An email to the Iranian Ambassador in New Zealand

I have been watching with a feeling of great impotence and also great hope the unfolding events in Iran. I wanted to tell the government that they are being watched, not just by governments, but also by individuals. So I decided to send an email to the Ambassador in New Zealand, the representative of Iran in our little isolated slice of earth in the South Pacific. I was surprised to find that we actually have an ambassador here. I figured with our tiny population he might have the time to read and maybe even respond to emails. here is what I wrote:

Subject: One voice in New Zealand listening to the thousands in Iran

ambassador@iranembassy.org.nz

To: His. Excellency, Mr. Morteza Rahmani-Movahed

Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran to New Zealand

Dear Sir

I’m writing to you in regards to recent events happening in Iran. The information from both Iranian media and from Iranian citizens is very disturbing.

I visited Iran with a friend in October and November of last year, for the three weeks that we were there we where awe-inspired with the majesty of Persian history, culture, architecture and poetry. Most of all we were stunned by the warmth, hospitality, education, honest and beauty of the Iranian people. From Tabriz to Shiraz, from Esfahan to Yazd we were always welcomed with open arms, open hearts and a freshly brewed cup of tea.

So it is with these memories powerfully in my mind that my heart goes out to the citizens of Iran that are not being listened to, and more than that, not being granted their constitutional right to gather, march and speak freely. The Iranian constitution clearly says:

Article 27 [Freedom of Assembly]

Public gatherings and marches may be freely held, provided arms are not carried and that they are not detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam.

The government’s own information has stated there have been 547 arrests, and a further 10 journalists being held (non-governmental reports put the numbers much higher). The government says that they will “teach them a lesson” (English translation from Al Jazeera) those words send a chill down my spine. State television’s announcements of 10 deaths at the hands of Bisij is ten valuable human lives too many. How can a government kill its own people? How?

Nothing has effected me more than the images, video footage, and blog posts coming from inside Iran. The voices of the people calling “God is great” from their rooftops at night, the images of Neda’s last moments and the network of internet-savvy young people who are using social media to ensure that even if their voices are not heard inside Iran at least the information is getting out. These powerful words, sounds and images give me great hope that through the strength of their determination their voices will be heard. But at what cost of Persian lives and Persian freedoms?

I ask you - as a representative of your government, please call for the upholding of Iran’s constitution; please call for the right of all Persians to hold public gatherings and marches; please call for the democratic rights of the people to have their voices heard.

In anticipation for your reply and with thanks

Rachel