In the name of God
Only a few days had passed since the publication of the "National Call" when one of the founders of the Ministry of Intelligence lashed out at me in a talk and attributed to me every evil in this world. A few days later, a heavy propaganda machine started up abroad. It accused me of everything from firing the coup de grâce into the head of General Rahimi to theft and lechery; from being a torturer to owning 18 factories; from serving foreigners to being a hireling of the regime. More interesting still, at the same time in Tehran this propaganda machine was whispering in one person's ear that so-and-so had joined hands with the monarchists and forgotten the republic, and murmuring to another, inside prison, "Why are you sitting idle? He is busy colluding with the Americans to attack Iran," and telling the younger ones that so-and-so had written a reactionary constitution that even includes a Guardian Council. In short, each person was told something suited to his situation and sensitivities, and all of them were constantly fed the idea that so-and-so acts alone, is running roughshod, is using everyone else, has taken the spoils for himself, and so on. Time passed, and fortunately, thanks to the wisdom, patience and good sense of friends, these claims came to nothing. But now that the uproar has died down, and I believe its instigators have tired of the futility of their efforts, I must write two points:
First: Fortunately, by the grace of the Bountiful God, I have lived in such a way that I have never laid a hand on anyone's honor, life, property or family. That is why I can speak out loudly. Poverty is nothing to boast about, but fortunately or unfortunately I own nothing of this world's goods either, except for debts left over from publishing the newspapers that were shut down. For now, several friends of mine are bearing that burden, and I am ashamed before them until I am able to repay it. What I have done and what I have been concerns only me and my God. For it I neither claim anything from anyone nor hold it as a favor over anyone. As for what has been said about me and the accusations that have been made, I hold no grudge against anyone for them. In this world I have no complaint against anyone, and in the hereafter it is between them and their God; they owe me nothing. But one point remains, and that is ethics. All our efforts, in every political and social respect, must ultimately lead to a society in which humanity and moral values arbitrate relations among people. If this vital matter is forgotten now, what guarantee is there that in the future, especially when someone is riding the unruly steed of power, he will not turn into a ravening wolf and a killer of the people?
Rest assured that anyone who allows himself to slander with ease will not shrink from shedding blood either. If someone does not know and speaks without knowledge, I must remind him of this verse of the Quran: "Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge; the hearing, the sight and the heart will all be held accountable for what you say."
Second: The big mistake lies in imagining that the "National Referendum Movement" depends on an individual. I have had no special role in this movement and have at most been one among others, like the other supporters of this effort. The ideas, the lives, the resources, the pens and the footsteps have all come from others; they have done the hard work and are still doing it. I have only occasionally offered my personal opinion and, where I could, expressed my appreciation to those running it. This national movement depends on no one. It is a movement arising from the will of the people and grounded in the needs of Iranian society. Its foundation rests on democracy, human rights and peace. At the international level, too, it engages with everyone with open arms, but it has kept before its eyes a clear red line: not accepting money from foreign governments and not submitting to foreigners. That is precisely the secret of the support it has received. In its very first step, and in less than three months, this movement has become a political force with more than 300 supporting cadres, thousands of sympathizers, and hundreds of theoretical writings and articles behind it. Already it is among the largest political currents in the country. As soon as it completes its democratic organization, which relies on no individual, this movement will become the most important force in the country and will be able, by mobilizing the people in nonviolent activities and through civil resistance, to take back the rights of the Iranian nation from the usurpers. See how far wrong are those who do not see the realities within Iranian society and the needs of the people. At the very least they could learn a lesson from these past three months and the support given to the referendum movement, and stop trying to tear down this or that person. There is no individual involved; they are facing a nation. The avalanche has come down the mountain, and these people, as in a children's game on the slope, are busy building houses out of matchsticks. May God grant everyone the eye of insight.
And my success is only through God
Mohammad Mohsen Sazegara
23 Bahman 1383 (February 11, 2005)