Exclusive | New Year Greetings from Two Human Rights Defenders; Ahmadinejad Raghb: We Will Bring Down This 'Demonic System'

In continuation of the New Year messages from political prisoners, plaintiffs, and civil activists, Zartosht Ahmadinejad Raghb, in a message from 'Qazalhessar Prison' received by Voice of America, referred to Nowruz as the 'connector of Iranian hearts.' Mohammad Seifzadeh, a lawyer, also congratulated political prisoners and the families of plaintiffs on Nowruz. In his audio message received by Voice of America on Tuesday, March 19, Ahmadinejad Raghb stated: 'I congratulate the New Year and Nowruz to my compatriots inside and outside Iran.' He noted that 'in Iran, there is a nation and many activists are imprisoned,' sending this message from 'Qazalhessar Prison on the last Tuesday of the year.' He emphasized that March 19 reminds him of the 'oil holidays' when '70 years ago, a group tried to nationalize the oil industry, but for 45 years, this oil has sweetened the mouths of a few oppressive power mafias.' This political prisoner emphasized that 'the resources and wealth of this land have been plundered by security forces, military, judicial, and opportunistic mafias residing in the leadership [house].' He added: 'The people have no share of these revenues and wealth, most of which are spent on the survival of the oppressive regime.' Ahmadinejad Raghb also stated, 'But when we look at Nowruz,' we see 'the resurrection of nature is the connection of the hearts of the people of this land with culture, literature, and humanity,' which 'has endured and passed through millennia and sat together while preserving these rituals and celebrations, which is what tyranny and dictatorship do not want: togetherness.' According to Ahmadinejad Raghb, 'Undoubtedly, soon with unity, empathy, wisdom, enlightenment, and courage, the people of Iran will take the roots and ears of these oppressors and bring them to trial.' This political prisoner also addressed the 'Russian and Chinese masters of the clerics and military,' saying: 'They should also know that the time of this tyranny is coming to an end.' Ahmadinejad Raghb emphasized in this message: 'I hope to soon witness freedom, respect for human rights, human dignity, and the preservation of citizenship rights. We have the right to live in comfort and peace like other free and democratic countries in the world. This is our right. All these young people who shielded their chests and shed blood in the streets wanted freedom; they wanted to live.' This imprisoned human rights activist also stated: 'The language of the people of Iran is not the language of force, oppression, and plunder. We will bring down this demonic system and send them to hell.' Additionally, Mohammad Seifzadeh, an experienced lawyer and human rights advocate, in an audio message provided to Voice of America, congratulated 'the ancient Nowruz to all Persian speakers and the noble nation of Iran, to all political prisoners, especially women in captivity, and to all grieving and plaintiff families.' Seifzadeh emphasized in this message: 'I send greetings to all the martyrs of the path of freedom, independence, and the revival of people's rights from the Constitutional Revolution to the present. I hope that political prisoners will be freed soon and I look forward to the day when there are no political, ideological, or press prisoners in Iran.' This human rights lawyer also added: 'I hope that the year 1403 will be a year of peace, freedom, independence, tranquility, and comfort for the people of Iran and that we can overcome these pains and sufferings.' Previously, some political prisoners, including Khalid (Koushan) Pirzadeh, Reza Salmanzadeh, and Tomaj Salehi, have separately congratulated Nowruz. Furthermore, the parents of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini have expressed hope that Nowruz 1403 will herald courage for dignity and liberation from bondage.