As the world recently marked International Human Rights Day, it should be known that the regime in Iran considers its deplorable human rights dossier as its main weakness.
For years the international community has been forced to believe in the existence of “moderates” and “hardliners” in Iran. Those advocating such a point of view have been calling for support of “moderates” to improve the human rights situation in this country.
This accord with Iran was presented as the beginning of a new era which would lead to respect for human rights in Iran and an end to the mullahs’ meddling in the region. That assumption has been at the heart of Western policy vis-à-vis Iran for decades.
However, a very close look is needed at the record of the last three or so years during the tenure of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, dubbed as a “moderate.” More have been executed under his watch than during the entire eight years of firebrand Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s reign. Rouhani has never expressed any criticism regarding these executions and indeed he defends the death sentence as the rule of God.
The current minister of justice in Rouhani’s cabinet was a member of the infamous “Death Commission” in charge of implementing that dreadful genocide. And he, Mostafa Pour Mohammadi, has actually boasted of being proud of his role in sending thousands of political dissidents to the gallows.
This frankly shames today’s free world in the 21st century. It is totally unacceptable for the West to remain silent and continue business as usual with the mullahs’ regime in Iran.
Iran’s past and present atrocities, inside the country and outside its borders, need to be condemned as crimes against humanity. The West must place firm conditions on future relations with Iran and take serious actions against this regime. One good start was the adoption of the Iran Sanctions Act by the U.S. Congress, sending a strong message to Tehran that the tides are changing.
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