The International Movement for a Just World (JUST) condemns the violence that has accompanied the Iranian government's crackdown on dissent in the last ten days following the disputed presidential election of 12th June 2009.

According to state media, seventeen people have been killed so far. Hundreds have been injured. The alternative media in Iran has highlighted the killing of a 26 year-old girl who had participated in demonstrations in Teheran on Saturday 20th June 2009.

From various sources inside and outside Iran, the general picture that emerges is of people protesting peacefully against alleged electoral fraud. Harsh retaliation on the part of the security forces and the Basej, the militia that is totally loyal to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is totally unwarranted.

The Iranian government should recognise and respect the legitimacy of peaceful dissent expressed through rallies, assemblies and the alternative media. It is a right enshrined in the Iranian Constitution itself. It is consonant with both the letter and the spirit of the Noble Qur'an and the life of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him).   

Suppressing legitimate dissent through force will only undermine the moral authority of the government. It is such suppression that often leads to instability, ' bloodshed and chaos.'
 

Dr. Chandra Muzaffar,
President,
International Movement for a Just World (JUST).
Malaysia.
23 June 2009.