My most important responsibility is to create and promote national solidarity.
My first task is to give the Iranian people back their hope
... I want to give them the hope that, united together, we can overcome
the darkness, hopelessness and death that have enveloped our country.
His Excellency Mr. Jacques Chirac
President of the Republic of France
Elysee Palace,
France
As a scholar, writer, victim of Islamism, and expert on Islamic
studies, I write to you with great urgency regarding your government's
recent appalling actions against Iran's leading opposition figure, and
the president-elect of the Iranian Resistance, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi.
I have met with Mrs. Rajavi and I have personal knowledge about her and
her thoughts. Her view on religious tolerance has created a new wave
against Islamic fundamentalism and Islamists. Her profound belief in
democratic principles, as well as her commitment to broad participation
of all sectors of Iranian society is unique. I attended her speech
organized by the British Parliament where she described Iran's
fundamentalist rulers as the godfather of international terrorism. I
also attended her speech in London's Earls Court Arena in 1996 where
she spoke before 25 thousand people and called for the formation of a
united front against Islamic fundamentalism in.
President Chirac,
I know Mrs. Rajavi. And she is no terrorist. I am extremely disturbed
to see that she is arrested for alleged connection to terrorism. The
real terrorists are those who detonated bombs in Paris, took your
citizens hostage in Lebanon, and assassinated Iranian dissidents in
French soil. Their headquarters is in Tehran, and their global outreach
extends to the suburb of Paris, from whose fear your government had
dedicated intense police protection for Mrs. Maryam Rajavi in
Auvers-sur-Oise.
It should be clear that any action that would lead to the expulsion of
Mrs. Rajavi would severely jeopardize her security. She is the most
wanted woman by the Ayatollahs ruling Iran. They even planned a super
mortar attack against the residence of Mrs. Rajavi few years ago.
Therefore, as a lawful political refugee of France, your government
should be obligated to provide her full protection. Furthermore, any
accusations regarding connection to terrorism or extending the
detention of Mrs. Rajavi only serves Tehran's purpose and would put you
in league with the terrorist state of Iran.
Your government's conduct has already generated outraged around the
world. Scores of Iranian women and men who felt their pride was hurt
and who had been extremely frustrated, and shocked torched themselves
to get their message of protest across. The continuation of this
unjustifiable situation could have graver consequences.
Members of the United States Congress have also been outraged and a
number of prominent senators and representatives have uttered their
indignation. If this status continues, you will see more ire generated.
I urge you in the name of your country's rich tradition of supporting
freedom to intervene and release Mrs. Maryam Rajavi and all her
colleagues immediately.
