Hundreds of thousands of Iranians have flooded the streets of Tehran to protest the outcome of the recent election. The election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been subjected to widespread condemnation both in Iran and abroad. Critics have argued that the election process was not transparent, rigged, and a total fraud. On its fifth day of protests, at least seven civilians have been confirmed killed.
Many Iranian Christians voted for reformist and more liberal candidate Mirhossein Mousavi. Mousavi had promised more religious freedom during his election campaign. According to Open Doors, a Christian persecution watchdog, many people are angry and frustrated and have lost trust in the Iranian Government.
The country is plagued by so many problems including high inflation and high unemployment, political demands for citizenship rights, the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, as well as the tensions surrounding Irans nuclear programs. People voted for change and Iranians feel they have been cheated with the result.
Daryush, an Iranian Christian whose name has been changed to protect his identity, said that Muslims and Christians alike, are so disappointed with the whole process and vowed never to participate in an election again because it was a total fraud.
Mousavi has demanded that the Iranian Government annul Ahmadinejads victory and organise a new election. The announcement of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to investigate the election failed to reassure Iranians who voted for reforms in their country.
Rev Dr Moyes has raised his concerns regarding the election results and the death of civilians in recent protests. He said: Our prayers go out to the Iranian people for them to have a democratically elected government that supports and protect their rights. Our prayers also go out to the Christian minority in Iran who suffer from persecution due to their faith.
Thursday, June , 2009, 4:16 pm | Cross-Bench Comment
Rev
the Hon Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC is one of Australia’s most respected Christian
leaders. Ordained as a minister in the Uniting Church in Australia, he
served for 27 years as the Superintendent of Wesley Mission Sydney, Australia’s
largest non-government welfare provider and the world’s largest city-based
church. He is also a prominent evangelist, broadcaster and elected Member
of the New South Wales Legislative Council.
He
became a household name in Australia many years ago when he began as host
of the weekly television program Turn ‘Round Australia and radio program
Sunday Night Live with Gordon Moyes.
Prime
Minister John Howard characterised Dr Moyes as “the epitome of effective
Christian leadership”, when describing the way he had grown Wesley Mission
into one of the most dynamic and socially responsive church-based charities
in the world.
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