Letter to His Excellency Kofi Annan

Your Excellency:

For the seventh consecutive night, the people of Iran have courageously defied the harsh repression of the ruling clerics and have expressed their legitimate demands for freedom and democracy in Iran via nonviolent methods.

I have first hand information that these demonstrations have faced brutal crackdown and scores of people have been arrested. International news reports, from Iran, also substantiate the fact that government supported militia have fired upon pro-democracy demonstrators. This brutal crackdown is in conformity with the clerical regime’s announced policy of ruthless measures against any protester demanding freedom and democracy in Iran. The use of violence against defenseless civilians and mass arrests is a cause of great concern to me and my compatriots worldwide.

The international community is rightfully alarmed by reports of violence against my compatriots and their mass arrests. However, it should use any and all opportunities to call upon the clerical regime of Iran to adhere to the principles of human rights, cease its violence, and release all those who have thus far been arrested.

The clerical regime of Iran is a signatory to the United Nation’s charter and, as such, is obligated to fully respect the basic rights of the people of Iran. Iranians have the right to self expression and the right to implement their political wishes through free elections and a national, transparent referendum.

I urgently ask your Excellency’s good offices to utilize all its available resources to prevent the further loss of innocent lives and to energetically support the rights of the people of Iran in their legitimate demand for self determination. The Islamic regime of Iran must be held accountable for its violations of human rights against the people of Iran and its failure to comply with the UN charter.

With best regards,

Reza Pahlavi