If world shows indifference, situation of Iranian people will get worse: Nobel Peace Prize laureate

Trend News: Mrs.  Ebadi, recently you have called for intensified international pressure against Iran, ahead of next week's scheduled inauguration of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. What do you believe could possibly be an exit from the current crisis?

Shirin Ebadi: The situation in Iran now is indeed very critical. People need international support now more than ever as the political divisions in Tehran play themselves out. International attention and pressure must be sustained and intensified if it is to have impact on those calling the shots in Tehran.

Q: So, what kind of ways of pressure do you mean? Political, economy sanctions, or something else?

A: I am against economic sanctions and military interventions. This, in turn, creates new battle fronts and encourages people to establish solidarity with their government. But, political sanctions must be imposed. Diplomatic ties must not be severed; instead the embassies could be downgraded to consulates. This would not harm the Iranian people, but it would illustrate the government's isolation. And other hand, if the world shows indifference, then the situation of the people of Iran will get worse.

In particular, the UN needs to play a more determined and decisive role. Through its human rights and other mechanisms, the UN must investigate the violations taking place in Iran and compile evidence that can be used, one day, to bring those responsible to account.

If one country wants to support democracy in another country that is under dictatorial rule, the only thing to do is to support the freedom fighters who stand for the democratic institutions of that country.

Nobody can imagine from here what is happening today in Iran. Security forces confronted peaceful protesters last week with clubs and tear-gas. The deep rift between the population and the leadership can only be overcome if the regime stops its brutality towards its own people, when all the arrested protesters are released and the families of the dead are compensated.

Q: According the some experts, in countries like Iran, theocracy has strong roots, it is difficult to organize people who go out in the crowds to the streets. Do you believe that is the reason why it is difficult to influence the government with such actions?

A: Yes and no. First of all, the opposition protests in Iran will continue unless the government stops its brutality towards the people and allows a new election to be held. Tensions in Iran will ease only if the government respects the will of the people and does not continue to take violent action against the reformist movement. Secondary, it was bordering on an historic event, not just for Iran, but for the entire Islamic world - because so many people from the protest movement participated in these prayers.

Q: What are you planning after your western tour? Do you have chances to go back to Iran after all those different action you held around the world from New-York to Germany?

A: It is unclear whether Iranian authorities will allow the delegation into the country. But despite all dangers I determined to return to Tehran to my husband, my home and my work.

/Trend News/