700 Iranian Activists Back Mousavi’s Call for Referendum

Seven hundred Iranian activists have signed a statement supporting Mir Hossein Mousavi’s call for political change and demanding a referendum on a new constitution.

The statement supports Mousavi’s plan for a “fundamental revision of the country’s political structure” and calls for a “free referendum to form a constituent assembly and draft a new constitution based on democracy, national sovereignty, and human rights.”

The signatories said Mousavi’s emphasis on the people’s right to self-determination would save Iran from “repeating deadly historical mistakes.”

The activists demanded the immediate release of Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard from house arrest, the unconditional release of all political prisoners, and an end to media censorship.

The statement said all Iranians, regardless of political beliefs, should participate in forming a new government.

“Nothing is more necessary and moral than returning power to the people,” the statement said.

Mousavi, leader of Iran’s Green Movement, called for a constitutional referendum last week and said the current system does not represent all Iranians.

In a message issued from house arrest, Mousavi said, “The bitter situation that befell the country was the result of a series of major mistakes.”

The Green Movement leader said the war showed that “respect for the right of all citizens to determine their destiny” is the only guarantee for the country’s salvation.

He said, “Holding a referendum to establish a constitutional assembly will pave the way for realizing people’s right to self-determination and will discourage enemies of this land from interfering in the country’s affairs.”

Mousavi added, “The current structure of the system does not represent all Iranians. People want to see a revision of those errors.”

Mousavi also called for the release of political prisoners and “clear changes in national media approaches” in the message.

Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard, have been under house arrest since 2009, following protests against the presidential election results and public demonstrations.