Wednesday
Oct282009
Iran: Mehdi Karroubi Speaks with Journalists (27 October)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 19:31
Latest Iran Video/Translation: Karroubi on Events in the Iran Media Fair
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From Advar News, with translation by Facebook page linked to Mir Hossein Mousavi:
Karroubi: I am not afraid and I am ready to pay any price
Four days after the assault on Mehdi Karroubi by “reporter” thugs in the Media Fair, a group of journalists and reporters visited him at his home to comfort him, condemn the events happened at the Media Fair and ask him not to consider those horrible acts as what a real reporter would do.
When the journalists finished their remarks, everybody looked at Karroubi to listen to what he had to say. Karroubi, who that still had the wound mark that he received during the attack in Media Fair at his forehead, started by saying:
Karroubi rejected the claims made by the Media Fair officials that they had warned Karroubi’s bodyguards of the intense atmosphere of the fair:
We should not leave the field
Karroubi expressed hope that the rule of such ideas over the country does not last and advised the journalists present in the gathering to have patience and endurance and also to maintain balance. He added, “We should not leave the field, as the condition of our rivals is alarming and that’s why they react with these kinds of actions.”
Karroubi complained of the excessive pressure on the media over the past recent months. In response to some of the journalists who were asking him about starting publication of a newspaper, he said:
Karroubi indicated that financial difficulties are the main problem in establishing “Saba” satellite television.
This friendly gathering ended with Mehdi Karroubi comforting the journalists: “Rest assure that the situation will not remain like this and the government has to change the situation and open up the [political] atmosphere. Moreover be certain that I as a clergyman will do what I know is my duty, and I am not afraid of paying its price.”
The Latest from Iran (28 October): No Lull
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From Advar News, with translation by Facebook page linked to Mir Hossein Mousavi:Karroubi: I am not afraid and I am ready to pay any price
Four days after the assault on Mehdi Karroubi by “reporter” thugs in the Media Fair, a group of journalists and reporters visited him at his home to comfort him, condemn the events happened at the Media Fair and ask him not to consider those horrible acts as what a real reporter would do.
When the journalists finished their remarks, everybody looked at Karroubi to listen to what he had to say. Karroubi, who that still had the wound mark that he received during the attack in Media Fair at his forehead, started by saying:
I have visited the Media Fair every year, but this year because of the widespread shutdown of the newspapers and the arrest of the journalists, I was more determined to visit the fair. I was not [personally] offended by the events that happened in the Fair, but rather I felt sorry because of some irrational and unconsidered behaviours. Actually it was good that I went to the fair so that the true nature of some people was unveiled.
Karroubi rejected the claims made by the Media Fair officials that they had warned Karroubi’s bodyguards of the intense atmosphere of the fair:
I attended the [media] fair completely unaware [of the situation] and the claims of some saying I was looking for trouble despite their warnings are completely bogus. But in any case I am amazed and I ask them, "Should I have asked for permission to go to the media fair?" I am amazed why the elders and more intelligent ones don’t prevent these kinds of inconsiderate actions.
We should not leave the field
Karroubi expressed hope that the rule of such ideas over the country does not last and advised the journalists present in the gathering to have patience and endurance and also to maintain balance. He added, “We should not leave the field, as the condition of our rivals is alarming and that’s why they react with these kinds of actions.”
Karroubi complained of the excessive pressure on the media over the past recent months. In response to some of the journalists who were asking him about starting publication of a newspaper, he said:
Every newspaper that is closed down [by the Government] renews my heartache, but with all that is happening, we are [always] trying to publish a new newspaper or publication. I don’t want to leave the field under any circumstances. I feel really sorry when I see some motivated journalists lose their jobs and their talents go to waste. It has been said that a stranger is the educated intellectual whose knowledge and intelligence has been alienated and now our real and professional journalists have become strangers.
Karroubi indicated that financial difficulties are the main problem in establishing “Saba” satellite television.
This friendly gathering ended with Mehdi Karroubi comforting the journalists: “Rest assure that the situation will not remain like this and the government has to change the situation and open up the [political] atmosphere. Moreover be certain that I as a clergyman will do what I know is my duty, and I am not afraid of paying its price.”
Reader Comments (2)
WOW, once again Obi-Wan far exceeds all expectations. Even 3000 miles away, I'm comforted and inspired by him.
What IS the proper way to address him? The joking name "Obi-Wan" is an endearment - a respectful, loving and somewhat overawed tribute to his incorrigible courage and wisdom. But, what form of address should I use to honor him most on all dimensions?
And here's the link to the Nobel Peace Prize twititon once again, since we missed the deadline for this year's prize: http://twitition.com/4benm
Shhh
Several columnists say that Karroubi is not very smart. I disagree with this statement. He is simply not a politician.
A politician will listen to everyone and not comment. At the right time he or she will say things so that everyone, no matter how disparate their beliefs, will believe that he takes their viewpoint. Rafsanjani is a master of this and Mousavi has some talent for this even if he lacks charisma.
Karroubi talks too much to be an effective politician. He is a really sincere and good religious person who walks the walk rather than just talking the talk. He is a man of uncompromising conscience.
When idealistic older people or people with terminal illness recognize that their lifespan is shortened some wonder about the impact of their life on others. They wonder if they have accomplished enough and how history and others will view their legacy. I think that Karroubi wants to leave a legacy of political reform and return to justice for the country. He wants to return to the idealistic goals of the revolution that have never materialized. I think that he is one of the most important men in recent Iranian history. I admire him tremendously and hope that he does win the Nobel Prize.