Prominent Iranians Challenge Esteemed Scholar: “Stand with the Nation, Reject Foreign Interference”
A collective of Iranian intellectuals and cultural figures, identifying themselves as “Friends and Readers of Ashouri’s Works,” has issued a compelling public appeal to Dariush Ashouri, a highly respected Iranian linguist and intellectual. Their statement expresses profound concern over Ashouri’s recent political stances, urging him to align with the suffering people of Iran and to refrain from lending credibility to forces they perceive as hostile or advocating for foreign intervention.
A Call for National Unity Amidst External Pressures
The signatories articulated their distress, highlighting a period of national grief over the loss of young lives and fellow citizens. They conveyed their experience as witnesses to thirty years of civil movements in Iran, noting a current “barrage of propaganda” from those they describe as external intervention advocates. The group expressed an expectation for prominent cultural and intellectual figures to champion peace and prosperity for Iran, creating a bulwark against foreign calls for military intervention and demonstrating national solidarity against warmongers.
Deep Disappointment Over Perceived Alignment
The collective conveyed their “deep disturbance and surprise” that Ashouri, a venerable figure in Iranian language and culture, appears to be aligning with elements they identify as key proponents of conflict and foreign interference. They voiced apprehension for Iran’s future and its youth, expressing regret that a respected cultural elder seems to have turned his back on the aspirations of the nation’s youth for a thriving life.
While acknowledging Ashouri’s distinguished cultural legacy, the group explicitly condemned his perceived validation of monarchist views. They lamented that his current position, in their view, deviates from decades of his cultural efforts and risks jeopardizing the well-being of the Iranian people and its cultural heritage, potentially leading to the nation’s devastation. The signatories labeled this a “fatal error,” stating they are compelled to openly and loudly reject and condemn it.
Upholding Iran’s Prosperity and Independence
The intellectuals underscored that “Iran and its prosperity are our paramount and fundamental priority.” They asserted that freedom from despotism and the preservation of Iran’s independence are inextricably linked, emphasizing their firm rejection of achieving freedom through bombing or foreign military intervention.
The appeal concluded with a renewed plea for Dariush Ashouri to stand alongside the nation’s struggling populace, to avoid reliance on or legitimizing forces hostile to Iran’s stability, and to safeguard his own dignity and that of the people he has served and who hold him in high regard. They warned that anyone aligning with what they consider war-mongering and interventionist elements risks disgracing their name. The signatories concluded with a hope that Ashouri would hear their voice and honor both his own name and that of Iran.
Signatories of the Appeal include:
Mohammad Bazargan, Saeed Bastani, Ramin Parham, Mehdi Jami, Gisoo Jahangiri, Seddigheh Haj Mohsen, Azam Khatam, Mahin Khadivi, Vazrik Dersahakian, Nasser Zaraati, Ali Sattari, Faramarz Seh Dehi, Morteza Sadeghi, Soraya Attari, Nazi Alimoradi, Hamid Fadavi, Javad Fa’al Alavi, Farhad Ghahremani, Akbar Karami, Azadeh Kian, Keivan Kiani, Saheb Nazar Moradi, Saeed Moghaddam, Granaz Mousavi, Seraj Mirdamadi, Yaser Mirdamadi, Babak Mina, Mohsen Nekoumanesh Fard, Hossein Ali Noudari.
