Last night, television in the evening news showed a number of addicts and vagrants and quoted the prosecutor saying they were rioters. An elderly father, whose white hair and wrinkled face revealed the passage of time, was observing the suppression of protests by the people and students in Tehran's Tehranpars Square. He said to me: 'I do not understand why these gentlemen, who have spent their lives speaking of honesty, forgiveness, faith, and the aversion to lies and deceit from the pulpits, are now lying to us contrary to their own recommendations. They have no compassion or understanding of love... Could it be that, God forbid, they fundamentally lack religion or do not believe in God and His Messenger?' I replied, 'Father, I do not understand your point.' He said: 'Son, last night, television showed a number of addicts and vagrants and quoted the prosecutor saying they were rioters and had a history of theft... But now I see our people and youth shouting for freedom... Some with clubs and knives, under the name of the army of God and the leader, are attacking them. So these gentlemen are delivering everything upside down to the people.' I said: 'Father, these youths are shouting this and telling the rulers that a referendum could determine the people's inclination towards the current leaders. If only a few are rioters and agents of America, what fear do you have of holding a referendum? International organizations should also supervise.' The elderly man raised his head to the sky and muttered, 'Oh God, protect our youth and keep the evil of the devils away from the country... Amen.'
Last Night, Television Showed Addicts and Vagrants, Claiming They Were Rioters - 2003-06-20
The article discusses a televised report claiming that a group of addicts and vagrants were rioters, as stated by a prosecutor. An elderly man reflects on the hypocrisy of leaders who preach honesty but lie about the protests for freedom. He advocates for a referendum to gauge public support for current leaders, highlighting the disconnect between the government and the people.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Television reported that a group of addicts and vagrants were labeled as rioters by a prosecutor during recent protests in Tehran. An elderly man criticized the government's dishonesty and called for a referendum to assess public support for the current leadership.
- The government is using media to frame protests as being led by criminals rather than legitimate dissenters.
- There is a growing call among citizens for a referendum to gauge public opinion on the leadership.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has a history of political protests and government crackdowns, with citizens increasingly demanding accountability and reform. The use of state media to manipulate narratives is a common tactic in authoritarian regimes.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%