Message from Ayatollah Seyed Asghar Nazemzadeh Qomi to Members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly Regarding Recent Events

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

"And fulfill the covenant; indeed, the covenant will be asked about."

Members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly,

In light of the recent events that have engulfed the entire country, I find it necessary to share some points with you. First, I recall an incident from September 8, 1978:

At that time, I was imprisoned in the Joint Anti-Corruption Committee and had the honor of being incarcerated with several fighters, including Ayatollah Ruhollah Shah Abadi, Seyed Abbas Abutalebi, and Hadi Marvi. We learned from the prison radio that a tragic event had occurred in Tehran's Shahid Square (formerly Jaleh Square), where the Shah's forces had violently suppressed demonstrators. In the days following this event, members of the National Assembly, though many lacked authority, reacted strongly to maintain appearances and quell public outrage, and their protests were broadcasted on national radio, which we listened to in prison.

However, Members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, despite Imam Khomeini's assertion that "the Assembly is at the head of affairs," you have shown no involvement or response to the recent fifty-day events, which have resulted in casualties among men, women, children, security forces, and some clerics in various cities including Tehran, Mashhad, Karaj, Arak, Isfahan, Sanandaj, and Zahedan. Why have you not proposed a plan to prevent these tragedies? Why are you silent? Why are you not taking action? Is it because you lack the ability and authority, or have you sacrificed "truth" for "status and expediency"?

Honorable Representatives, either propose a plan to engage with the protesting people and calm their anger, or devise measures to ensure: First, that the political space of the country is opened according to the Constitution so that genuine parties, various viewpoints, and specialists can contribute to solving the country's problems, and that freedom of expression is guaranteed in practice (not just in words), ensuring the country does not remain under the control of a specific minority. Second, prioritize the people's livelihoods and take immediate actions to stabilize the economy, as much of this anger and frustration stems from poverty, inflation, and discrimination.

If you are unable to carry out these tasks, it would be better to resign from the Assembly so that the substantial budget allocated for the salaries, housing, vehicles, and welfare of each representative is not wasted.

Honorable Representatives, do you have any response to even the few people who voted for you? I swear, tomorrow the people will hold you accountable, and the Almighty God, who supports the oppressed, will punish you severely for your shortcomings and negligence.

I especially address those representatives who are clergy: Are you aware that your silence and that of your colleagues has angered some segments of the population, leading to harmful and insulting actions against the clergy? Do you bear no responsibility for these actions? While most clerics have no role in managing the country or current affairs and are solely focused on scientific matters and the promotion of Islam, they, like many of our dear people, are struggling with basic needs and are forced to engage in additional work such as taxi driving and labor to support themselves and their families.

I hope you, Members of the Assembly, will remain faithful to the covenant you made with the people, for you are accountable to God Almighty for your oath: "Indeed, the covenant will be asked about."

In conclusion, I extend my condolences to the victims and bereaved of the recent events, whether Shiite or Sunni, and express my sympathy to the families of innocent prisoners. I also offer condolences to the families of the victims of the Shah Cheragh shrine tragedy, the innocent clerics, and the members of the Basij and police who have fallen victim to this dire situation. I pray to God for the healing of the wounded and the release of innocent prisoners.

Qom Seminary / Seyed Asghar Nazemzadeh Qomi

November 5, 2022