes of people were treated by the government, revealed where the problems are rooted as well as the people who are affected [by them]: labourers, teachers, students, journalists, professors, clergymen, entrepreneurs, women, men, the youth, the aged and all social activists including the oppressed, the poor, and the middle class.
Today our country experiences the greatest number of executions per population on the whole planet. This is not because our country has the greatest number of sinners. This is because justice, management and good governance have disappeared from our land. The fact that even the most urgent and daily necessities of governing a country have not obliged the totalitarian government to stop spreading lies, corruption, and superstition (as well as the fact that they have not stopped undermining the Constitution and other regulations) tells us of the abyss of corruption within the layers of the establishment. It is as if there is a strong structure that protects certain special interests funded by hundreds of billions of dollars of oil money and money from $70 billion worth of imports. [It is a structure that protects] unmonitored and unsupervised control over monetary and financial institutions.
Today, taxpayer’s money is prone to pillage by holy-looking thieves. The nation is still waiting to be introduced to and to put on trial those who committed various instances of financial fraud. Whatever happened to that great investigation that began in Parliament and was suddenly concluded with a deal?
Who dares to open investigations into the centers of power regarding the great "privatizations", based on Article 44, of the Constitution to expose this great monopolisation of our economy? Who has the courage to speak up against this crisis, characterized by the lack of financial supervision over the military, intelligence, and quasi-official institutions that have a tight hold across [our] economy? Yet, the question still lingers in the mind of our nation: Is this the promise of the just and Islamic establishment that we sought [all those years ago]? Are there problems that may arise from transparency? Are they so terrible that we must seek refuge by promoting secrecy? Have we forgotten the golden rule of that great old wise man of Jamaran, Ayatollah Khomeini, who said: “Do not do something that you cannot justify to the people?”
Dear companions of the green path of hope,
A year has passed since the creation of this unseen movement. During that time, the greens have walked a long way on this path of hope. Thanks to losing hope of receiving government assistance. They have come together in their homes, organised their goals, and expanded their social networks. They have formed lasting and stable bonds among a large portion of the nation. Strong and stable social networks have been miraculous for spreading information and raising awareness. To see this, it is enough merely to look at the production of art and the democratic spread of analysis, news, and information among different social streams. The Green Movement has been responsible for a wave of dialogue about important questions regarding our future. This event is incomparable to any other in our modern history.
Today, people know those who have trampled on the basic rights of the nation. People are aware of repeated violations of human rights and the lack of human dignity within the Judiciary and intelligence division. People are aware of how far the totalitarians have advanced in desecrating common national legacies, especially with regards to fundamental human rights. It is because of this very public consensus and dialogue that wisdom and rationality among our people always overcomes emotion, despite all the bitter and bloody events [of the recent past]. As a result, the trouble-makers have failed to move people to violence, although they tried hard to provoke those who had bled, those lost their loved ones, and those who had been imprisoned. Non-violent resistance is our strongest weapon against the bullets and electric batons of the uncivilised thugs.
Millions of our people now see which groups have drawn their knives, running wildly behind young and old men and women. They see which groups of inferior culture and civility walk the public rallies shouting the ugliest words and slogans. [Our] people have created symbolic artwork instead of using such words. [Our] people have presented one another with gifts of colourful posters and have distributed countless films and placards based on each other’s lives and struggles. This is how [our] people have made memories of the pain and suffering they had to endure:
A child by the name of joy
Eyes bright and glistening
Hair long as the heights of hope
Is lost of late.
Whoever has news of her
Let us know
Here between the Persian Gulf
And the Caspian Sea. [2]
Supporters of the [Green] Path of Hope,
Based on recommendations made by friends during the year of patience and perseverance, a new program has been prepared. for better cooperation and communication [between members of the Green Movement], and to fortify the common identity of the movement itself.
Clearly, the proposed document cannot meet everyone’s expectations and demands. As an unimportant supporter [3] who was trying to find a solution to this quandary, I was inspired by voters who participated in the human chain that extended from Rah Ahan to Tajrish during the previous election campaign. Faced with a choice between bad and worse, they said that they will choose bad. It was only this selection that made the continuity and formation of that memorable chain possible. Real reform begins with this understanding of choice and the assumption of responsibility for choosing one option over another.
This document is only the first step and, during its evolution, the Green Movement will create a better and more complete set of guidelines.
That Home of the Hereafter, We shall give to those who do not intend high- handedness or mischief on earth --- the end is (best) for the righteous. [4]
Roots and Goals
1. Numerous factors have contributed to the formation of dissident perspectives among the majority of the Iranian people and those who care [for our country]. The strongest manifestation of these views is within the Iranian Green Movement, formed after the 10th presidential election. These factors are as follows: numerous deviations from and planned obstacles to the realization of ideals such as justice, independence, freedom, and the institution of the Islamic Republic itself, for which was carried out the magnificent Islamic Revolution.
2. Based on its commitment to [these] principles and fundamental human, religious, moral and national values, the Green Movement considers itself to be a purifier and reformer of the course taken in the Islamic Republic after the Revolution. Therefore, it will focus its efforts on the framework of the Constitution and [ensure] respect for the people’s votes and opinions.
3. The Green Movement is an extension of the Iranian people’s quest for freedom, social justice, and national sovereignty, which had been previously manifested in the Constitutional Revolution, the (1951) Oil Nationalization Movement, and the Islamic Revolution.
4. Revisiting the recent history of [our nation’s efforts] to achieve enlightened social ideals demonstrates that the goals of the Green Movement can only be realized by: strengthening civil society, expanding the space available for social dialogue, increasing awareness, [facilitating] the free circulation of information, [encouraging] the active participation of parties and associations, and generating a [liberal environment] for intellectuals as well as social and political activists who are loyal to national interests. The achievement of these goals requires an emphasis on common demands, which will facilitate collaboration and coordination among various members of the Green Movement who, despite their own unique identities, have accepted the inherent pluralism of the movement and have gathered side by side under its umbrella.
Fundamental Strategies
1. The Green Movement is a broad social movement that does not consider itself infallible. It rejects blasphemous absolutism and stresses [the importance of] criticism and dialogue both inside and outside the movement. Overseeing the course and evolution of the movement is essential for activists as well as intellectuals and thinkers in particular. This will prevent a slide toward totalitarianism and corruption.
2. According to Green activists, the people of Iran want [to be part of] a proud, honorable and developed country. The Green Movement supports pluralism and opposes all attempts to monopolize it. Therefore, we do not tolerate animosity or maliciousness [directed] at any social group. All individuals who consider themselves part of the Green Movement have a responsibility to try to engage in dialogue (within a healthy atmosphere) with those who are against the movement, in order to make them aware of its goals and principles. We are all Iranian and Iran belongs to all of us.
3. The key issues for activists belonging to the Green Movement include the expansion of social networks, virtual or real, and the initiation of in-depth discussions of the movement’s goals as well as its identity.
4. The Green Movement strongly insists on [the importance of] protecting [our country’s] independence and draws a line at [extensive] involvement with foreign forces. However, it does not seek isolation from or animosity towards [other countries] and it is not captive to prejudicial tendencies [regarding foreign policy]. Justice, freedom, independence, human dignity, and spirituality are all universal values. Among the tasks of the Green Movement is to learn from the experience of nations that have tried to obtain those values and to welcome the views and criticisms of all freedom-seeking and peace-loving individuals –-- individuals who seek human freedom and dignity.
Green Identity
Iranian-Islamic Treasure
1. The Green Movement insists on the continued presence of a compassionate religion characterized by forgiveness, spirituality, morality, and the appreciation of human dignity. Furthermore, it points out that emphasizing the ethical and compassionate aspects of Islam and the Islamic Republic is the only way to strengthen religious values. The fundamental principles of the Green Movement should take into account [our] national-religious legacy and desire for development and progress; they should steer clear of coercing people into an ideology, sect or clique; they should oppose the use of religion as an instrument and protect the independence of religious institutions and clergymen from the state to preserve the prominent position of religion; and, finally, they should maintain the continuous and important role of religion in our society.
2. The secret to preserving the Islamic Iranian culture is the coexistence of our long-lived religious and national values. In this regard, the Green Movement is insistent on preserving the right to promote the highly-held values and lessons contained in the customs of the Iranian culture, and breaking taboos that lead to fanatic behaviour, and publicizing our true national and religious identity.
3. The Iranian nation has exhibited self-confidence and solidarity in its history of fighting for freedom. By relying on this rich background, collective reasoning, and avoiding self-centred behaviour, the Green Movement marches on to achieve its goals and form a collective understanding about common issues at the national level.
The movement solely relies on collective reasoning and monistic rationale.
4. The Green Movement is an Iranian-Islamic movement that seeks a truly free and advanced Iran. Thus any Iranian who acts in pursuit of a better tomorrow for her/his nation counts as a Green Movement activist. In our eyes, Iran belongs to all Iranians.
People’s right of self-governance
1. The right of self-governance is an unequivocal principle of the Green Movement. Holding elections is the best available method to live by this principle. The Green Movement will continue its quest to guard the people’s vote until a free and fair election regime without interference is established in the country. People’s approval is the source of the political powers’ legitimacy. The Green Movement considers any attempt to vet election candidates based on personal or group preference under the banner of candidate eligibility examination as unconstitutional and an obstruction to the right to self-governance.
2. Freedom and Fairness are not possible if we undermine our independence and national interests. Protecting our national interests is one Green Movement’s principles.
Green Movement’s Values
Respect for human dignity and opposing violence
1. Respect for human dignity and human rights independent of ideology, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social status is one of Green Movement’s primary demands. The
Green Movement fully endorses protection of human rights, which is one of humanity’s most important achievements.
Human Rights are given by God and hence no ruler, government, parliament, or other power can take them away or interfere with protecting them. Realizing protection of these rights requires respect for fundamental principles such as equality, tolerance, dialogue, peace, and peaceful problem solving. These fundamental principles can be upheld if we start to free the independent press, stop censorship, get access to information, strengthen the civil society, respect citizens’ privacy, enable NGOs to act freely, and reform laws and regulations to eliminate any type of discrimination in society.
2. The Green Movement is a social movement that is committed to non-violence. It is committed to working within the constitutional framework. It believes that people are the primary victim of any type of violence and so depends on dialogue and peaceful resistance to advance its agenda. Non-violent resistance is an uncompromisable value of this movement. The Green Movement will use all the capacities of non-violent resistance to achieve its goals.
Equality and Freedom
3. Equality is a highly-held value in the Green Movement. Fair distribution of resources, be they economic, political, or social, is an undeniable goal of the Green Movement for which the movement will do all that is necessary.
Spreading justice in society is only possible if the governing body --- internally and internationally --- acts with complete independence from self-serving organizations, political powers, or groups of people. In these conditions, the government can develop the economy, guarantee people’s welfare and comfort, and uphold social justice.
4. The Green Movement while understanding the necessity of addressing demands from all social sects and groups, stresses the importance of uniting with the middle class and those with lower incomes who are more susceptible to harm under social and political pressure. By referring to Section nine of the Constitution, the Green Movement firmly rejects infringing on civil rights in the name of protecting independence or territorial integrity. The Green Movement fully recognizes the value of political, cultural, economic, and military independence, and names “protection of people’s right to self-governance in all dimensions” as the only way of protecting our borders and national interests.
5. Guaranteeing freedom and equality were undeniable goals of the Islamic Revolution that the Green Movement firmly holds as its own. Promoting diversity, opposing monopolisation of the media and elimination of opposition and minorities are central themes in the Green Movement. It is essential to free people from political (totalitarianism), social (discrimination and social inequality), and cultural (ideological dependence) domination. The Green Movement fully supports the Women’s Movement and denounces any discrimination based on gender and fully supports ethnic minorities’ rights.
6. The Green Movement believes that security does not only consist of the government's security; it is the security of each and every Iranian citizens. Security should be provided for all citizens for them to be able to live under the protection of the law, free from any fear and dependence. Intervention of armed and security forces in politics, intervention of irresponsible forces in military [and security] issues, and dominance of armed and security forces over judiciary officials are all obstacles in the security of the government and people. Independence of the judiciary, no intervention of armed forces in political and economical activities, and punishing the organizers and members of the so-called plain-clothes forces are among the very pressing [serious] demands of the Green movement.
7. The Green Movement calls for the implementation of all articles of the Constitution, particularly those that refer to the rights of the people (third chapter). This is a definite and unchangeable demand and goal of the Green movement.
8. Freedom of all political prisoners, abolition of the legal restrictions on and security-based [security-oriented] approach to the activities of political parties and social groups and movements such as the women's movement, the students' movement, labour unions, and the like.
Towards this end, the following strategies should clearly be followed. Fair trials for those who authorised as well as those who actually carried out the election fraud and killing and torture of protesters. Exposing and trying those who have theorised about and defended violence in various levels of the power hierarchy and government.
Moral conduct and respect for personal and social creativity
1. Unfortunately we have to acknowledge that incorrect political, social, and economic policies of the government has resulted in a decline in morals and a decrease of social capital in our society. The Green Movement emphasizes the need for reviving our social morals as the common ground and unifying element of the Iranian social life, while pledging to completely abide by moral principles in its struggle towards enforcing civil rights of the [Iranian] people.
2. The Green Movement is neither a centralized party, nor a collection of unorganised, aimless individuals. An overview of the historical experiences of the Iranian nation reveals that they have always shown their awareness, ability, and deep understanding in dire historical circumstances, and have relied on their creativity to pave the way towards achieving their goals.
The Green Movement, according to its foundational principles and origins and utilizing social networks, relies on thought, understanding, and civil innovations of the Iranian people. It believes that goals such as justice and freedom can only be achieved once these creative forces have flourished. Our campaign slogan "every Iranian as one campaign” can now be changed to "every Iranian as a movement"
Abiding by the law and negotiating
1. The Green Movement wants a glowing future for the Iranian people based on their common covenant, the Constitution, while pursuing the lasting goals and ideals of the Islamic Revolution and taking a critical approach to the developments that have taken place ever since [the Revolution], particularly with regards to the relationship between State and nation.
2. In this regard, "implementing the constitution with no negligence" is the main fundamental strategy of the Green Movement. This movement believes that overcoming the crises that we are facing today and pursuing the development and progress of our nation can only be possible through returning to the law and enforcing its implementation on all institutions, and punishing those who do not abide by it in whatever position they may hold.
The Green movement is also completely aware that abiding by the law is different from instrumentalising it by those who are in power. We should strive to reach a point where the law is not used a tool to enforce unjust and derogatory violence and is not a means for violating the most fundamental rights, and where violence, injustice, and discrimination is not [deemed] legal.
3. The national laws, including the Constitution, are not eternal and unchangeable documents. Every nation has the right to reform its current laws, in the quest for correcting its general direction. However, note that changing the Constitution is only valid when it is put forth through a process of negotiation and dialogue in the society, with the participation of all groups and factions among the people, avoiding any dogmatism, exclusiveness, and bullying.
4. Expanding the civil society and strengthening the public sphere are the main principles of the Green movement. This movement believes that in order to safeguard our national interests, achieve the goals of the Islamic Revolution, and subside the unpleasant effects of the recent crisis, representatives of various schools of thought and political groups should engage in negotiations and dialogue. In this regard, we welcome any invitation to transparent negotiations and discourse aiming at defending the rights of the people and solving social conflicts.
5. This movement calls for strengthening the Iranian economy in international platforms and investment and increasing the purchasing power of the Iranians. The Green Movement wants rational and respectful foreign policy based on transparent and constructive interaction with the world, rejecting adventurous and populist diplomacy, so that it may lead to higher esteem for the great historical nation of Iran in the world.
A humble companion of the Green movement
Mir Hossein Mousavi
Reader Comments (3)
[...] Iran Document: Mousavi's “Green Charter” (15 June) | Enduring America [...]
I'm wary of Islamists, of whatever stripe, but this document is a significant step forward. It speaks to various audiences and emphasizes the importance for sustaining a collective conversation between Iranians of various viewpoints.
The best possible scenario is a transitional provisional govt headed by Mousavi that will either allow a referendum after much free debate, or a candidate promising a referendum to run in new elections. I feel like this document clears the ground for that. Let's just hope the Iranian nation doesn't get hoodwinked again.
Now is the time for concrete planning to realize this goal.
[...] over de toekomst van Iran’s oppositie verdiept zich nu ex-presidentskandidaat Moussavi een ‘Green Charter’ heeft uitgegeven (zie hier) en er een ‘project voor het 4e [...]