I was trying to know more about Maryam Rajiv's idea and thinking. I was going through some interview or article about her. I found the interview below that I found it very interesting.
She is an internationalist. Her ideas are deeply rooted in her Islamic ideology. She believes that change in the individual is as important as change in a society.
Some of her optimism and composure derive from her conviction that a better future for Iran is possible through the democratic process and the free choice of the people. She is guided by her tolerance and inner peace. She hopes for the greatest possible freedom and democracy for the Iran of the future
What is your background and what motivated you to first become active in politics?
I was born in 1953 and grew up in a middle-class family with many children. Everyone in our family was active in the anti-Shah movement. One of my sisters was executed by the Shah's secret police. Years later, another of my sisters, several months pregnant, was murdered by Khomeini's Revolutionary Guards after enduring severe torture.
I was influenced by my older sister and brother to become involved in politics, but my real inspiration came from the books I read as a child about the lives of poor and deprived children. I wanted to do something to improve the plight of such children's and give them a better future.
Later, I realized that in Iran there was no democracy or pluralism. I began reading political writings, both Western and Islamic, about the nature and make-up of the ruling regime.
Obviously, I have been influenced by contemporary progressive movements. I studied metallurgy, but when I came in contact with the Mojahedin, who were resisting the Shah and promising a new, democratic, Islamic society, politics gained the upper hand. I do not remember now which specific point in their program influenced me the most, but whatever it was, it was at the crux of the issues in which I was interested: human rights and freedom.
She continues: Religious fundamentalists offer a totally inaccurate and dark portrait of Islam. Khomeini's ideas and beliefs do not represent one billion Muslims. Islam is not the religion of hate, oppression and repression. Only Khomeini's world view depicts human life as devoid of value. Only in his world are the mullahs permitted to enchain the people and eliminate what it is that makes us human: love, trust, friendship, a sense of justice...
For us, who are struggling against religious fundamentalism, it is important to have a profoundly humanist direction so that we offer an alternative that can be trusted.
What will the Iran you intend to build look like?
An Islamic Iran, where Church and State are separate. A democratic, pluralist society in which freedom of religion and speech reign and human rights are respected in their entirety, and equality of all before the law is guaranteed. From my perspective, eliminating discrimination against women is naturally fundamental; no woman should be forced to wear the veil or be paid lower wages than a man. In addition, we must combat social and economic in-equalities. In my ideal society, every citizen will enjoy economic and social security.
After the mullahs are overthrown, we must before all else, cure the ill-feelings of revenge and hatred among our people. We must create a spirit of friendship, tolerance and patience in our society. It is our duty to revive the honor and identity of the Iranian people. We must also see to it that Iranians, long kept pretty much cut off from the rest of the world, learn about the scientific and technological advances of our era.
I have devoted my life to restoring the hopes of my people for a better future, and to proving to the world that Islam, as a social and democratic alternative, can be compatible, rather than hostile, to women. This responsibility gives me an enormous sense of inner serenity, and a feeling of true freedom.
she had given this interview 20 years ago and still it is as fresh as you think it is todays interview. That time not many people knew her. but now after 20 years many people all over the world accept her as their own leader and the one who could guide them in the right path, a savior not only for Iranian people ,but also the savior for the all over the world.
Expressen Interview with Mrs. Maryam Rajavi President-Elect
Gabi Gleichman was the first journalist to meet with Maryam Rajavi, President of Iran's Government in Exile
Gabi Glichman, former president of the Swedish Pen Club, Expressen, January 21, 1994.
Throughout Iran, they have pinned their hopes on this woman. She is the number-one enemy of the ayatollahs' regime. A modern, Muslim Joan of Arc, brilliant and cheerful, leads the struggle against the gloom and darkness of Tehran's rulers. In August 19 93, she was elected by the National Council of Resistance (the Resistance's 235-member parliament) as President of Iran's Government-in-Exile. She has been staying in Paris since October.
In all probability, she is the most threatened woman in the world.
she says: Expressen's call to "cut relations with Iran now" is very important and appreciated. The Khomeini regime is guilty of countless killings, suppression and denial of freedoms, but perhaps its worst crime has been to deprive my countrymen of their human dignity. Your concern for the Iranian people's pain and suffering under the mullahs makes us feel that the destiny of our people is important to the rest of the world. And this only adds to our determination to continue our struggle.
Maryam Rajavi speaks with a spiritual power and faith I have never experienced in European politics. Her strength comes from within. Her fervor, emotions, acumen, intellect and natural manner have a profound impact on me.
She is an internationalist. Her ideas are deeply rooted in her Islamic ideology. She believes that change in the individual is as important as change in a society.
Some of her optimism and composure derive from her conviction that a better future for Iran is possible through the democratic process and the free choice of the people. She is guided by her tolerance and inner peace. She hopes for the greatest possible freedom and democracy for the Iran of the future
What is your background and what motivated you to first become active in politics?
I was born in 1953 and grew up in a middle-class family with many children. Everyone in our family was active in the anti-Shah movement. One of my sisters was executed by the Shah's secret police. Years later, another of my sisters, several months pregnant, was murdered by Khomeini's Revolutionary Guards after enduring severe torture.
I was influenced by my older sister and brother to become involved in politics, but my real inspiration came from the books I read as a child about the lives of poor and deprived children. I wanted to do something to improve the plight of such children's and give them a better future.
Later, I realized that in Iran there was no democracy or pluralism. I began reading political writings, both Western and Islamic, about the nature and make-up of the ruling regime.
Obviously, I have been influenced by contemporary progressive movements. I studied metallurgy, but when I came in contact with the Mojahedin, who were resisting the Shah and promising a new, democratic, Islamic society, politics gained the upper hand. I do not remember now which specific point in their program influenced me the most, but whatever it was, it was at the crux of the issues in which I was interested: human rights and freedom.
She continues: Religious fundamentalists offer a totally inaccurate and dark portrait of Islam. Khomeini's ideas and beliefs do not represent one billion Muslims. Islam is not the religion of hate, oppression and repression. Only Khomeini's world view depicts human life as devoid of value. Only in his world are the mullahs permitted to enchain the people and eliminate what it is that makes us human: love, trust, friendship, a sense of justice...
For us, who are struggling against religious fundamentalism, it is important to have a profoundly humanist direction so that we offer an alternative that can be trusted.
What will the Iran you intend to build look like?
An Islamic Iran, where Church and State are separate. A democratic, pluralist society in which freedom of religion and speech reign and human rights are respected in their entirety, and equality of all before the law is guaranteed. From my perspective, eliminating discrimination against women is naturally fundamental; no woman should be forced to wear the veil or be paid lower wages than a man. In addition, we must combat social and economic in-equalities. In my ideal society, every citizen will enjoy economic and social security.
After the mullahs are overthrown, we must before all else, cure the ill-feelings of revenge and hatred among our people. We must create a spirit of friendship, tolerance and patience in our society. It is our duty to revive the honor and identity of the Iranian people. We must also see to it that Iranians, long kept pretty much cut off from the rest of the world, learn about the scientific and technological advances of our era.
I have devoted my life to restoring the hopes of my people for a better future, and to proving to the world that Islam, as a social and democratic alternative, can be compatible, rather than hostile, to women. This responsibility gives me an enormous sense of inner serenity, and a feeling of true freedom.
she had given this interview 20 years ago and still it is as fresh as you think it is todays interview. That time not many people knew her. but now after 20 years many people all over the world accept her as their own leader and the one who could guide them in the right path, a savior not only for Iranian people ,but also the savior for the all over the world.
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