In what could only be viewed as an act of desperation by the hard-line segment of the Iranian population, hard-line cleric Ahmad Khatami used today’s prayers as a way to scare those who have participated in the protests following the presidential elections. Lacking any tactful or colorful words, Khatami issued the following threat:

We ask that the judiciary confront the leaders of the protests, leaders of the violations, and those who are supported by the United States and Israel strongly, and without mercy to provide a lesson for all.

…

Based on Islamic law, whoever confronts the Islamic state … should be convicted as mohareb.

Mohareb is a term used to describe anybody who takes up arms to create fear and to deprive the people of freedom and security, or one that is at war with God. Under Iranian law, anyone convicted as mohareb would be executed.

This threat of lethal violence follows increased crackdowns on protestors within the country. Supporters of Presidential candidate Hossein Mousavi, and others, who view the current state of Iranian leadership as dictators, have challenged the results of the presidential elections as well as the authority of the ruling power. Protestors have been beaten, arrested, and sometimes shot as a means to control the growing outcry. Such actions would not be required if the people had faith in their leadership.

While this is the first time the threat of death has been used in such a direct manner, it is not the first time the ruling power has tried to link Mousavi and his supporters to the United States and Israel. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has attempted to tie Mousavi to the West (with the United States having long been labeled the Great Satan) and used that as an excuse to justify harsh actions by the state. The threats seem to have worked, as the size of the protests and confrontations continuing to dwindle. The latest act of defiance was a mass release of green balloons in honor of those killed during the violence over the past few weeks.

President Obama has tried to walk a fine line by praising the participation in the election process and then for those who protested in the streets amid the threat of violence. On the other hand, he has tried not to interject the United States into the debate, even though the U.S. Congress passed a few resolutions on their own. However, how long can the President stand on the sideline while a government scared of losing their power strikes back at their opposition?

The United States must take a stand and call for the global community, especially the countries of the Middle East, to condemn the harsh tactics by the Iranian government. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia had issued a joint statement with Prime Minister Gordon Brown expressing concern over the Iranian government’s response, but fell short of any real condemnation. President Jalal Talabani of Iraq has complemented Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on his victory, but has yet commented on the crackdown of protestors. The leadership of the United Arab Emirates has also been silent.

With the major players in the region remaining silent on Iranian domestic violence, they are indirectly supporting such aggression. It might be accused that these nations are suddenly “pro-American” if they were to stand up for the rights of people to protest free from fear of harm or death. But being able to voice your opinion free from the fear of being beaten isn’t an “American” concept – it is a human concept. For some of these nations, it might be viewed as hypocritical, since they too attempt to silence dissent, but change has to start somewhere.

It’s time for the region and the world to stand up for the rights of the individual.

Related articles:
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy – “Saudi Media Take the Lead Against Iran’s Regime”
UPI – “Brown, Abdullah speak on Iranian protests”
International Relations and Security Network – “Iraqis Say ‘Hands Off’ to Iran”
Al Jazeera – “Call to execute ‘rioters’ in Iran”
Telegraph – “Iran election: protester ‘worthy of execution’ says cleric”
Reuters – “Cleric calls for punishment of Iran ‘rioters’”
International – “Mousavi Vows to Continue Efforts; Ahmad Khatami calls for Death Penalty on Protest Leaders”

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