Iran: An Islamic Republic Grappling with Internal Tensions

Iran is known worldwide for its highly unique political system. In this Islamic Republic, the Supreme Leader holds the vast majority of power, while the President’s prerogatives are quite limited. The current regime is also represented by numerous religious leaders. In recent years, however, many individuals have risen up against this tyranny of the mullahs.

Power in the hands of the mullahs: a regime marked by violence

Many political scientists consider the current regime in Iran to be tyrannical and totalitarian. According to numerous observers, freedom of speech does not exist in this part of the world. Protest movements are systematically suppressed, and there are widespread reports of police brutality and even fatalities among demonstrators.

Between December 2017 and January 2018, protests broke out in several major Iranian cities. Twenty-five people lost their sight during this uprising, including at least 15 protesters and 4 foreign civilians. During the darkest periods of Iranian history, the toll was even more devastating.

In 1988, between 30,000 and 120,000 political prisoners were executed by the regime. The majority of the victims were members of the People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI). These executions have always been hidden from the general public. Nevertheless, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has unveiled these atrocities. The leader of the NCRI, Maryam Radjavi, repeatedly warned by numerous international organizations, including the UN.

Today, this case has taken a new turn with the Iranian regime’s intention to construct a road over the areas where the martyrs were buried.

Understanding the Source of Tensions in Iran

Religious fundamentalism prevails in Iran. No individual can hold political office without being affiliated with Shia factions. Furthermore, election candidacies are subject to scrutiny by the clergy. Under the guise of morality checks, regime opponents are barred from the most significant positions. Women also face unjust conditions; forced marriage is a common practice, and the legal marriage age has been set as low as 13.

An increasing number of Iranians are aspiring to democracy. The victims of 1988 massacre in Iran are part of it. The current regime has always sought to hide its atrocities from the world. Today, the authorities have announced the construction of roads in place of graves. This is not merely about building infrastructure; it is primarily about erasing the atrocities committed by the regime from the people’s memory. Maryam Radjavi is currently campaigning to prevent the destruction of the victims’ graves. The President of the CNRI operates from France to convey the will of the Iranian people to the European community.