Translation of the statement from Reza Pahlavi regarding the closure of several Newspapers in Iran and the arrest of their writers and journalists.
The recent wide-spread attacks of the monopolizing elements of “Hezbollah” against the moderate Iranian newspapers are vicious violations upon the minimal freedom of speech; a freedom that was recently gained through the selfless efforts of many journalists as part of the overall struggle of the Iranian people for liberty.
The heads of the financial and the political mafia in Iran concerned over the active pursuit of their crimes by the said media, which was openly exposing their gross financial exploitation and misappropriation of funds, ventured into shutting down these papers under false and baseless accusations.
This is an initial step, and a prelude for their future schemes in nullifying the recent parliamentary elections, which was a big slap on the face of radical elements and Hezbollah in particular.
The primary aim of the ongoing “coup d’ état” is a regressive measure aimed to return the country to the status of three years ago via a step by step process, hence, eliminating the Iranian people from the equation. A segment of this vile plan, which was meant to terrorize the public and to suffocate the writers and journalists has been carried out. The next step is to nullify the recent elections, hence neutralizing the parliament itself.
Despite the fact that the libertarian struggle of the Iranian people has received a tremendous blow, this movement is far from over. People, on the surface, might have lost their newspapers, however, their resilient will which allowed the media to momentarily voice their aspirations, albeit limited, is still prevalent.
It has been the people of Iran who have empowered and energized this movement and it will indeed be the people who will re-ignite the torch of liberty, thereby defeating the monopolist and obscurantist elements of the regime. As we are witnessing today, the young and courageous students, throughout the country, have risen in defense of liberty aiming to regain the right for their newspapers to be published freely.
I do expect my fellow compatriots to fully support these causes and rally behind their young brethren.
May God protect Iran
Reza Pahlavi
