Sepideh Gholian from Prison: Participation in 'Spectacle Elections' Provides the Regime with an Opportunity for 'Fake Legitimacy'

Sepideh Gholian, a political prisoner in Evin Prison, in a message 'in hope of the downfall' of the Islamic Republic, stated that 'participation in the spectacle elections' provides the regime with an opportunity to present 'a face of fake legitimacy.' According to the Hengaw website on Thursday, July 14, Gholian, who is in the women's ward of Evin Prison, emphasized: 'Participating in the Islamic Republic's spectacle elections allows it to showcase images of participation as a face of its fake legitimacy, especially in international forums.' This imprisoned civil activist regarded 'not voting under such conditions' as 'a form of civil resistance' that protests the absence of 'democratic mechanisms.' She stated, 'People show their public discontent with the situation by not participating in the elections and send an important message to the international community about the deplorable political and social situation in Iran,' adding, 'This is especially significant as the Islamic Republic seeks global legitimacy after severe crackdowns, including the bloody suppression of the Women, Life, Freedom movement.' While the majority of Iranian citizens are boycotting the government's 'elections,' likening it to a 'circus' and a 'show,' Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, claimed, 'It is a completely mistaken perception that those who did not vote in the first round are opponents of the regime.' This statement comes despite government statistics indicating that a decisive majority of Iranians did not participate in this political event, which opponents call a 'circus' and a 'show.' On the other hand, Prince Reza Pahlavi emphasized in an exclusive interview with Voice of America that the Iranian people have sent a message to both the Islamic Republic and the world that they will no longer participate in the election circus; according to him, the regime's destruction will certainly happen. Opponents argue that there is 'no difference' between the two candidates considered by the Islamic Republic to succeed Raisi and regard participation in the government elections as 'a vote for more killings and repression.' In this context, political prisoner Mohammad Nourizad urged the Iranian people to 'leave the Islamic Republic monster to itself' and to 'smash the ballot boxes on the heads of this demon and cancerous monster' by boycotting the government elections. Amir Salar Davoodi, a prisoner lawyer, stated that he has not participated and will not participate in these 'appointments.' Jafar Panahi noted that the Islamic Republic is experiencing 'fear of illegitimacy' due to the lack of majority participation. Abolfazl Ghadiyani, a political activist, emphasized the 'boycott' of government elections and 'changing the religious tyranny regime.' The plaintiffs sharply criticized the 'voters': 'We will not allow the hollow voice of the 'traitorous minority' to be louder than the majority of the Iranian people.'