Today, the world was greeted with Iran’s appeal to France, calling for an end to the violent treatment of protesters. The aforementioned statement, credited to Nasser Kanaani, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, commands the world’s attention due to its profound ironic connotation. Kanaani emphasizes the significance of principles such as human dignity, freedom of speech, and the right to peaceful protests, urging the French government to uphold them. However, these assertions carry a comedic undertone as they conveniently disregard the Iranian government’s own actions just a year ago.
Last year, the Iranian regime classified the protests triggered by the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd who was in custody for violating the country’s strict dress code for women, as “riots.” Consequently, they launched a harsh crackdown on peaceful demonstrators who were simply chanting slogans advocating for freedom. Such a stark contrast renders the recent statements by the Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman utterly ludicrous.
During the latest protests in Iran, a significant number of peaceful demonstrators were arrested and many of them lost their lives. The Iranian regime pointed fingers at various countries, accusing them of instigating the unrest. Strikingly, Kanaani himself criticized France’s support for Iran’s protests, labeling it as “clear hypocrisy” and “interference in the affairs of other countries” in October.
Furthermore, the Iranian regime has perpetrated severe injustices against its Arab populace through relentless suppression and the complete prohibition of their basic human rights, such as practicing Arab cultural practices and traditions. It is particularly noteworthy that the very same regime vehemently denounces the French authorities while egregiously exceeding the boundaries of oppression when it comes to the Arab community. Any civil movement daring to challenge the status quo is promptly labeled as treason, a grievous violation subject to the gravest consequence of all—the death penalty.
It is indeed paradoxical that the Iranian regime endeavors to engage in discussions concerning human dignity, freedom of speech, and the right to peaceful protests while concurrently perpetrating oppressive actions and executing individuals who seek their basic human rights, such as exercising personal choices regarding attire, cultural heritage, or language of communication. Consequently, the Iranian regime lacks the ethical foundation necessary to engage in meaningful discourse on matters of human dignity or freedom of speech, given its reputation as one of the most flagrant violators of citizen rights through ruthless means. Therefore, the assertions made by Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani can only be perceived as a charade, devoid of substantive legitimacy.
Mayasa
02.07.2023
