Seyed Mohammad Khatami, following the condemnation of the Shiraz terrorist incident, states that governments must adhere to good governance principles.
Following the terrorist incident at Shah Cheragh in Shiraz, Seyed Mohammad Khatami, in a message, condemned violence in all forms and expressed sympathy with the survivors of violence victims in Shiraz, Tehran, Zahedan, Mazandaran, Kurdistan, and throughout the nation.
The full text of this message is as follows:
In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. The terrorist incident in Shiraz, which resulted in the death of several dear compatriots and injury to many more, showed how ruthless and disastrous violence can be. While condemning this vile and painful act, I pray to the Almighty for divine mercy for the dear deceased and recovery for the injured. What is happening in our society, which can trace its roots back long ago and moves towards freedom and life, is noteworthy. However, it is deeply regrettable that the emergence of violence, from any side, distresses hearts. Living is the first right of every human being, and the goal and mission of systems and governments should be to facilitate the living of people.
The criterion for evaluating a system and a government is how much it provides for the well-being of the people. The demand for a good, safe, and just life from the people is a natural demand, and if they see that the conditions for this life are not met, they have the right to criticize and even protest. But in all cases, criticism and protest should also focus on rejecting violence and should not become tainted with violence themselves, especially when the enemies of Iran and Iranians outside the country’s borders harbor vain hopes by using inhumane tools like sanctions or inciting violence to exploit the pure blood of the country’s youth.
While offering condolences and expressing sympathy with all those who have lost their loved ones in the recent terrorist incident in Shiraz and prior ones from Tehran to Zahedan, Mazandaran, Kurdistan, and throughout the country, I emphasize that violence cannot be answered with violence, although perpetrators of violence must be confronted.
To improve the situation and create a safe, healthy, and prosperous living environment for all, especially governments must adhere to good governance principles and, while listening to criticism and protest—even if unjust—create conditions for the material and spiritual satisfaction of the people. I, for my part, have shown in open and hidden ways the paths that lead to this blessed matter, ensuring security, freedom, development, and progress, to the best of my limited understanding and ability. I hope that ears will be attentive and hearts receptive.