Dear President Obama:
I am writing to express Tati Foundation’s concerns for the post-election protest in Iran. Freedom of speech and human rights have always been our Foundation’s core values. And a fair election is among the favorites that we champion.
As a leader of the world, we believe that the United States has the power, as well as the obligation to humanity, to be concerned over the events in Iran and to act as a sounding board of democracy. Democracy cannot function without assurances for fair elections. Democracy also cannot function properly if the people do not have the right to peaceful protests.
As of June 15th, according to CNN, eight people died in this largest protest since Iran’s 1979 revolution. This same report also indicates that currently media is being censored and journalists are in a crackdown. A former vice president, Mohammad Ali Abtahi, who has the record of backing pro-reform candidates is also arrested.
All of these events concern us at Tati Foundation. Our hearts and minds are with those who were sacrificed in the fight to obtain human rights for Iranians. We hope that this protest will have positive impacts of democratization of Iran.
Sincerely,
Yi-Chang (Leo) Wang
Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation
Note: Letter was written on Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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