Seyyed Amir Mousavi

In an exclusive interview with Rooz, Ali-Akbar Mousavi Khoini, the president of the Alumni Association of Iran [Sazman-e Danesh Amukhtegan-e Iran-e Eslami, also known as Advar-e Tahkim-e Vahdat] shares his views about the government’s recent crackdown with student activists and leaders.

Rooz (R): What happened on 18 Tir [anniversary of student uprising of 1999] at the office of the Alumni Association of Iran?

Ali-Akbar Mousavi Khoini (AMK): Unfortunately, we witnessed an unprecedented and rare confrontation. The Alumni Association of Iran has obtained an official permit from the Article 10 Committee for the establishment of political parties, and as such a violent confrontation of the kind we witnessed has no legal basis. After appearing at our office, without any warning they began to fire their rifles and forced open our office door. They then took Mr. Abdollah Momeni, the organization’s spokesperson, along with several other senior members, and sealed our office door shut… We will file a legal complaint against the police as soon as possible.

(R): Certainly you have followed up many times on the incident. Can you refer to any particular developments that have taken place since the incident?

(AMK): Attorneys representing the detained students have begun their investigation and we are waiting for the results, even though they are not being treated kindly. The families of students also are pursuing their cases, and the Alumni Association, the Office for the Consolidation of Unity [Daftar-e Tahkim-e Vahdat], and the Islamic Student Associations are looking for possible legal action as well.

(R): Has there been discussions with officials?

(AMK): There has been communications with individuals, parties and organizations to inform them about what took place. It is clear that there were orders to confront students on 18 Tir, though as the old saying goes, “they came for the hat but took the head!” In effect, they were more violent than they needed to be. But this is a warning for other groups and organizations, and we expect such confrontations to become even more severe as we get closer to the eighth Majlis elections. This is why the silence of other groups and parties is inexcusable. There was not enough uproar; I hope that pragmatic officials and those within the government who have different philosophies enter the scene and end the crisis as soon as possible. In light of the problems and international issues that the Islamic Republic is grappling with, and especially with the country’s economic woes, some might be after creating an environment of terror. Therefore, we must not let a minority that holds disproportionate power to divert the public’s attention from domestic shortcomings and international crises by creating an environment of terror.

(R): What can students do?

(AMK): I use this opportunity to ask students to be tolerant and patient. They must conduct their protests and activities through legal, civil and peaceful means. They must shy away from giving the power-grabbing minority an excuse to implement its plans.