Iranian Dissident Due in America as Protests Rise

NY Sun ^ | Elli Lake

[freedom44]

WASHINGTON - A key opponent of the government of Iran will be arriving here this month to urge American support for the idea of holding a popular referendum in Iran on whether the country should remain a theocracy.

The visit from Mohsen Sazegara comes as demonstrations in Iran have cropped up during the country's festival of fire before the Persian new year, featuring some revelers shouting slogans in favor of President Bush.

Mr. Sazegara, who shares this vision for Iran, argues that the best to way realize it is by calling on the regime to allow a free vote to change Iran's constitution to make the country a secular state, no longer controlled by unelected clerics. So far this movement has gained support from diverse corners of Iran's opposition, including monarchists, reformists, and student organizations.

He arrives in Washington as Persians in many cities gathered for Chaharshanbe Souri, the festival of fire where, according to Iran's official news agency, local police had to file into the streets of Tehran and use tear gas to disperse crowds. The activities, spurred by the Zoroastrian tradition, have in recent years been intertwined with protests for a regime that has discouraged and in some years made it illegal to celebrate traditional Persian holidays.

Mr. Sazegara said he had no problem with any Iranians demonstrating against the government in Tehran. "I think as long as everyone agrees we need to change the structure of the regime, and that means a new regime, as long as they agree with this idea, there is nothing more to say."