Kamangir (Archer)

Story from Iran

Kamangir | January 30, 2006 | Category Iran

Are they looking for sneaky writers who offend their values?

This is not a new story. Actually, nothing is not unlike what you would expect, if you have spent a few years in Iran. The story begins like this. A famous blogger, whose name is not known (see), writes a funny story about how to avoid AIDS (see). That story talks about a virus which entered Iran in 1979 and affected many people. Using controversial words and expressions, the author deliberately exemplifies the Islamic extremism to AIDS and asks the reader to avoid any contact with it. Then, Elham Afrootan, reported to be a computer operator in a local newspaper puts this article in the recent issue and sends it for publication. As it is Iran, the story continues with 20,000 to 30,000 local people demonstrating in the streets and the ultra-right newspaper Kayhan vowing for a sever punishment (see). Regime’s first assumption is that Elham is the author of the story. However, the original author declares his existence (see) but avoids to disclose his identity because of being afraid that his family will be tortured (see). He refers to the rumors that officials have told Elham’s parents that she will be burnt alive. Also, recently, after bus drivers in Tehran arranged a strike, police attacked them with tear gases, reportedly hitting a child with tear gases in face. The sad story develops when the head of judiciary of Hormozgan, the province in which the newspaper is published, talks about “deliberate plan’s to abrupt the celebration for victory of the revolution”. He implicitly rejects any coincidence (see). Then, he goes by using words that I have no translation for them. Things like “sneaky criminals who betray our values”. He finishes with promising to be “impartial” and “reluctant to emotions”.

As always, the slogans are like “Down to Anti Velaiat-e Fighih”.

Kayhan believes there are 20,000 to 30,000 people here (see).