Honourable Mr. Rouhani, The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
The beginning of the implementation of the nuclear agreement and lifting of the economic sanctions on Iran have been positive steps, the outcomes of which I hope would benefit Iranian citizens. However, a deep sorrow remains for Iranians because of the waste of billions of dollars on wrong and futile programs. However, what prompted me to write this letter was the happy news of the release of four Iranian-Americans who had been held hostage by the Islamic republic on false pretexts. Undoubtedly, their release is the result of reconciliation between Iran and the US. I am glad that the stalemate that had overshadowed Iran-US relations- which had had a sever impact on Iran’s economy – has come to an end. And the fruit of this reconciliation was the exchange of political prisoners or, to put it better, hostages, of both sides. The Supreme Leader, the Judiciary, the Supreme National Security Council and yourself are well aware that in the absence of an independent judiciary, political prisoners and prisoners of conscience are deprived of a fair trial and, in fact, they are held hostage by the security forces. Now, many Iranians are asking if Iran’s rulers will ever make peace with their own people, hence releasing of hostages held by the security forces, including Omid Kokabi (a young genius), Abdolfatah Soltani (lawyer), Nargess Mohammadi (civil rights activist), Bahareh Hedayat (student’s rights activist), Eisa Saharkhiz (Journalist), Saeid Madani (political activist) and dozens of other prisoners?
Honourable President
Iranian government has made peace with a country that was its enemy for 37 years and I cannot help wondering why it cannot make peace with its own people?
If the Supreme National Security Council can release a journalist who has been taken hostage as “sweetness” for reconciliation with the US why can it not release a university professor and a female artist, such Zahra Rahnavard?
If the judiciary can release Saeid Abedini, whose crime was his religious belief- due to his dual nationality- why does it not take any action to facilitate the release of Mehdi Karoubi whose only crime was to protest election’s results?
If Mr. Zarif could negotiate with superpowers, such the US, to release some Iranian businessmen from US prisons why does he not do the same for prisoners of the 2009 events?
While once again I express my joy at the release of Iranian- American hostages, I am sorry that other prisoners who only hold Iranian citizenships should remain in the prison.
Have you forgotten your oath to preserve the Constitution? Which political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Iran have been tried openly and in the presence of a Jury?
I hope the day to make peace with Iranian people will come soon and as “sweetness” of that day we may witness the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Iran.
Shirin Ebadi
