http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/repealofhousearrestiniran/
Honorable United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon:
With sincere gratitude and hopes for your success in advancing peace, the cause of human rights, and global security, we the signatories of this letter are requesting your immediate attention to an important humanitarian and civil rights matter. As you are aware, the Iranian nation is entangled in a struggle with a regime that has no regard for human rights, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, non-violent methods of protest and while showing their contempt for these universal values, has violated even its own laws. Consequently, we are directly appealing to your Excellency, the Secretary General of an organization that symbolizes the conscience of the global community, for help. You are also aware that in the post presidential elections’ peaceful protests in 2009, in which millions participated, the Iranian government resorted to harsh means such as closing down press outlets, arrests, imprisonment, torture, and killing of the protesters. The scope of these crackdowns has led to the house arrests and impedance of the political activities of the Green Movement’s leadership, Mr. Mir Hossein Mousavi (former Prime Minister), Mr. Mehdi Karoubi (former Speaker of the Parliament) and Ms. Zahra Rahnavard (University Chancellor, University Professor and a Women’s Right Activist); all in the aftermath of the Feb. 14, 2011 protests in which hundreds of thousands of Iranians participated. Currently, the regime has resorted to installing physical steel bars at the residences of these leaders and cut off all their contacts including phone and internet, which has lead to the outrage of the Iranian people and caused concern for the safety of these Movement figures. The activities of the Green Movement have always been non-violent and its leadership is committed to working within the framework of the Iranian constitution. Yet, the forces perpetrating the crackdown through acts of violence, attempt to crush the movement and threaten the lives of its leaders. Hence, we are profoundly concerned for their condition and hold the Iranian authorities responsible for their lives and safety. We also demand an immediate end to their house arrest and the restoration of their civil liberties for political and social activities. We, the signatories, are grateful for your commitment to human rights in Iran during your tenure and hope that you will use all the means of your office and international diplomacy to end the house arrests of these Movement leaders as well as restoration of their civil rights to conduct legal activities and prevent their potential physical harm. Respectfully Yours, Signatories:
