Independent Filmmakers Association Criticizes Medicalian's 'Open Insult': Their Clenched Fists Descend on the Mouths of the People of Iran

The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran (IFMA) condemned Masoud Pezeshkian's 'open insult' to those boycotting the 'government elections.' On Tuesday, August 2, IFMA stated: 'While respecting voters, we condemn the President's blatant insult to Iranians who did not participate in the government elections.' The association criticized Pezeshkian's remarks and the long-standing policy of the Islamic Republic towards dissenters, adding: 'Their clenched fists have been descending on the mouths of the people of Iran for over four decades.' On Monday, August 1, Pezeshkian claimed in a speech at the Islamic Consultative Assembly: 'Dear people who came to the polls despite the propaganda urging them not to, delivered a strong punch to the mouths of those sitting inside and outside who were propagandizing.' However, even according to official statistics from the Islamic Republic, which are doubted by independent sources, 60% of people did not participate in the first round and 50% of voters in the second round to determine Raisi's successor. In its statement, IFMA noted: 'The new President's words in the Assembly once again proved that he is not one to break traditions. Anyone who expresses dissatisfaction in any form is either 'debris' or deserving of 'a punch to the mouth.' This punch seems to have also preemptively targeted independent cinema in Iran.' During the widespread protests against the results of the 2009 presidential election, protesters were labeled as 'debris' and 'seditionists.' IFMA emphasized that it 'stands alongside the free men, free women, and independent filmmakers of Iran, those who will not allow the voice of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' uprising to be silenced.' The contradictory statements of the fourteenth government of the Islamic Republic before and after the government elections have provoked reactions from some political and civil activists as well as users on social media. According to a video received by VOA on Tuesday, a day after the new President's remarks, citizens protested and called Pezeshkian 'the clown of Khamenei's circus and his son.' Previously, Abram Paley, the Deputy Special Representative of the U.S. Department of State for Iran, wrote on X: 'Unfortunately, the United States does not expect free and fair elections to be held or for any change to occur in Iran, but we support the people of Iran in the face of this regime's long history of harassing and intimidating journalists, suppressing electoral coverage, and denying the freedom of peaceful assembly.' Mohammad Qaydi: Pezeshkian has shown in just a few days that he is not seeking confrontation with Khamenei and the IRGC. From acknowledging the large number of boycotters to claiming a strong punch, Pezeshkian's change of position has become controversial. Farrokh Negahdar: The July voting was a completely competitive 'election' that brought Pezeshkian to power. Reza Alijani: Pezeshkian's statements have been contradictory from the beginning; he wants to remain under Khamenei's roof. Users' reactions to Pezeshkian's remarks: 'The clown of Khamenei's circus speaks of his leader's punch against the people.'