At this time in 1979, after many months of popular unrest, the Iranian monarchy was abolished. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini took power in what has been called an Islamic Revolution. In Tehran today, the stage was set for a celebration of the revolution. The plan was for representatives of many of the world’s countries to participate. Opponents of the Islamic regime would prevent that. For them, the revolution symbolizes 44 years of religious tyranny. With the hashtag #BoycottIRIDay, pro-democracy advocates and family members of slain protesters called for Norway and other countries to boycott the celebration. Many countries listened and did just that. But Norway still participated. – Shows little understanding of the democracy campaign Opponents of the regime are supported by Conservative politician Mahmoud Farahmand. He was born in Iran and came to Norway as an eight-year-old. – The Islamic revolution is one of the worst things that has happened to the Middle East. For a very long time, it has affected the region in a negative direction. It laid the foundation for a regime that fuels sectarian hatred, creates war and sponsors terror in the world, he says. – Therefore, I obviously support the activists who asked Norway not to participate in the celebration. – What signal does it send to Iranian democracy advocates that Norway nevertheless sent a representative to the event? – I think that is very unfortunate. It shows little understanding of the democracy struggle going on in Iran. As long as we are vocal defenders of democratic values, we should also be the same for Iran and Iranians. ACTIVIST IN EXILE: Parallel to the demonstrations in Iran, exiles have demonstrated abroad. New demonstrations are planned for Saturday in Paris and other cities. Photo: Michel Euler / AP Among those who mobilized against the celebration were Masih Alinejad and Hamed Esmaeilion, two of Iran’s leading opposition figures. On Twitter, Esmaeilion wrote that “It is unforgivable to participate in the anniversary of the seizure of power of the most illegitimate and criminal regime. Democratic governments must boycott the shameful ceremonies in Tehran on February 9.” Many did. The activist network 1500tasvir reports on Twitter that the only EU countries that participated were Hungary and Poland. From Germany, parliamentarian Ye-One Rhie writes that the Germans did not participate because it can no longer be “business as usual” with the Islamic Republic. Was present State Secretary Erling Rimestad confirms to news that the Norwegian Embassy in Tehran was represented by an embassy secretary at the event. He still does not believe that it sends the wrong signal from Norway. – We have been clear in our statements to Iran. We have called for an end to the use of the death penalty, and to respect human rights. Furthermore, Rimestad says that the government continues to engage in improving the human rights situation in Iran, by talking to the authorities, negotiating in the UN and expressing support for those who are affected. – What would you say to those who asked Norway to drop the event? – The fact that we talk together does not mean that we recognize their politics or legitimize their values. We must talk to those with whom we disagree. We have to show what we stand for, without compromising our own principles, says Rimestad. – Revolution inevitable in Iran Bloody protests have characterized Iran for almost five months. It was the murder of a young woman in the custody of the Iranian morality police that ignited the popular rage against the dictatorship. According to the human rights group HRANA, at least 527 protesters have been killed in the unrest, including 71 minors. Many thousands of protesters are believed to be in prison, several of them on death row. But despite the brutality – and the calmer atmosphere in Iranian streets in recent weeks – Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi does not believe that the democracy movement in the country is fading away. OPTIMISTIC: The Iranian lawyer and Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi believes there will be regime change in Iran. Photo: STAFF / Reuters – The demonstrations have taken a different form, but they have not ended, Ebadi told Reuters last week. – This revolutionary process is like a train that does not stop until it reaches the terminus.
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Norway participated in the celebration of the Islamic revolution – news Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country
