Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a senior member of the Iranian theocracy, has once again stirred controversy with his recent remarks. On Friday, Khatami, who is known for his hardline views, called for the execution of protesters and made threats against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His statements have raised concerns about the state of human rights in Iran and have drawn strong condemnation from the international community.
Khatami, who holds influential positions in several of Iran’s highest governing bodies, made these remarks during a Friday prayer sermon in Tehran. He accused the protesters of being “enemies of the state” and called for their immediate execution. This is not the first time Khatami has publicly called for violence against those who oppose the Iranian regime. In 2009, he was also involved in issuing a fatwa (religious decree) for the execution of protesters during the Green Movement demonstrations.
The recent protests in Iran began in November 2019, sparked by a sudden increase in fuel prices. The demonstrations soon turned into a widespread movement against the government, with people taking to the streets to voice their dissatisfaction with the economic turmoil, corruption, and lack of political freedoms. The protests were met with a violent crackdown by the Iranian authorities, resulting in the death of hundreds of protesters and the arrest of thousands.
Khatami’s call for the execution of protesters is not only a violation of basic human rights but also a direct threat to the fundamental principles of democracy and freedom of expression. The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right of every citizen, and it is the duty of the government to protect this right. Instead, Khatami’s statements further fuel the already volatile situation in Iran and send a chilling message to those who dare to speak out against the regime.
Moreover, Khatami’s threats against President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are a cause for concern. In his sermon, he warned the US and Israel of a “harsh revenge” for the recent assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Such rhetoric only adds to the tension in the region and undermines the efforts for peace and stability.
The international community has strongly condemned Khatami’s remarks and called on the Iranian government to respect the rights of its citizens and uphold the principles of democracy. The United States has denounced his call for violence against protesters and urged the Iranian government to release all political prisoners and respect the freedom of speech and assembly.
The European Union has also expressed its concern over Khatami’s statements and called on the Iranian government to uphold its international human rights obligations. The EU has been a vocal critic of Iran’s human rights record and has repeatedly called for the release of political prisoners and an end to the violent suppression of protests.
It is deeply concerning that a high-ranking member of the Iranian theocracy, who holds influential positions in the government, can openly call for violence and human rights violations without facing any consequences. Khatami’s remarks not only violate the basic principles of democracy and human rights but also undermine the credibility of the Iranian government.
The people of Iran have the right to express their grievances and demand change without fear of persecution. The Iranian government must respect the will of its citizens and address their legitimate concerns instead of resorting to violence and threats. The world is watching, and the Iranian government must be held accountable for its actions.
In conclusion, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami’s call for the execution of protesters and threats against President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu is a cause for great concern. His remarks not only violate basic human rights but also undermine the principles of democracy and freedom of expression. The international community must continue to put pressure on the Iranian government to uphold human rights and respect the will of its citizens. The people of Iran deserve to live in a country where their voices are heard and their rights are protected. It is time for the Iranian government to listen to its people and work towards building a better future for all.
