We Will Not Compromise; We Do Not Recognize

Some groups and political personalities in Iran interpreted Mir-Hossein Mousavi’s latest statement number 17 to be his formal recognition of Ahmadinejad’s administration following the June fraudulent elections. Some even went as far as to suggest that the leaders of the Green Movement had reached a compromise with the government. But Mousavi’s wife Zahra Rahnavard categorically denies this in her exclusive interview with Rooz and says, “We neither recognize Ahmadinejad’s administration nor will we compromise. But we will sincerely pursue the rights and demands of the people.”

Our interview with Ms Rahnavard comes at a time when pressure on Mousavi continues to grow as his close advisers continue to be arrested and imprisoned while rumors about a back-room compromise by the Green Movement are also spreading. But despite this pressure and threats Ms Rahnavard, a writer and university professor, categorically says, “We have turned our chests into shields and are ready for any bullets, attacks or assassination.” Read on for more.

Rooz: After it was published, some have interpreted Mr. Mousavi’s statement number 17 to be a recognition of Ahmadinejad’s administration. Is this the right interpretation?

Zahra Rahnavard (Rahnavard): This is not my personal take on the statement because specific articles of the document stress that fraud was committed and that the elections were not proper. When the statement specifically says this, how can someone come up with this interpretation? I believe, and this is my take, that it is clear from this statement that Mr. Mousavi does not recognize the government that was born out of fraud.

Rooz: There are lots of rumors going about a behind-the-scenes compromise involving Messrs. Mousavi, Karoubi and Khatami and just today some of the news reports quote Mr. Karoubi over recognizing Ahmadinejad’s administration. Some people look at Mr. Mousavi’s statement and Mr. Karoubi’s remarks and conclude that a deal has been made in the back-room.

Rahnavard: This is absolutely not right and there is no compromise. I do not see any compromise in that statement but the basis demands of the people. The basic demands of the public and government can be met through these demands.

Rooz: But the government does not accept these demands. It has not till now. Do you believe it will heed to these demands?

Rahnavard: I cannot predict the future, but hope that whatever happens will be in the interest of the Iranian nation and will conclude with respect for the people. I want to stress that we neither recognize Ahmadinejad’s administration nor will we have a backend sellout.

Rooz: It appears that with the second round of arrests after Ashoura the atmosphere in the country has deteriorated and now it targets individuals who have clearly given a lot to the revolution. What do you think will be the effect of these arrests on the actions of the people?

Rahnavard: These arrests are wrong and a big mistake which unfortunately continue. Arresting individuals who talk about freedom and people’s rights has no legal justification. One most note that the ideals of freedom, democracy, due process of law, and religious populism are the foundations of people’s demands, of which votes are a part of. The arrests, which include ordinary people, and political and media personalities have no legal basis. What benefit do they derive by arresting someone like Dr Beheshti who is a symbol for all rightful demands and ideas of the movement, who is a caring academician? I do not mean just Dr Beheshti and I only use his name symbolically for those who are behind bars for their ideals and humanism. I also want to mention the issue of women specifically and stress that arresting the brave and conscious Iranian women is a big dent to the image of the Islamic republic. Women who should be in society and at universities are now sitting in prison cells.

Rooz: Do you think these arrests and detentions will have an impact on the Green Movement?

Rahnavard: These arrests will not have any impact on the demands and movement of the people. People are well aware of what is going on and pursue their demands attentively. Today, people are leading the intellectuals, who now follow the movement.

Rooz: Many of your close associates and those of your husband have already been arrested. Your own brother has been detained twice and Mr. Mousavi’s cousin was assassinated. What impact have these events had on your personal life?

Rahnavard: We breathe our air and live through the Green Movement. Even though I have always been suppressed by conservative and regressive forces, I continue to express my thoughts. Unfortunately they are focusing their pressure on freedom-loving women and me, and are striving to suppress us through insults and marginalization, none of which are new and have been practices for yeas. The difference is that today they set aside their façade. There was a time when they would not permit my books to be published and created a situation in which I could pursue my professional and social life only through the university. But they still continued their pressure, which is greater today than before. Their goal is that I not exist and that I do not breathe. They cannot even tolerate our romantic life and tried to create obstacles, but everyone knows the kind of life we have and these pressures and threats have no impact on our life, our activities and our ideals.

Rooz: I would like to know what is the atmosphere in your family and close relatives who are paying such a high price for this. Is the cost of all of this impacting their relations with Mr. Mousavi?

Rahnavard: These costs are not for Mr. Mousavi but for the Green Movement. We are not individualistic and so our family members or relatives who are paying a price are no different from other people. My brother is an academic person and an expert and has absolutely no political activities, but pays the cost of this like any other individual. We have shielded our chests and await any consequence, bullets or assassination.

Rooz: You yourself have been assaulted three times. It is said that those who attacked you were the Basiji women. What was all that about?

Rahnavard: I cannot say with certainty that these were Basijis, but can say that they had a mission. A day before the 16 and the 18 of Azar I felt very insecure. They continuously followed me and on one occasion they attacked me and yelled some very dirty insults.  At another time university security agents took me to a car to distance me from the situation, and then a motorcyclist sprayed pepper gas on me, which made me sick for days and led to kidney bleeding. On other days university security had me under surveillance. They insulted me for days or physically assaulted me and I felt I had no physical security. After Azar 18 they stopped and have not renewed these attacks till now.

Rooz: Are you not afraid that something may happen to you? Have you made any plans?

Rahnavard: The pursuit of rights and freedom have been the ideals of my life because of which I have no fear of death. As I said earlier, I have prepared myself for any bullet, attack or assassination.