Audio Introduction to Manifesto - democracy and human rights in Iran

Manifesto of the Democratic Nation of Iran
Published and Revised on March 20, 2008 – 1 Farvadin, 1387

The revolution is not yet complete, and our age of renaissance has just begun.

This manifesto will discuss the ideology, platform, and objectives of the Democratic Nation of Iran. It will outline some ideas for the nature, structure, and duties of government. We will share some of our strategies for establishing a true democracy. It will outline our economic values. We will also set forth our justification for revolution. It will discuss conspiracy theories, the Persian mafia, and the Islamic Republic. It is a declaration of war against dictatorial rule, corruption, despotism, and fascism. It is an ultimatum to the current regime which states that it must reform dramatically or be abolished. It is a message of hope and inspiration for the Iranian people. It is a call to action and a plea for unity! In this manifesto, we declare our absolute commitment to freedom, democracy, and human rights.

The Democratic Nation of Iran is a coalition of individuals and organizations fighting for the realization of a true democracy in the great nation of Iran. We are a grassroots movement by and for the people. Our mission is to establish a true democracy; to unite all democratic forces; to establish the rule of law; to stimulate the economy; and to inspire your spirit, heart & mind! We are dedicated to human rights, a democratic government, and a prosperous economy. We respect international law, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the United Nations Charter.

Unique circumstances now justify a resort to the extreme measure of revolution. This right exists because a corrupt and vicious government is entrenched in power; which cannot be removed through the process of elections, and because the system has become intolerable for many reasons, and because the new order proposed to be introduced will be more satisfactory to the people than that which is to be displaced. It is our strong conviction that Government is only the external organization of the people, and if, by means of it, the nation itself is in danger of perishing, and the fundamental rights of the people are threatened; necessity nullifies the present Regime and Constitution.

It is our sincere conviction that life on earth is a great, noble and splendid experience. Every person has certain basic human rights. No government, police force, or individual possesses the right to deprive any other human of such rights.
Every person should be equal before the law; and should be entitled to the rights and freedoms set forth in a constitution, without distinction of any kind, such as race, gender, language, disability, religion, political opinion, national or social origin, values, preferences, property, birth, or other status. All citizens should have the right to take part in the government of Iran, directly or through freely chosen representatives. Citizens have the right to own property alone as well as in association with others, and have the right to freedom of movement and residence. Every person has the right to freedom of thought, religion, education, opinion and speech; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media. Every person has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, but no one should be compelled to belong to an association. Every citizen has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions in the work place; and the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of their interests. Every person has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production or other intellectual property of which they are the author. All citizens have the right to a standard of living adequate for their health and well-being in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond their control. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures should not be violated.
In all cases of incarceration or criminal prosecution, the accused should enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury,, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against them; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in their favor; to have the Assistance of Counsel for their defense; and the right to petition the appropriate judicial body or Judge inquiring into the lawfulness of the conviction or the conditions of their detention. Excessive bail should not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

What is our definition of democracy? In today’s modern age, most governments claim they are a democracy to legitimize their rule. We believe that in a democracy, the people are the sovereign; they are the highest form of political authority. Democracy requires compromise. People with different interests and opinions must be willing to sit down with one another and negotiate. When somebody expresses their opinion, they should also listen to the views of other people, even people they disagree with. Everyone has a right to be heard. Democracy is a means for the people to choose their leaders and to hold their leaders accountable for their policies and their conduct in office. Power flows from the people to leaders of government, who hold power only temporarily. Laws and policies require majority support, but the rights of minorities are protected in various ways. The people are free to criticize their elected leaders and representatives, and to observe how they conduct the business of government. Democracy should balance power and not allow one person or group to control the government. For example, the judiciary, legislature, and the executive branches of government should be separate and accountable to the citizens of the country. In a true democracy, elections have to occur at regular intervals as set forth in a constitution. All parties and candidates must have the right to campaign freely, to present their proposals to the voters both directly and through the mass media. Voters must be able to vote in secret, free of intimidation and violence. There also needs to be an independent and impartial body to observe the voting and the vote counting in order to ensure that the process is free of corruption, intimidation, fraud, and to resolve disputes.

Iran is a free, independent, indivisible and inalienable nation. Its form of government should be democratic and set forth in a constitution ratified by the people. The people of Iran should hold sovereign power and have the freedom to establish, modify or change any law, the constitution, or their elected representatives when required through democratic processes which are free of corruption and interference. Human rights, the right to vote, and the right to participate in the political process are liberties that no government should take away from any citizen. The rule of law and a separation of power between the branches of government are crucial to insure prosperity, stability, and prevent corruption.

We believe that the primary duties of government are to protect the nation from external or internal aggression; to completely uphold the principals of basic human rights; to encourage a free and open economy as well as private commerce; To promote the highest quality of educational resources; To promote the highest quality of health care; To continuously work with citizens to improve upon the physical, technological and economic infrastructure of the nation; and to enforce the constitution and all laws established by the citizens of Iran or their elected representatives.

The economy should be based upon free market principles, and its aim should be economic development, increase of productivity, improvement of the standard of living, and achievement of prosperity for all citizens in Iran. The rules for the protection of State properties, their administration, the conditions of their disposal, and the limits within which any of these properties may be relinquished should be set forth by the legislature. Natural resources should be the property of the people. The people should ensure their preservation and proper exploitation, due regard being given to the requirements of free market values, State security, and the national economy. All charitable, religious, educational, or other not for profit institutions should operate tax exempt. Public grants, loans and loan guarantees should be made available to private citizens and businesses for the purposes of assisting with new business ventures, college education, research projects, space exploration, or for any other purposes set forth by the legislative branch.

Democratic forces seem to be divided into three primary groups. These groups are reformers, republicans, and constitutional monarchists. We support all groups that desire to actually implement a true democracy. We prefer to think of a Constitutional Monarchy as an Elective Monarchy, and we think of a reformed Islamic Republic as a Symbolic Theocracy. If a Symbolic Theocracy or Elective Monarchy is chosen by the people, the elected Monarch or Supreme Leader should be the guardian of the constitution, chief ambassador, facilitator amongst the three branches of government, and the symbol of the State and the unity of the people, deriving such position from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power. No matter what form of government is chosen by the people, we believe that the leaders should be freely elected and should hold office for a limited time.

The nature of government we support is a true democracy which respects human rights and the rule of law. It makes no difference to our movement if the people choose a Symbolic Theocracy, a Republic, or an Elective Monarchy as long as the foundation of the nation is democratic in nature. We do believe that there is an argument for the idea that a Symbolic Theocracy or an Elective Monarchy would have a level of continuity and offer certain special symbolic characteristics that are uniquely Iranian. We have drafted a constitution for Iran which can be used either by an Elective Monarchy or a Republic. This constitution governs our organization and can be the future foundation of a free and prosperous nation. Please read the constitution to get further clarification. It is our opinion that the symbols of government will take shape depending upon how this revolution evolves. For example, if there is dramatic reform in this regime, the most logical and easiest transition would be to evolve into a Symbolic Theocracy. Otherwise, the people should choose their form of democratic government through a public referendum.

We believe God has no need for politics. For over a thousand years, the clerics in Iran had a moral authority which went beyond this world. When they spoke, people listened. Now, most believe that anything they say is only meant to further their political aspirations. Citizens have lost their faith in both religion and government. The moral authority of the clerics has been lost. We believe the Clerics can regain this moral authority if they aloud the people and politicians to handle state business. We argue that the Mullahs would have more influence if they focused on religion. If they are truly god’s messengers or representatives on earth, why does this regime silence, torture, and assassinate critics. Religion is private, personal, and sacred.

People believe this regime as either an oligarchy, fascist or similar to the mafia. There is wide spread corruption and nepotism. There is a closed circle of power which stays in a small group of families. Some people feel this regime uses and abuses religion and are simply criminals with political power. Even as oil revenues are at record levels, the people of Iran are suffering. Many say that this Persian mafia, this organized crime syndicate, has taken hostage our hearts and minds through the false pretenses of religion and have no interest in the well being and prosperity of our children and of our country. Many say this regime has never adhered to any Quranic principles; rather, they have regressed to pre-Islamic forms of totalitarianism. This is completely opposite to what was intended when the previous regime was removed from power by the people. We do not blame any one person. All of us must believe in the goodness and decency of every human being. There seems to be the potential for both good and evil in every person. Unfortunately, money, power, and fear can distort reality. We believe that the imbalance of power in the constitution have created a regime that is absolutist, tyrannical, and anti-Islamic. By suppressing human rights, democracy, and the freedom of the Iranian people, this system have destroyed the value of our money, increased poverty, and have reduced our stature in the eyes of the rest of the world.

We give this advice and warning to the leaders of this regime. Reform and evolve your system into a symbolic theocracy. Save the Islamic Republic by taking some very simple steps. First, the Supreme Leader should transfer executive powers to the President and serve as a symbol of the state. Secondly, candidates should not be blocked from participating in elections. Thirdly, make the Guardian Council the upper house of the Magless and allow the members to be elected by the people. The Guardian Council should have two members from each province. Time is running out quickly. The harder you squeeze the more this nation slips from your grasp. Please acknowledge and recognize the problems and make immediate changes in the system.

We call upon the military, government officials, and all members of society to stop supporting this corrupt and flawed system. There are many lies, conspiracy theories, and false political realities which this regime wants you to believe. Every freedom fighter in Iran is accused of being a foreign spy by this regime. Many people have lost hope and believe that, even if the system changes, one bad government will be replaced with another dictator. We have heard people say that it is the CIA or the British that keep this regime in power. In truth, it is neither foreign powers nor the regime that keeps you oppressed. It is only our own passivity, fears and lack of self-confidence that stand between us and freedom! This government rules only because we allow them to stay in control. They try to scare you through torture, murder, and fear. They think we are animals that must be tamed. They want you to stand by silently with out hope while they rob the country of our natural resources. They keep you hungry so you only think about feeding yourself and your family. They use force to suppress your desire for freedom. This regime wants you to believe that you are powerless. Every person, including you, has the potential to make a difference in the world. No government can function with out the consent of the people. The previous regime had one of the strongest military forces in the Middle East and it was removed because the people decided it was time for a change. It is time to recognize the power of the people, and, more importantly, it is time to acknowledge your own strength and abilities.

Revolution and change is never easy. We all must find the courage to stand and fight for our values and beliefs. We must have faith and make sacrifices. We must create a better life for our families and children. If we do not fix the foundation of the country, the nation will most certainly continue to crumble. Our intellectuals, educated, and children will only dream of how to escape to other countries. Your standard of living will continue to deteriorate. Your food and cost of living will continue to be more expensive. The people in power will continue to plunder our natural resources and we will only suffer more than we are suffering today.

You can help to make a difference in the lives of over seventy million people! This regime is very paranoid, weak and afraid. Unfortunately, democratic forces have not been unified. We call upon Iranians around the world to unite and to help each other. We have seen the kindness, intelligence, and resourcefulness of our people. We know that even though we are all very independent minded, in times of crisis and war, we can join together and help one another. Get involved, help yourself and help your nation. Have faith in yourself and your compatriots. Use caution, tell your friends, and help build a movement for freedom, democracy, and human rights.

The struggle for freedom requires leadership, discipline and organization. Just like a military conflict, the fight for democracy is an unfortunate but necessary war. It requires strategic, tactical, and operational planning. Our organization has several divisions which you may join or support. These are social, political, intelligence, economic, and operations. We welcome all individuals and organizations who wish to participate. By spreading the word about our manifesto and constitution, you will be helping us socially and politically. Our social division is focused on developing the values of democracy, mobilizing people and spreading the word about our movement. Our economic division is focused on raising money for the movement. Our intelligence branch is focused on gathering information. Our political division is focused on establishing democratic institutions and developing an alternative government to replace this regime. Our operational division is focused on defending and supporting the other branches of this movement for freedom and democracy. We welcome all contributions of capital and other material resources.

We call upon the military and all government officials to stop supporting this corrupt and misguided regime. We must bankrupt them financially and cease all forms of cooperation. If you do not support them, they can not stay in power. In the beginning, there are many ways for you to help with out revealing your intentions and endangering yourself. Some examples are: warn people of pending police action; do not locate or arrest freedom fighters; do not shoot, beat or torture prisoners and protesters; report false information to your superiors; provide intelligence to our movement; anonymously report corruption and crimes against humanity to the media; secretly help political prisoners escape; sabotage petroleum production, transportation, and equipment; and sabotage military equipment and transportation.

One of the first basic steps, which every person can participate in, is to build a communications network. This network will allow us to mobilize resources, implement strategies, and take action behind the scenes. We would like to use the example of constructing a building. The building will be a pyramid shape and will have a sturdy foundation. Each member will be given a level number in the network. Level 1 members will recruit level 2 members, Level 2 members will recruit level three members, and this process will continue until the network evolves into a massive and powerful structure. If you wish to participate, follow these simple steps:
1. The first step towards freedom is for you to decide that you are tired of the old ways and that it is time to change the system.
2. Make contact through the person who gave you this manifesto. They will assign you a level number in the network.
3. Recruit five of your closest trusted friends or family members. Give them this manifesto to review and convince them of the importance of building a communications network. You should live close enough together that you can always be in contact, no matter what circumstances arise. When they are ready to join, assign them a level number which will be one higher than your number. For example, if you are level 1, assign them level number 2.
4. In order to expand the network, ask each of your cell members to repeat the process. Ask them to continue building the network by reading and duplicating the manifesto and by recruiting five new members for the next level of the structure. Do not disclose the identity of members you have recruited to anybody, even if they know each other.
5. Once you have recruited the members, be ready to transmit information and requests from different levels through the network. If your link with your coordinating member is severed, make contact with head quarters in order to be reconnected to somebody in the network. If you are already a member of the network and somebody approaches you and asks you to join, do not acknowledge you are a member. Just simply tell them you are not interested. These precautions will help keep the movement safe from infiltration and sabotage.

This process of building a communications network is very simple, effective and powerful. If you help develop this social network, we will be able to reach over forty eight million people in Iran. For example: 5*5*5*5*5*5*5*5*5*5*5 = 48,828,125.

The Democratic Nation of Iran is committed to developing our country and improving the lives of the Iranian people. We will never sacrifice our independence or natural resources. We will never renege on our commitment to human rights and democracy. We will greatly increase the salaries of all police and military personnel. We will give every student the chance to pursue their educational aspirations. We promise to improve the economy, develop new jobs, and increase business opportunities.

Citizens of Iran, it is time to build a great and prosperous nation. We must remember our ancient and rich history. Our people will once again achieve great advances in human rights, technology and science. Our people must be free to believe in themselves and in the future of the country. All of us must pray and fight for the power of justice and goodness to prevail over evil. We must live with hope and a desire to pursue with vigor the satisfaction of our country's highest aspirations. It is time to explore new frontiers, and to encourage artistic and cultural advances. The time for victory is near. The forces of change are inevitable. By pursuing the just principles of freedom, human rights, and democracy, we hold weapons and resources of unimaginable superiority. Our mission is noble, our conscience clear, and our victory imminent.

Long Live Iran
An Advocate for the People
The Democratic Nation of Iran