This article was last updated on May 21, 2022
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‘If South Africa could change, so can you’
Desmond Tutu, archbishop emeritus of Cape Town, has called on the rulers of Iran to “bend to the will of the people” and to cease the use “of imprisonment, torture, and murder in the name of religion.”
In a video message released on the anniversary of the June 2009 protests, the Nobel peace laureate said that the mass-demonstrations had “inspired unprecedented change” in the Middle East.
“Three years ago the world witnessed millions of you standing up against repression, demanding democracy and human rights. The spark that you lit in Iran has inspired unprecedented change in the region,” he said.
“If South Africa could change, change, therefore, is possible any and everywhere. Continue on your path. Remember it is always darkest before dawn,” he added.
Tutu said that oppression was still ongoing in Iran, and called on the Supreme Leader Ali Khameni to “set the children of Iran free.” He urged Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, Iran’s judiciary chief, to “close Evin prison, just as Robben Island prison was closed in South Africa.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmP841neP5Y
“To Iran’s religious leaders: oppose the use of imprisonment, torture, and murder in the name of religion. These actions do not reflect the Muslim faith.”
The leading human rights activist, who is sometimes referred to as “South Africa’s moral conscience,” urged world leaders to renew their “commitment to support the Iranian people and their struggle for democracy and human rights. Imprisonment should not be the reward for courage and dignity.”
The archbishop also had a word of encouragement for leading student activist Majid Tavakkoli and human rights activists Narges Mohammad and Hossein Ronaghi Maleki.
“Change begins with people of great courage. My children Narges and Majid, you are in our hearts. Hossein Maleki, our prayers ring out for you. And to the rest of brave Iranians striving for a better Iran, continue on your path. We are with you.”
Full text of archbishop Destmond Tutu’s message to the Iranian people:
Hello my Iranian sisters and brothers. I am Archbishop Destmond Tutu.
Three years ago the world witnessed millions of you standing up against repression, demanding democracy and human rights. The spark that you lit in Iran has inspired unprecedented change in the region.
However, in Iran, your demands have yet to be realized. Oppression continues.
Many great nations have gone through such struggles, which often take decades to resolve. If South Africa could change, change, therefore, is possible any and everywhere. Continue on your path. Remember it is always darkest before dawn.
To the rulers of Iran: bend to the will of the people. Your Excellency, Ayatollah Khameni, set the children of Iran free. Ayatollah Larijani, close Evin prison, just as Robben Island prison was closed in South Africa.
To Iran’s religious leaders: oppose the use of imprisonment, torture, and murder in the name of religion. These actions do not reflect the Muslim faith.
To all world leaders on this anniversary: let us renew our commitment to support the Iranian people and their struggle for democracy and human rights. Imprisonment should not be the reward for courage and dignity.
To Iranians abroad, and indeed all people everywhere: our lives and future are intertwined. Use your freedom to demand theirs.
Change begins with people of great courage. My children Narges and Majid, you are in our hearts. Hossein Maleki, our prayers ring out for you. And to the rest of brave Iranians striving for a better Iran, continue on your path. We are with you.
“fardA az Ane mAst.”
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