National Front of Iran Requests Rouhani to Permit Gathering in Tehran

The National Front of Iran has sent a letter to Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, requesting permission to hold a public gathering on March 5 in Tehran. Recently, Rouhani and other government officials have stated that holding "lawful marches and gatherings" is a right of citizens. According to the National Front's website, the letter, sent on January 30, states: "Following the recent protest events, you, the esteemed Minister of Interior, and other officials of the Islamic Republic have repeatedly declared that the government does not oppose lawful gatherings of the people. The people have the right to freedom of expression and can present their proposals and opinions on national affairs. Based on these statements and according to Article 27 of the Constitution, the National Front of Iran intends to invite the people of Tehran to participate in a public gathering to hear the opinions and proposals of the National Front during this critical period in the country's history." The letter further adds: "Since you have sworn as President to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of the people, we ask you to instruct the Ministry of Interior to announce its agreement to hold this gathering and to ensure its security. The time for this gathering is proposed for the evening of March 5, 2018, and the location can be any of the squares in Tehran." The National Front of Iran is considered one of the longstanding groups within Iran. Dr. Davood Hermidas Bavand and Dr. Ali Rashidi are members of the leadership council of the National Front, and Hossein Mousavian is also a member of its executive board. Recently, on January 22, Rouhani stated that people coming to the streets within the framework of the law and holding protests is not problematic. Tehran and over 100 cities in Iran witnessed protests against the economic situation and government policies in early December of this year. These widespread protests included harsh slogans against the leaders and domestic and regional policies of the Islamic Republic. According to official reports, at least 25 people were killed and thousands were arrested during these protests. Meanwhile, after these protests, several officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that they recognize the people's right to protest. However, since the recent protests, the authorities have not issued any permits for opposition demonstrations. Previously, seven close associates of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad formally requested permission from the Ministry of Interior to hold protests and "protest gatherings" on January 22.