With More Pressure, We Stand Firmer

In an interview with Rooz, Fatemeh Karoubi announced that she and her family stand by the demands of the Iranian people and the revolution’s goals and ideals and will not back down from pursuing these demands and goals under any circumstances.

We spoke with Mrs. Karoubi, former Majlis representative, secretary-general of the Majma Eslami Banovan (Islamic Association of Women) and editor-in-chief of the “Irandokht” journal while her son, Ali Karoubi, was released from detention with a tortured body and soul, and her other son, Hossein Karoubi, has been ordered to appear at the intelligence ministry today to respond to “certain questions.”  Despite all the pressure, Fatemeh Karoubi insists on pursuing people’s demands and declares that if pressure piles up, they would become more determined in pursuing the rights of the people.  

Here is the interview with Mrs. Karoubi, Mehdi Karoubi’s wife.  

Rooz: Mrs. Karoubi, you remained silent after the June 12, 2009 election, and aside from the two letters that you have published, have not commented on recent events.  Is there a particular reason for your silence?

Fatemeh Karoubi: You know my personality very well from the fifth Majlis, when you were a parliamentary reporter.  Even though we were in the minority faction you understood my positions very well.  I am an individual who believes in the Imam (i.e. ayatollah Khomeini) and the revolution’s ideals and have always tried not to let my words and actions inflict the slightest damage to the regime and the revolution.  Whether before the revolution, when we had a very difficult life for 15 years, spending our time behind prison doors, or after the revolution, in my administrative duties, I have always tried my best to fulfill my moral and religious duties.  Unfortunately, though, because of recent bitter events I had decided to speak less.

Rooz: Did you prefer to remain silent, and in a more secure place, to position yourself to be in a situation where you could pursue the possible arrest of Mr. Karoubi or your children?  In other words, was there a division of duties?

Karoubi: No, absolutely not.  You know me since the fifth Majlis.  Even the letter that I published three days ago wasn’t for the sake of my own son, but for the sake of all the children who are behind bars.

Rooz: Mrs. Karoubi, what in your opinion is the solution to the current national crisis and what must be done?

Karoubi: I hope that the country’s senior leaders, the supreme leader, and the regime’s officials find the way through dialogue and discussion with those who care about the revolution and those who have labored for years for the country and the revolution.

Rooz: Mrs. Karoubi, is it possible for Mr. Karoubi to reach an agreement with Mr. Ahmadinejad and acknowledge him as the president of Iran?

Karoubi: That is absolutely impossible.  We have been living together for 47 years and I know him very well and know that such a thing is impossible.  On the other hand, an important part of the country’s present problems and crises results from his [Ahmadinejad’s] behavior, personality and management.  Our constitution has contemplated a legal solution for this issue.  We have one of the most advanced constitutions, if it is ever implemented.  

Rooz: Are you referring to Ahmadinejad’s impeachment and removal by the Majlis?

Karoubi: Yes, our constitution has contemplated this possibility very well, and I hope that the relevant constitutional provisions are implemented at the appropriate times.