Cleric Hassan Khomeini, Grandson of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Criticizes the Iranian Regime's Oppression of Civil Rights

Iranian cleric Hassan Khomeini, a politician affiliated with Rafsanjani's pragmatic camp, leveled harsh criticism against the regime for its oppression of civilian and political rights of the people. Khomeini, who was recently banned by the regime from running in the Assembly of Experts elections, said that it was impossible for the regime to deny the people freedom of speech and of information in the name of religion. The interview aired on Iran's Channel 1 on June 1, 2016.

Following are excerpts

Hassan Khomeini: Religion means that no institution, no group and no person should be allowed to trample the rights of others. Religion means that everybody should be allowed to speak freely. Religion means that there should be no poverty in society. "Poverty leads to unbelief." Religion means that one should be able to talk easily, without fear of anybody else. Religion means that one should be able to live a good and comfortable life.

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In today's world, whenever anybody says something, it is impossible that it will not become public.

Interviewer: Today there are so many communication means.

Hassan Khomeini: Today, you cannot prevent anybody from communicating with someone else by forbidding the publication of his photograph and his statements. [Any attempt to do so] turns us into a laughingstock.

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We learned this from Imam (Khomeini), as well as from his successors. We should bear in mind that throughout the history of the Revolution (...) We cannot impose any thought if the people does not want it.

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