The condition of women in Islamic societies as a whole is also far from desirable. However, we should acknowledge that there are differences. In certain countries, the conditions are much better and in others much worse.
Contrary to what certain governments say, human rights are universal. Arbitrary detention, torture and discrimination hurt the human dignity of anybody, whatever his or her country of origin, religion, descent, or any other ground.
Human rights is a universal standard. It is a component of every religion and every civilization.
Women are the victims of this patriarchal culture, but they are also its carriers. Let us keep in mind that every oppressive man was raised in the confines of his mother’s home.
I am the voice of the people in Iran whose voices are silent and whose demands cannot be heard by the rest of the world.
The idea of cultural relativism is nothing but an excuse to violate human rights.
If you can’t eliminate injustice, at least tell everyone about it.
Unfortunately, violence begets violence. And this is how the war on terrorism seems to be going at this juncture. A lot of people are losing their lives. Many children are losing their parents. Too many houses are being destroyed. And, unfortunately, the arms industry seems to flourish.
How can you defy fear? Fear is a human instinct, just like hunger. Whether you like it or not, you become hungry. Similarly with fear. But I have learned to train myself to live with this fear.
Those who don’t understand any language other than the language of force and violence don’t respect human dignity. They seek violence because they will be irrelevant without it. We should not go their way.
What is important is that one utilizes one’s intellect and not to be 100 percent sure about one’s convictions. One should always leave room for doubt.
While living in exile I have become the loudspeaker for the people of Iran.
Any person who pursues human rights in Iran must live with fear from birth to death, but I have learned to overcome my fear.
My aim is to show that those governments that violate the rights of people by invoking the name of Islam have been misusing Islam.
Whenever women protest and ask for their rights, they are silenced with the argument that the laws are justified under Islam. It is an unfounded argument. It is not Islam at fault, but rather the patriarchal culture that uses its own interpretations to justify whatever it wants.
Lawyers should not be charged with the same crimes as their clients. Trials related to political charges are not in accordance with human rights.
Europe clearly is the only place where people can speak up critically, and this is a unique cultural value.
I hope the example of Saddam Hussein will give a lesson to leaders of other countries where human rights are not respected.
My hopes for Iran’s future lies with women first and foremost. Iran’s feminist movement is very strong. This movement has no leader or head quarters. Its place is the home of every Iranian who believes in equal rights. This is currently the strongest women’s movement in the Middle East.
We must not enable anyone to impose his personal view regarding religion on others by force, oppression, or pressure.