Democracy on the Streets of Tehran
Hundreds of thousands of Iranians have flooded the streets of Tehran to protest the outcome of the recent election. The election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been subjected to widespread condemnation both in Iran and abroad. Critics have argued that the election process was not transparent, rigged, and a total fraud. On its fifth day of protests, at least seven civilians have been confirmed killed.
Many Iranian Christians voted for reformist and more liberal candidate Mirhossein Mousavi. Mousavi had promised more religious freedom during his election campaign. According to Open Doors, a Christian persecution watchdog, many people are angry and frustrated and have lost trust in the Iranian Government.
The country is plagued by so many problems including high inflation and high unemployment, political demands for citizenship rights, the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, as well as the tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programs. People voted for change and Iranians feel they have been cheated with the result.
Daryush, an Iranian Christian whose name has been changed to protect his identity, said that Muslims and Christians alike, are so disappointed with the whole process and vowed never to participate in an election again because “it was a total fraud”.
Mousavi has demanded that the Iranian Government annul Ahmadinejad’s victory and organise a new election. The announcement of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to investigate the election failed to reassure Iranians who voted for reforms in their country.
Rev Dr Moyes has raised his concerns regarding the election results and the death of civilians in recent protests. He said: “Our prayers go out to the Iranian people for them to have a democratically elected government that supports and protect their rights. Our prayers also go out to the Christian minority in Iran who suffer from persecution due to their faith.”