By Nykoel Dinardo
Senior Desk Officer, Middle East

TEHRAN, Iran – Reformist leader Mir Hossein Mousavi released a statement denouncing the Iranian government’s actions and calling for changes.  In the statement, he criticized the government crackdown on the protesters and called for a restoration of civil liberties to those detained in the aftermath.  Mousavi went on to say that the threats to his life would not deter him, and that he was ready to be a martyr, if necessary.

In his statement, Mousavi gave the government five proposals.  First, Mousavi argued that the administration must be accountable to the people and to parliament.  He stated that it must also be accountable to the judiciary and that the government must take resposibility for its actions.  The reformist explained that the people will not consider the administration to be competent and legitimate unless they take these actions. 

In his second proposal, Mousavi explained that Iran must draft a transparent and reliable election law.  He stated that the law should reassure the people that their elections are fair and unaffected by fraud and intervention. 

Next, Mousavi demanded that the government release the political prisoners.  He also asked that the government reestablish the reputations of those detainees. 

In his fourth demand, he asked the government to lift the restrictions on freedom of the press and and that the newspapers that were closed be allowed to reopen.

Finally, Mousavi has asked that the government respect the human and civil rights contained within Article 27 of the Constitution which allows people to gather and grants the right to freedom of association.

Iranian media has interpreted Mousavi’s proposals as his acceptance that the elections are over and that the result will not change.  Tehran Times posted that Mousavi also condemned the protesters for their actions on the during Ashura.  Western media, on the other hand, has not reported any statements condemning the protesters and continued to report only on his statements against the government.

For more information, please see:

Financial Times – Opposition Chief in Iran Ready for Martyrdom – 2 January 2010

Tehran Times – Mousavi Makes Five Proposals – 2 January 2010

CNN – Iran Reformist Criticized Government Crackdown – 1 January 2010

Los Angeles Times – Opposition Leader Denounces Iran’s Crackdown – 1 January 2010

Wall Street Journal – Opposition Leader Strikes Back in Iran – 1 January 2010