INTRODUCTION TO SPEECH NUMBER TWENTY- NINE

“Security prisoners” was a new term used by the Shah’s regime to refer to “political prisoners”. During the periods of demonstration and protest, Radio London (B.B.C.) announced: “Two thousand six hundred security prisoners have been granted a free pardon at a time when conditions for prisoners in Iran are being improved.” Concurrent with this news came the report that: “The number of security prisoners held has decreased by two thousand’. ^{( 678)}

On May 9 and 10 (Ordibihisht 9 and 20), the demonstrations in Qum and Tabriz reached a climax. According to press reports, in addition to these two cities, demonstrations and disturbances were also taking place in twenty-three other cities, hundreds of demonstrators having been arrested and dozens seriously injured. These reports were an indication of the extent to which the regime had stepped up its harsh treatment of the demonstrators. Press columnists reporting from Qum and Tabriz; put the number of those martyred in the hundreds. Fictitious headlines and reports such as: “Disturbances in Shiraz under the red flag”, bespoke the chronic state of perplexity in which the regime found itself, whilst also demonstrating the desperate attempts being made by SAVAK. ^{( 679)}

After the bloody demonstrations in Qum, Tabriz and other cities, the government published a sharp statement, which announced: “Troublemakers will be dealt with harshly”. Another part of this statement read: “It would seem that the rioters are under the impression that the government has unlinted patience”! At the same time, General Shafaqat, governor-general of East Azerbayjan, stated: “Tabriz is in a tranquil state, disturbances only having occurred for one hour on Monday in the University of Azarabadegan”. However, even as these hollow claims were being made, a sit-in protest by students of Tabriz University was in full swing, all lectures had been cancelled, and demonstrations continued on a daily basis.

The Shah had meant to g’ abroad but the country’s domestic situation was such that Amir ‘Abbas Hoveyda, Minister of the Imperial Court, issued a statement in which it was announced that the Shah’s visit abroad had been postponed - although the reason for this was not mentioned!

Once more Qum witnessed the holding of a massive demonstration. Officers engaged in their pursuit of the demonstrators, and a religious student by the name of Sattar Keshani was martyred in the home of Mr. Shari’ atmadari. Imam Khomeini subsequently sent his condolences with regard to this incident to the latter via a telegram.

A government representative claimed that those centers and agents, which lay behind the disturbances, had been identified and that the lenience exhibited by the government during the past three months had given the “rioters” occasion to run riot and therefore those in authority had been given strict orders to deal with any kind of disturbance with the utmost severity. Furthermore, we see that whilst the government maintains: “It is in absolute control of the situation, and has taken the necessary precautions”, the press informs us that: “In the majority of universities, lectures have been cancelled”!

On May 16, 1978 (Ordibihisht 26,1357 AHS), Tehran University was the scene of clashes between students and officials. On the same day, the front pages of the press carried reports of demonstrations and riots at the University of Azarabadegan, the University of Isfahan, Melli University,  Iran University of Science and Technology, and the University of Amir Kabir; and again on that same day a meeting of university heads was under way in Tehran in which a solution to the problem was being discussed. However, in spite of all this, it was announced in the newspapers that the Shah and his wife, Farah, were going on a visit to Eastern Europe.

The policy followed by Imam, and the directives given by him start to pay off. People from all segments of society , along with the clergy - the vanguard of the Khordad 15 uprising - and those from the universities, unite in a way never seen before; and with their voices at one with that of the Leader of the Revolution, they shout that they will settle for nothing less than the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of an Islamic government.

The government of Britain, whose name brings back bitter and painful memories for the Iranian nation, now enters the scene. The British Prime Minister, whilst declaring his government’s support for the Shah, states in a speech delivered in the House of Commons on May 1 7, 1 978: “We support the move to grant further freedom in Iran - a cause to which the Shahanshah is truly dedicated - and we back the firm stand taken by this country.” The Shah,on hearing this news, immediately exclaims in a speech that: “We can in no way afford to be lax in procuring the necessary military deterrents.”!

On May 6, 1978 (Ordibihisht 16,1357 AHS), a correspondent for the Paris publication Le Monde, conducted an interview with Imam Khomeini in which he asked the fatter’s opinions about “Islamic government” and the current situation in Iran. The introduction of his reportage read: “We held an interview with Auatullah Khomeini in a small room situated in the heart of Najaf, one of the most insalubrious desert regions in Iraq.” During this interview Imam stressed: “We will not co-operate with the Marxists, even when it comes to bringing about the Shah’s overthrow”. Furthermore, he stated that the establishment of an Islamic government was the ultimate goal sought by both him and the nation; but at the same time, he insisted that bringing about the overthrow of this autocratic regime of the Shah was the nation’s immediate objective.

Contrary to the decisive and uncompromising stand taken by Imam, many political groups and parties as well as certain persons from the religious order - some of whom had even attained the level of marfa ‘iyat - promoted slogans which called for the implementation of the constitutional law and which espoused a linted and constitutional monarchy. Under the desperate circumstances in which the Shah’s regime found itself, this was the ideal way to keep the situation under control. However, it was the position adopted by Imam which featured in the struggle; a position which set out the aims of the movement and which enjoyed the popular support of all fronts.

By the time the month of Khurdad, 1357 (May/June, 1978) arrive, Iran is one great mass of blood and fire, and people are demanding the overthrow of the Shah’s regime,’rying: “Until the time when the Shah is wrapped in a shroud, we cannot regard this country as our homeland”. Both the East and the West continue to back the Shah. The Ba’athist regime of Iraq has restricted Imam’s activities and monitors any social intercourse he has. The Leader of the Revolution is warned to desist from any further engagement in political activities. The anniversary of the bloody tragedy of Khordad 15,1342 (June 5, 1963) arrives, providing Imam with an ideal opportunity to deliver an historic address, and to once again instil in the people of Iran the spirit of the revolution.

Hence, Imam delivered a powerful speech In Shaykh Ansari Mosque in the noble city of Najaf before hundreds of religious students and students from the theological centers. Firstly, he engaged in a comparison between Mongolian rule and the Shah’s regime, describing the former’s wrongdoings and depravity; then whilst referring to Khordad 15, “the day of God”,  he gave a detailed account of how the regime’s policy to grant freedom to the people was but a deceptive trick devised to save the regime, and how the real culprit in all this was America. In this regard Imam stated: “All of the misery suffered by us is America’s doing . . . The prime culprit is America and the lesser culprit, the Shah”.

In another part of his speech, whilst pointing to the Shah’s indulgence in fanciful theories about reaching the gateway of a great civilization, Imam Khomeini specified instances of American, Israeli and European plunder of Iranian national resources and the poverty and destitution suffered by the majority of Iranian people as a result.

Imam, in paying tribute to Khordad 15,1342 (June 5, 1963) stated: Khurdad 15 must be kept alive . . . the nation of Iran must not allow Khordad 15 to be forgotten”.The avoidance of discord and disunion, is another pressing concern covered by the Leader of the Revolution in his speech, about which he declares: “It is a sacred duty; everyone must be united . . . If the Muslims were as one, then no one could stand up to such a multitude of people. There isn’t a damned thing they could do about it”. Concerning the positions adopted by some politicians and religious leaders, and the compromising statements made by them, Imam says: “They must point out who the murderer is, if possible directly , if not then indirectly, and if this too is not possible then at least they are not to pin the crime on someone else . . . If you should read anything written by some party that suggests we are demanding nothing more than the implementation of the constitutional law , then this is as good as saying that he (the Shah) must remain, and this therefore constitutes perfidy.”

Classes at the theological centre of Najaf were closed for the summer break and hence the present speech was in fact the final speech to be given by Imam from the noble city of Najaf. Henceforth, until the time of Imam’s migration to Paris  it was his declarations and directives, which served to guide the struggle and to edify those who had risen in revolt.

Iran is an exemplary country; and I think it unlikely that another country like Iran or another nation like the oppressed nation of Iran can be found to exist among the entire countries of the world, or that there are many examples of such a country even ever having existed at all. It is recorded in history how Genghis (Khan), despite his savage and barbaric temperament and all the bloodshed that he caused, governed according to a system of law which was known by others as “the great code of laws” ^{( 680)} a code which neither Genghis nor any other Mongol ever violated.

Some have even suggested that the respect  held by the Mongols for their law was like that held by the Muslims for the Qur’an at the advent of Islam. For the Mongols to violate their law meant death. Therefore, we see that even a people like the Mongols and a man such as Genghis abided by some kind of law. However, let us now see, in this present day and age in which we live, which law cans this regime of Iran, this Shah of Iran be said to abide by? Is there any law at all governing Iran? Does any law actually command respect? Does this regime and those who run it hold respect for the various social sectors in the country?

Let’s consider these questions one by one. Let’s see whether Iran and a regime of hers abides by the law of Islam. They say that throughout the city of Tehran liquor stores outnumber bookstores, and that these stores carry on their business in safety and freedom, doing as they please. If one voices objection to this situation then he is denigrated and penalised. Which of the laws of Islam is presently enforced in Iran and within its system of government? Much mention is made of oppression in the verses of the Qur’an and in the ordinances of Islam, and the same goes for those who oppress, but all the same can Iran and the Iranian regime be said to be guardians of justice? - Of social justice? - Of Islamic justice? Are they fooling themselves or are they trying to fool the nation? To what extent do the Shah and his gang value the Qur’ an? Does holding respect for the Qur’an mean having it printed and then distributing it to the people in order to fool them? ^{( 681)} like the kind of respect shown by Mu’awiya when he fixed the Qur’an to the end of a lance pleading that everyone should act according to its teachings. ^{( 682)} Can such people be said to hold respect for the Qur’an? Do they hold respect for the clergy? Just consider the extent to which Islam has praised and singled out the clergy as people worthy of respect; yet are they actually respected and held in high regard by these people? Do they respect the maraji’ of Islam? Indeed, it was only a few days ago that they stormed the homes of the honorable maraji’, breaking the doors and windows, killing people and brawling. ^{( 683)} Even now commandos are in the homes of some of these honorable men. They tell us that commandos are present in these homes in order to monitor the activities of the maraji’. What have the honorable men done to deserve to be treated with such disrespect?

Do they (the Shah and his regime) act in accordance with the constitutional law? Even Genghis acted according to the “code of laws”, and so did others like him and the Mongol people themselves. Does this present-day Genghis, ^{( 684)} do these Mongols respect the constitutional law? Do their elections comply with legal standards? Do their parliamentary candidates meet stipulated criteria? ^{( 685)} is their Majlis one which obeys the law? ⁽⁶⁸⁶⁾ which of their affairs can be said to be remotely in accordance with any law, be they religious laws or secular and constitutional laws?

Do they have any regard for our education system? ^{( 687)} If they do, then why are the schools in Iran either totally or partially closed? In addition, why do the university lecturers suspend their lectures? ^{( 688)} It is because the government will not leave the university alone. What have these students done to deserve being deprived of education? ^{( 689)} what kind of respect does this regime show for education?

What kind of respect do they afford the army? Those who mistakenly regard the army as a part of their own outfit, just what kind of respect do they afford it? We have an army which serves under American advisers - the latter being granted immunity whilst the former is placed under their command! Why humiliate the army in this way? Do you realize what an affront this is to the Iranian army - how humiliating this is for the army of Iran - for its commanders? Why do these commanders allow themselves to be humiliated so? How come they do not wake up and see to this man ^{( 690)} sending him to where he belongs? Just what do they hold in respect? What law do they abide by? At least let them abide by a law like that of Genghis when dealing with us; at least let, them act according to some kind of principles; let some law come into play somewhere.

Anarchy! Iran is currently in a state of anarchy. Khordad 15 has not yet arrived, but even so , well in advance, well before this day approaches, they are busy making arrests for fear that on Khordad 15 a few people might speak up and voice some kind of objection with regard to the killings which occurred on this day (in 1963) - that they might speak of the crimes that were perpetrated and murders committed on the orders of the Shah himself, the very one who commanded the troops during these killings. They have already arrested a number of people in Tehran. In Qum, a large number of religious students have been arrested as well as ordinary people and even youngsters, children. They arrest anyone they come across - or so it is said - and the governor-general’s prisons in Qum are so full of people that there is no room for any more; they’ve become absolutely chock-a-block.

What state of affairs is this that we now see in Iran? What kind of freedom is this that His Imperial Majesty has granted us? ^{( 691)} Indeed, is freedom something to be granted? To say that it is, is in itself a crime. To say, “We granted freedom” itself constitutes a crime. Freedom belongs to the people. The law has given freedom to people. God has given freedom to people. Islam has given freedom. The constitutional law has given freedom to people. What is meant by “we granted” (freedom)? Who the deuce are you to do the “granting”? What the dickens had it have to do with you anyway? “We granted freedom to the people”!! The granting of freedom means this that we now see; it does not in truth concern freedom at all but instead concerns what we are now witnessing - it is something to fool the people.

The regime, after deliberation, has formed a group from within its own gang which is to write something every now and then to give the impression that there is in fact freedom of the pen, that people are free to write what they wish. Of course, there are some honorable people amongst those who write, who come from all different occupations and who continue to write despite the dangers facing them. A great number of scholars and academics in Qum write about the tragic events which occur here - may God preserve them - and more or less all of the religious students also write reports of these events, which they then sign and publish. Again, such writers can also be found within political groups and associations who bravely document what is going on and publish their work, although in so doing, they subject themselves to danger and harassment. Of course, amongst these, within these so-called political fronts, there are also those who wish to draw a red herring by diverting attention from the main culprit to these lesser mortals; to those in the government for example. The regime would like nothing more than for the blame to be placed on the government, for anyone to say whatever he or she like about the government, and for His Imperial Majesty to go unnoticed; for the real culprit to be overlooked. On one occasion when I had intended to speak out, they sent someone to tell me that I was not to speak of the Americans, hut that apart from this there would be no objection to my speaking of anyone else, even the Shah. I told them that all of our problems are due to Americans; all of the misery we suffer is America’s doing.

Are we to leave the main culprit alone and to turn our attention to the henchmen and stooges instead? Right now in Iran, it is America that is the prime culprit while the Shah of ours plays a secondary role. We are now suffering at the hands of this lesser culprit and the rest of those who are involved are not worth considering! Neither does his Prime Minister deserve mention, nor do his ministers and Members of Parliament; none of these are in any way worthy of mention. He himself is not worth talking about either, but we have no choice but to speak of him. The ‘ulama of Iran are now suffering. Indeed, the Iranian people as a whole are presently suffering. They are not allowed to breathe. At present, the streets of Iran are swarming with commandos. Two or three days ago, some people told us that commandos are within the homes of the high-ranking clergy, and that they are amongst the people too; and they say that the streets are full of guns and tanks and the like. What has happened? What has this nation done? Has it done anything other than to say let us breath?

This Mr. Gateway to a Great Civilisation! ^{( 692)} He has not taken a proper look at Tehran and its various districts. Written reports made by certain gentlemen tell of forty-odd districts (in Tehran) in which one finds these slum-dwellers, these tent-dwellers, who either have no home at all, or have made some kind of tent for themselves, or again who have found a hole in the ground and thus live like animals, the poor souls. A great number of districts, forty-odd in all, have been named in the reports. I have the list in front of me right now. This Mr. Great Civilisation has not taken a look at this city of Tehran with its forty-odd wretched districts, where they are deprived of whatever civilisation has to offer. They have no water or electricity, and there is no trace of such things as tarmacked surfaces; they have absolutely nothing, the poor wretches. They drove these poor souls out of the villages appropriating the land there for themselves; and as a result, the villagers came to Tehran. In addition, this is now the state of Tehran, with its forty-odd districts and its slum- and tent-dwellers that are living in pain and misery, who are living in a desperate state. The reports state that in order to obtain water, these poor women have to climb a hundred steps or more to where a water tap is situated. Just imagine having to carry a water jug all this distance, and having to descend all these steps, especially during the winter. Imagine how often they must fall down and what pains they must take for the sake of obtaining a drop of water for their children. Can this Mr. Great Civilisation see all this from where he is sitting? Is he really unaware of these things or does he turn a blind eye to them?

Only three or four days ago, he visited the holy shrine in Mashhad where, as usual, he went through the motions of devout worship. Afterwards he came and spoke of a great civilisation before a group of poor people who had been assembled there by the regimes agents. He spoke of what we will have achieved in a few years time, and amongst other remarks made he stated that in the near future Irans population will have reached sixty-five million and its oil will have run out ^{( 693)} . Who on earth is exhausting our oil supply? He repeatedly says thait there is no oil. However, there is oil and it is you who is sucking our oil supply dry. You are pumping oil down the throats of America and other countries. It is not that there is no oil. We have many oil reserves, but you are using them up such that in a few years time they will run dry and people will be left in despair. After this, he intends to use solar energy! Why, for goodness sake . . . what are you talking about? Be ashamed of yourself! You want to use solar energy? Will we have no need for oil later? Are we to use other sources of energy? For whom are you saying these things? At least tell them not to say these things over the radio. Let them say these things to the peasants but not over the radio where people and even those in Najaf can hear them, and where those in Europe can hear them and laugh at them. I now have in my possession the names and particulars of the forty-odd districts of Tehran which they listed and brought to me - Tehran, a city which stretches all the way from Hazrat ‘Abdul ‘Azim (in the south) to Shemiran (in the north). Such far-off districts as these are all a part of Tehran. In addition, there are places, which are even worse than Tehran.

Certain gentlemen, certain honorable merchants who came to see me, spoke of a place other than Tehran saying: Permit us to add something to the charitable tax which is demanded of us by Islam, and to use this money to make a water tank for these poor souls whose wives have to travel a distance of six kilometres - I believe that was the distance quoted if my memory serves me right - to find water to bring back for their children and families to drink; and I accordingly gave them permission. Whether they have now made the water tank or not I, dont know. It is the same in every district. Dont imagine that group of people who are loyal to the regime and who lead a prosperous life is typical.

When certain people who know no better see the kind of lives these people have, they think that Iran is a prosperous country, and that everyone is fortunate enough to own a car, a garden and so on. The people who own these kinds of things are in fact the very members of his (the Shah’s) own gang; they are the very plunderers who are fleecing the people. Can the ordinary people ever hope to enjoy a life like theirs? Go and take a look at the slum-dwellers. Go and look at the tent-dwellers. Go and look at the south of the city. Such deprivation can even be found in the north of the city too. Eisenhower Street is another of the places where slum- and tent-dwellers can be found. ^{( 694)} Go and take a look at these people and then talk of progress made and of how we are about to reach the gateway to a great civilisation - for which occasion we are in fact about to hold a commemorative celebration!!

That is how things stand on one front, with regard to the slum-dwellers and the down-and-outs in Iran. On the other front however, the regime has handed wherever and whatever is of value over to large American, Zionist or British companies; and they have done so in the name of nationalisation. They have handed over our forests, pastures, water sources, rivers, subterranean waters and so on. I have a copy of a report which explains how these grazing pastures had been such that during a visit to Iran by the Queen of England’s husband, the latter, after merely seeing the Arjan P lain, ^{( 695)} had remarked that this was the finest place in the world, the best pasturage for the farming of any kind of livestock. Yet, they nationalised this land and afterwards gave it to the British. Now, according to the written report given to me, the Queen of England along with some of the British plutocracy and British companies, are doing something or other with the animal husbandry carried out on these pastures in order to produce meat. Now whether they are producing meat for export abroad, or whether they also intend to give