Cherik Pir at the Last Station

Cherik Pir at the last station

Cherik Pir’s resignation has been reflected in recent days on social media and virtual platforms, according to Iran Gate. ILNA was the first news agency to publish the news of Behzad Nabavi’s resignation. Behzad Nabavi, like other politicians, had ups and downs. He had a period before the victory of the revolution and the days of struggle, and a period after the revolution and the era of responsibility. However, his last station of activism was Nabavi.

In response to reporters’ questions about stepping down from the leadership of the Reformist Front, Nabavi said, ‘My two-year term as the head of the Reformist Front has ended, and I don’t have any other positions. Moreover, due to physical problems and my age, I may not continue to collaborate with the Reformist Front.’

What was behind the scenes?

However, some sources consider the radical behaviors of certain left-leaning reformist factions as the main reason for Cherik Pir’s resignation from the leadership of the Reformist Front. Others attribute it to the maximum demands of certain individuals and factions within the Front.

However, no matter which aspects of the issue we analyze, one undeniable fact is the important role of Behzad Nabavi in the events and developments of the history of the revolution. Without underestimating Nabavi’s judgment from the early days of the revolution and the formation of structures and governing institutions, to the arrival of the second of Khordad and the birth of reformism, and the subsequent rise of Hassan Rouhani to power, he has always been influential.

Behzad Nabavi’s Background

In his resume, we can see his experience from being the deputy prime minister under Mohammad-Ali Rajai and Mir-Hossein Mousavi to becoming the deputy speaker of the sixth parliament. However, in the era of reforms, Nabavi has played the role of an effective activist and has consistently emphasized the rule of law and adherence to the constitution for this model of activism.

After the events following the 88 elections, Nabavi, like many of his reformist colleagues, was arrested and faced a heavy sentence of 6 years in prison. However, his most notable and even provocative reaction was related to the events of this year and the protests of the Women’s Freedom Movement that Nabavi declared. Despite unfavorable conditions for continuing political activities, we must still continue the reform movement. As an example, in the case of Mahsa Amini, Nabavi issued a statement on the first day and wrote a letter to the head of the judiciary, but we certainly cannot align ourselves with the street protesters who chant subversive slogans.

His statements, which faced serious criticism on social media, were interpreted by some as disregarding the demands of the youth. However, Behzad Nabavi still emphasized his desired activism within the framework of the constitution and believes that if reformist activism is provided, it should not move towards radical behavior. The resignation of Cheriak Pir, a page in the history of Behzad Nabavi’s political life, will be a new chapter. However, some political analysts believe that this resignation is a reaction to the country’s political atmosphere. Of course, he stated in the 90s and after that he no longer wishes to be called Cheriak Pir.

We do not have political retirement.

Morteza Alviri, a reformist politician and former head of the Supreme Council of Provinces, speaks to the media about Behzad Nabavi’s resignation. He states that he is not aware of the details of Mr. Nabavi’s resignation, but he knows that he has been seeking to step down from his responsibilities in the reformist front for a long time. There have been various reasons for this resignation request, which only Mr. Nabavi himself can explain. However, it is evident to everyone that Behzad Nabavi is a revolutionary figure who is known for his integrity and lack of controversy.

Referring to the fact that Behzad Nabavi’s presence is valued wherever he is, whether in the reformist front or in any other position, Alviri says that as a determined and competent individual, he is needed by the country to overcome future crises.

In response to reporters’ question about the void caused by the absence of experienced political figures, Alviri says that people like Behzad Nabavi never retire from political activities. They are deeply intertwined with the demands of the people and are committed to striving for freedom, justice, and resolving the country’s issues for as long as they live.

I never believe that he would forget his important responsibilities in the field of political activism by resigning from a specific position. He demonstrated that a political activist may feel unable to fulfill their desired role in a particular group or organization. It is natural for this individual to move from one position to another and pursue the demands of the people. I do not see the country’s conditions in a way that figures like Nabavi should stay away from the political activism arena. I believe that both the people and the country need figures like Nabavi. The ground must be prepared to utilize the high capacities of such figures in order to overcome challenges.

Resignation or the end of the presidential term

Ali Bagheri, a member of the Reformist Front, in response to the news of Nabavi’s resignation, said that Mr. Nabavi has not resigned. His two-year term has ended according to the Reformist Front’s regulations, and real members of the Front must be re-elected at the end of their two-year term. He added that this re-election process is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Bagheri continued that the delay in electing the board of directors is due to the selection of 15 actual members of the reformist front. After completing the process of identifying these 15 individuals, a general assembly will be held with the representatives of parties and organizations affiliated with the reformist front to elect the new board of directors. He emphasized once again that Mr. Nabavi has not resigned and it is still unclear whether they will stay or not. We do not have a definite opinion from him on this matter. The clarity of these issues will be revealed in the future.