2nd of Khordad - Iranian Students Communiqué

2nd of Khordad

SMCCDI Political Committee
May 22, 2000

The "second of Khordad" marks the beginning of an end. The beginning of an era for the majority of Iranians who by voting for a new president wished to find an alley of hope after almost two decade of despotism under the rule of the Islamic Republic.

Mohammad Khatami was a new face with a smile on his face unlike his other predecessors. In him, Iranians saw a minute hope, which they believed would lead to positive changes in their daily lives. Khatami had promised reform and all Iranians after having endured abuses and oppression under the regime of theocracy felt that the new president and his promises would give them the chance to finally realize their wishes.

KhatamiÆs era witnessed a great deal. Student uprisings occurred while the atmosphere of repression was broken by new publications amongst them dozens of newspapers. Numerous patriots and writers were killed and their death created more hatred among the population while upheavals and unrest begun and a new wave of arrests started. Trials of Jewish minorities and KhatamiÆs allies and those responsible for the serial murders and the attack on student dormitories were staged. The criminals were freed while the innocents remained in jail. And the struggle of the hard-liners versus the reformists became even more vivid. President KhatamiÆs influence in the political scene was seen both as weak and strong moments in history.

Some people still hope that the new president and his plan for reform will lead to change. And the new Majils with having the majority of the reformist votes will eventually pass laws that will make life easier for every Iranian.

This is yet to be seen.

If Mr. Khatami after three years of presidential power has not been able to hold on to the main arteries of the regime namely the judiciary, the army and other powerful entities, how can we be sure that he will lead the nation towards democracy and genuine reform ?

The great ideal of a civil society is yet to be seen. So far it has not occurred as Iranians had hoped for.

The only way the Majils will be a true manifestation of the will of the people is if and when the essence of a civil society is put into practice and the beginning of that is: Freedom, Freedom and Freedom for all.

The "Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran" www.iran-daneshjoo.org

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