Freedom Lovers Confronted Criminal Netanyahu - AIPAC May 2011 - English
Video available upon request: email press [dot] moa [at] gmail [dot] com
The speech of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the...
Video available upon request: email press [dot] moa [at] gmail [dot] com
The speech of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) was interrupted repeatedly by protesters opposed to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. The activists are from the Move Over AIPAC coalition led by CODEPINK: Women for Peace.
The protesters, 5 in all, rose one by one, unfurled banners, and chanted slogans. In response to Netanyahu’s claim that returning to the 1967 borders would be “indefensible,” activists called out that various aspects of Israel’s policy are indefensible. They were escorted out by security, but not before they made a highly visible protest against the theft of Palestinian land, the siege of Gaza, denial of the rights of Palestinian refugees, silencing dissent, and destruction of homes and schools.
“Growing up as the son of Holocaust survivor, I learned that it is everyone’s job to stand up for others when they are persecuted, and I learned what happens when we don’t defend humanity. Now, it is my job to stand up in support of Palestinians, saying, ‘bombing schools is indefensible, bulldozing homes is indefensible, ’” said Jewish American protester Rick Colbath-Hess, 53 from Cambridge, Massachusetts.
“As a young Jewish person it is important for me to stand up today and tell Netanyahu and AIPAC that their voices do not represent me,” said Ariel Vegosen, 30, from Valley Stream, New York, “I will not allow my faith to be misused as a weapon, covering up the theft of Palestinians’ homes and livelihoods. Judaism teaches me to stand up when I see oppression— discrimination is not a Jewish value and does not make Israel safer. Occupying Palestinian land is indefensible.”
Bruce Taub, 71, from Massachusetts and associated with American Jews for a Just Peace, was another protester. “As a Jewish man, I come from a people who have been scattered about the world without losing their identity. I will not sit by and allow Palestinian refugees to be denied their rights and peoplehood in a country that would allow me to become a citizen even though I have no ties there. Displacing refugees is indefensible.” said Taub, 71.
Chelsea Byers, 21 year old college student from Arizona who is an intern with CODEPINK, said “I am protesting AIPAC and Netanyahu because I am disappointed and enraged that the US supports human rights violations by Israel. This includes killing, injuring, and locking up nonviolent protesters fighting for the same human rights I am. I am appalled that $3 billion US tax dollars goes to fund the perpetuation of violence instead of building a more sustainable future. Silencing dissent is indefensible.”
“In a mere three weeks, Israel killed 1400 Gazans, and since the siege on Gaza began , thousands have died from being denied access to health-care, drinkable water, bodily security and humanity,” stated Sasha Gelzin of Washington D.C. “Since Palestinians can’t confront Netanyahu and remind him of their daily condition, we are doing that tonight. Starving Gaza is indefensible; dropping white phosphorous bombs is indefensible. ”
This action is part of a week-long set of actions protesting the pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC and its unconditional support for Israel. Tomorrow, activists will be in the halls of Congress during PM Netanyahu’s speech. To read more about Move Over AIPAC events, visit the website at www.MoveOverAIPAC.org.
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17th Dec 08 White House Shoe Protest - Muntazi Zaidi - Funny Clips -...
Anti war protestors demonstrated in front of the White House and brought more than just signs they brought shoes
WASHINGTON, Dec 17: About 100...
Anti war protestors demonstrated in front of the White House and brought more than just signs they brought shoes
WASHINGTON, Dec 17: About 100 people gathered outside the White House on Wednesday to protest for the release of the Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at President George W. Bush over the weekend.
Muntazer al-Zaidi, who works for the Al Baghdadia Television, has been in custody since disrupting President Bush’s weekend press conference with the size-10 projectiles. If convicted, Mr Zaidi may be jailed for up to seven years.
The protesters brought a giant head of President Bush, threw shoes at it and covered it with shoes before ending their protest.
They also brought bags of shoes representing Iraqis and US soldiers who have died since the Bush Administration’s “illegal invasion” of Iraq.
The peace activists urged the Iraqi government to release Mr Zaidi without charges and have set up a fund to support him and his family.
At the White House, Press Secretary Dana Perino said the president had “no hard feelings” about the Iraqi journalist who flung shoes at him.
Asked if Mr Zaidi should be forgiven, Ms Perino said Mr Bush trusted Iraq’s legal system to decide an appropriate punishment for the assault.
The protesters outside the White House also displayed names of thousands of Iraqis killed in the war. The display contained their names, ages, places where they were killed and how they were killed.
“These are real people,” said Gael Murphy, one of the cofounders of the Code Pink which along with three of the groups had participated in the protest. “They were killed because of the US invasion.”Later, representatives for Code Pink, Women for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Veterans for Peace told a news conference that they had come to White House to remind the Bush administration and the American people that “Mr Bush is directly responsible for the deaths of 1.5 million Iraqis and 4,200 US troops”.
They noted that the war also displaced more than five million Iraqis.
“Bush is the real criminal, not al-Zaidi,” said one of them. “Al-Zaidi speaks for millions of people across the world.”
“Arrest Bush, not Zaidi,” chanted the protesters as they marched outside the White House. “Bush is a war criminal,” shouted the protesters as they spanked a giant picture of the US president with shoes.
The speakers who addressed the news conference noted that Mr Zaidi had become something of a folk-hero in the Arab world, and his shoe-throwing had become a symbol of dissatisfaction with ‘Bush’s bungled war in Iraq’
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17th Dec08-Veterans Shoe Protest Over Iraq War at White House- English
On Wednesday December 17 2008 activists staged a Shoe In demonstration in front of the White House. The rally was in solidarity with Iraqi...
On Wednesday December 17 2008 activists staged a Shoe In demonstration in front of the White House. The rally was in solidarity with Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al Zaidi.
WASHINGTON, Dec 17: About 100 people gathered outside the White House on Wednesday to protest for the release of the Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at President George W. Bush over the weekend.
Muntazer al-Zaidi, who works for the Al Baghdadia Television, has been in custody since disrupting President Bush’s weekend press conference with the size-10 projectiles. If convicted, Mr Zaidi may be jailed for up to seven years.
The protesters brought a giant head of President Bush, threw shoes at it and covered it with shoes before ending their protest.
They also brought bags of shoes representing Iraqis and US soldiers who have died since the Bush Administration’s “illegal invasion” of Iraq.
The peace activists urged the Iraqi government to release Mr Zaidi without charges and have set up a fund to support him and his family.
At the White House, Press Secretary Dana Perino said the president had “no hard feelings” about the Iraqi journalist who flung shoes at him.
Asked if Mr Zaidi should be forgiven, Ms Perino said Mr Bush trusted Iraq’s legal system to decide an appropriate punishment for the assault.
The protesters outside the White House also displayed names of thousands of Iraqis killed in the war. The display contained their names, ages, places where they were killed and how they were killed.
“These are real people,” said Gael Murphy, one of the cofounders of the Code Pink which along with three of the groups had participated in the protest. “They were killed because of the US invasion.”Later, representatives for Code Pink, Women for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Veterans for Peace told a news conference that they had come to White House to remind the Bush administration and the American people that “Mr Bush is directly responsible for the deaths of 1.5 million Iraqis and 4,200 US troops”.
They noted that the war also displaced more than five million Iraqis.
“Bush is the real criminal, not al-Zaidi,” said one of them. “Al-Zaidi speaks for millions of people across the world.”
“Arrest Bush, not Zaidi,” chanted the protesters as they marched outside the White House. “Bush is a war criminal,” shouted the protesters as they spanked a giant picture of the US president with shoes.
The speakers who addressed the news conference noted that Mr Zaidi had become something of a folk-hero in the Arab world, and his shoe-throwing had become a symbol of dissatisfaction with ‘Bush’s bungled war in Iraq’
4m:52s
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8th Dec 08 - Protest against USA and Israel in Arafat - All languages
مشرکین کی بیزاری کا اعلان؛ سرزمین وحی پر حجاج کا اجتماع
Disavowal of Pagans ceremony started in the...
مشرکین کی بیزاری کا اعلان؛ سرزمین وحی پر حجاج کا اجتماع
Disavowal of Pagans ceremony started in the sacred Arafat Desert on Sunday in Saudi Arabia with a huge crowd of Hajj pilgrims, mainly Iranians in attendance. They chanted slogans including "God is beyond description," "There is no god but Allah," "Muhammad is the messenger of Allah," "America is the enemy of Allah," "Israel is the enemy of Allah," and "O, Muslims. Let's get united."
سرزمین عرفات پر آج اس وقت حجاج کرام کے اللہ اکبر امریکہ مردہ باد اسرائیل مردہ باد کے نعرے گونج اٹھے جب حجاج کرام نے سنت ابراہیمی کے مطابق برائت از مشرکین کا روح پرور اجتماع منعقد کیا ۔اس موقع پر ایرانی حج مشن کے سربراہ حجۃ الاسلام و المسلمین محمدی ری شہری نے رہبر انقلاب اسلامی کا پیغام بڑھ کر سنایا ۔ برائت از مشرکین کے اس روح پرور اجتماع میں اسلامی جمہوریۂ ایران کے حجاج کرام کے علاوہ ہندوستان ، پاکستان ، افغانستان ، عراق ، لبنان ، فلسطین سمیت دنیا کے سبھی ملکوں کے حجاج اور نمائندہ وفود نے شرکت کی اور عالم اسلام کی یکجہتی کا مظاہرہ کرتے ہوئے امریکہ اور خصوصا" قدس کی غاصب صیہونی حکومت سے اپنے نفرت و بیزاری کا اظہار کیا ۔حجاج کرام نے عراق ، لبنان ، فلسطین اور دنیا کے دیگر مسلمانوں کے ساتھ اپنی یکجہتی کا اظہار کیا اور رہبر انقلاب اسلامی کے حج پیغام کے تائید میں اللہ اکبر کے نعرے لگائے۔
رہبر انقلاب اسلامی حضرت آیت اللہ العظمی سید علی خامنہ ای نے حجاج کرام کے نام اپنے پیغام میں اسلامی امۃ کے روش اور امید افزا مستقبل نیز مسلمانوں کے مقابل امریکہ اور صہونیت کی شکست پرتاکید فرمائي ہے ۔رہبر انقلاب اسلامی نے اپنے پیغام حج میں میدان عرفات میں مشرکین سے اظہار بیزاری کئے جانے کی ضرورت پرزوردیتےہوئے فرمایاہےکہ اسلامی امۃ خدا کے سچے وعدوں پریقین رکھتے ہوئے ایمان اخلاص، امید وجہاد اور صبر بصیرت کےساتھ دشوار منزلوں کو سرکرلے گي۔ولی امر مسلمین حضرت آيت اللہ العظمی خامنہ ای نے فرمایاکہ اسلامی جمہوریہ ایران اسلامی تہذیب وتمدن کی حکمرانی کا مستحکم مرکزاورمغرب کے سیاسی اور اقتصادی مکاتب فکر کی کمزوری اور اضمحلال کا سبب بن چکا ہے۔ آپ نے فرمایا فلسطین کی تحریک انتفاضہ، صیہونی حکومت کے خلاف حزب اللہ کی تاريخي کامیابی نیز عراق میں عوامی اور اسلامی حکومت کی تشکیل، مشرق وسطی پر تسلط جمانے کی امریکہ کی سامراجی سازشوں کی ناکامی، صیہونی حکومت کے ناقابل علاج اندرونی مسائل، ایران کے خلاف ہمہ گیر پابندیوں اور اقتصادی محاصرے کےباوجود سائينسی اور ٹکنالوجیکل ترقی یہ سب کی سب دشمنوں کے مقابلے اس صدی میں اسلام کی کامیابیوں کی نشانیاں ہیں۔رہبر انقلاب اسلامی نے فرمایاکہ زخم خوردہ دشمن اپنی تمام تر توانائيوں کے ساتھ میدان میں اترآيا ہے ۔آپ نے مسلم امۃ کو انتباہ دیا کہ خدا کے سچے وعدوں سے مایوس نہ ہوں اورنہ ان کے تعلق سے منفی خیالات بد گمانی اور عدم التفات کا شکارنہ ہوں ۔آپ نے تاکید فرمائي کہ مسلم امۃ کےایمان واخلاص،امید وجہاد بصیرت وہوشیاری اور دانشمندی سے دشمن کی سازشیں ناکام ہوجائيں گي ۔آپ نے اپنے پیغام حج میں فرمایا ہے کہ غزہ پٹی میں دشمن کے بے رحمانہ اقدامات اور درندگي کہ جس کی مثال تاریخی بشریت میں بہت کم ملتی ہے ان عورتوں مردوں جوانوں اور بچوں کے مستحکم ارادے پر فائق آنے اور کچلنے کی سعی رائيگان اور کی علامت ہے جو غاصب اور اس کے حامی یعنی سپرپاور امریکہ کے مقابل ڈٹے ہوئے ہیں اور انہوں نے صیہونی حکومت اور امریکہ کے مطالبے کو جوکہ حماس کی حکومت سے روگردانی کرنا ہے نظرانداز کردیاہے ۔رہبر انقلاب اسلامی حضرت آيت اللہ العظمی خامنہ ای نے پیغام حج میں فرمایا ہےکہ فلسطین کی مظلوم اور صابر قوم سرانجام دشمن پرکامیاب ہوکررہے گي اور آج بھی ہم شاہد ہیں کہ امریکہ اور یورپ کی اکثر حکومتیں فلسطینیوں کی مزاحمت کو توڑنے میں ناکام ہیں اور حریت پسندی جمہوریت نیز انسانی حقوق کے جھوٹے دعوےکرنے والی ان حکومتوں کوسیاسی میدان میں بھی سخت شکست ہوئي ہےاور اس شکست کی اتنی جلدی تلافی نہ ہوسکے گي ۔
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[01 Dec 2013] Thousands rally in Lahore against deadly US drone attacks...
In Pakistan\'s eastern city of Lahore, thousands have staged a protest against the US drone strikes in the country. Some five-thousand people...
In Pakistan\'s eastern city of Lahore, thousands have staged a protest against the US drone strikes in the country. Some five-thousand people attended the rally organized by a coalition of around 40 religious and political parties also known as Defense of Pakistan Council. They chanted anti-US slogans and called for an immediate end to the drone strikes. The protesters also called for blocking NATO supplies for Afghanistan which goes through Pakistan. The U-S drones strikes are highly unpopular in Pakistan. Activists say the US drone operations have killed thousands of civilians and injured many more. Washington claims its drone strikes mainly target militants.
3m:5s
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[02 August 13] Yemenis Mark Al-Quds Day - English
Tens of thousands of Yemenis have rallied in the capital Sana\'a\'s Liberation Square to mark this year\'s International Quds Day. They chanted...
Tens of thousands of Yemenis have rallied in the capital Sana\'a\'s Liberation Square to mark this year\'s International Quds Day. They chanted down with Israel, denouncing the occupation of Palestine.
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[05 Jan 2014] Egyptians protest against military coup after Muslim...
Tension is still running high in Egypt. More demonstrations have been held in the cities of Giza and Alexandria.
Protesters in the two cities...
Tension is still running high in Egypt. More demonstrations have been held in the cities of Giza and Alexandria.
Protesters in the two cities chanted slogans denouncing last year\'s military coup. In Alexandria, an angry crowd torched a vehicle after police targeted them. Some of the protesters also gathered at the journalists\' union and burned copies of government newspapers in a show of discontent over the curbs on freedom of expression. Muslim Brotherhood supporters have been staging almost daily protests to demand the reinstatement of ousted president Mohamed Morsi. Friday\'s demonstrations turned violent after security forces clashed with protesters in major cities. At least 17 protesters were killed and dozens injured. Meanwhile, the army-installed government pledged to confront the Muslim Brotherhood with full force after the group called for a million-man march on Wednesday.
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[05 Sep 13] Speech in Meeting with Members of Assembly of Experts -...
The following is the full text of the speech delivered on September 5, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in...
The following is the full text of the speech delivered on September 5, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with the chairman and members of the Assembly of Experts.The meeting was held on the occasion of the 14th Congress of the Assembly of Experts which was held on the 12th and 13th of Shahrivar.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I would like to welcome the honorable gentlemen and the ulama and seminary scholars who are outstanding personalities from throughout the country and who have thankfully gathered in this meeting. Although the responsibilities of the Assembly of Experts have been defined in the Constitution, the arrangement of this meeting has resulted in the generation of different discussions about different arenas of the country and the expression of different opinions by the gentlemen.
Well, executive officials are also present in this meeting. Fortunately, the esteemed President and a number of other honorable officials are also members of this assembly and this has boosted the hope that the opinions of the gentlemen in this meeting will receive more attention. I hope that this will be done and we too will help, within the scope of our capabilities and responsibilities, for the gentlemen to achieve the stated matters.
I deem it necessary to point out that your participation in the funeral procession of the [unknown war] martyrs - which was held in the beginning of this congress - was very valuable and constructive. When the people see that honorable and great personalities, such as the esteemed chairman of the Assembly of Experts and other personalities, pay their respects to the bodies and graves of martyrs - whom they do not know - and participate in their funeral procession because of the fact that they are the martyrs of the path of the Revolution and the path of righteousness, this will be a lesson for our society. And I will say that our country and our society will be in need of keeping the memory of the martyrs alive and preserving their path for a very long time.
The point that I would like to make is that on different levels of decision- making for the Islamic Republic, it is our responsibility to adopt a comprehensive outlook towards the issues of the country. It is obvious that different events - on regional, international and domestic levels - occur which are beyond our power to prevent. The Islamic Republic, the officials, the people and those who protect the foundations of the Islamic Republic have certain responsibilities. These responsibilities cannot be defined on the basis of the events which occur. That is to say, when something happens, we cannot make a certain move and adopt a certain position in an inactive way. This should not be done. This means that the Islamic Republic is being dragged into different events. It is necessary to preserve our comprehensive outlook towards the issues of the country and we should adopt positions and identify events with this comprehensive outlook. Thankfully, this comprehensive outlook has dominated the country until today. It is not the case that officials have ignored this issue since the beginning of the Revolution until today.
The Islamic Republic was formed amid a whirlwind of events. This has been repeatedly mentioned, but we should not forget that the heart of this statement is the preservation of God\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s religion in people\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s lives, in society and in our country. The heart of this statement is the formation of our social lives on the basis of sharia, the divine religion and the divine values and rules. The formation of such a government in a world which was quickly moving towards materialism was like a miracle and this miracle happened.
When the Islamic Republic was formed, there was an opposition to the issue of reliance on Islam. We should not say that their opposition and enmity was because of our independence or because our policy of fighting against global arrogance. Of course, this is true and this is one reason for their enmity, but fighting against global arrogance grew out of the heart of Islam. Our democracy grew out of the heart of Islam as well. It has been said many times that when we speak about religious democracy, this does not mean an unusual combination between democracy and religion. This is not the case. Our democracy has originated from religion and Islam has shown us this path. We managed to form the Islamic Republic with the guidance of Islam. By Allah\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s favor, it will be the same in the future. As a result of this belief in Islam, the enemies have focused their attention on Islam. If they can take Islam away from the Islamic Republic, the products of Islam will naturally be destroyed and undermined. Issues should be analyzed by adopting this outlook.
There are certain deployments in the world and we are always one side of things in many of these deployments. We should see who and what our opposing side is. We should see why it shows hostility towards us and why we put up a resistance against it. We should take a look at these things with a comprehensive outlook. Allah the Exalted says, \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Is then one who walks headlong, with his face groveling, better guided- or one who walks evenly on a straight path?\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [The Holy Quran, 67: 22] The meaning of \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"walks evenly on a straight path\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" is that we should see - with open eyes, with wisdom and foresight and by considering all aspects - what the goal is, how we should achieve it and what the existing realities are. We should make a decision and move forward by paying attention to these things.
Today, you can see that different events are happening in our region. For several years up until today, global arrogance has chosen West Asia as a place where it can launch its attacks. But despite the presence of arrogant powers in the region and despite their activities, Islamic Awakening has emerged. And I will tell you that Islamic Awakening has not come to an end. It is not the case that we can think Islamic Awakening has been destroyed by the events which have taken place in a number of countries. Islamic Awakening is not like a mere political event or a coup d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'état. It is not like a process in which power is transferred from one individual to another.
Islamic Awakening means the emergence of a kind of awareness and self-confidence which is based on Islam. Under certain circumstances, this Islamic Awakening created certain events in North Africa, Egypt, Tunisia and, before these countries, in Sudan. In other countries too, there is an enormous potential for such events.
We should not think that Islamic Awakening has been destroyed. Islamic Awakening is a reality which is hidden beneath the outer layers of Islamic societies. This is why the people in any country which claims to be oriented towards Islam vote for an Islamic government. This is a sign of people\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s orientation towards and attention to Islam. Therefore, Islamic Awakening is a very great event and despite the efforts of global arrogance, this event has taken place. It was not what global arrogance wanted. Therefore, it is natural for the opposing side to react to it. Today, we are witnessing the reactions of the camp of the enemies. These reactions and responses can be seen in East Asia - that is to say, in Pakistan and Afghanistan - and the farthest corners of West Asia such as Syria and Lebanon.
Arrogant powers - the government of the United States of America being the outstanding power among these arrogant powers - have defined certain interests for themselves based on their colonial outlook. This outlook is the same as the colonial outlook which they adopted in the 19th century, but it has a different form. And they are trying to solve all the regional issues by promoting the interests which they have defined for themselves. They are doing the same thing in Syria and Bahrain. The presence of global arrogance in the region is one which is based on transgression, oppression and greed and which wants to destroy every resistance which is put up against arrogant powers. Of course, thankfully, they have not managed and will not manage to do this.
This region has enormous wealth and it has a very important geographical and natural location. Therefore, it is natural for them to pay attention to this region. If one takes a look at what they say and what they have already done, he will see that their goal is to possess and establish their domination over the region by making the Zionist regime play a pivotal role. They are after achieving this goal. As you can see, on the issue of the latest events in Syria, the excuse which they have recently made for their interference is the use of chemical weapons in this country. Of course, with sophistry and clever use of reasons, they are trying to pretend that they want to interfere on humanitarian grounds. Who in the world does not know that this is a false claim?
Undoubtedly, what is not important at all for American politicians is humanitarian needs. These are the people who kept, for many years, thousands of prisoners in Guantanamo prisons and, before that, in Abu Ghraib in Iraq while there were not any trials for these prisoners. They were imprisoned just because of certain allegations. A number of them are still in prison. Well, is this humanitarian? These are the people who saw the heavy bombardment [with chemical weapons] of the region - whether what happened in Iraq\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s Halabja or what happened in our cities such as Sardasht and other cities - which was conducted by Saddam, but who did not at all react. Not only did they not react, but they also helped Saddam.
Given that the Americans did not help Saddam by giving him chemical weapons - of course, westerners gave him chemical weapons and there is no doubt about this because we have the information which is related to this issue - they at least saw what happened. They became aware of this, but they did not express any opposition. This is the way they show their humanitarian support.
In Afghanistan and Pakistan, they fire a volley of bullets at wedding caravans and kill many people. In Iraq, they killed hundreds of thousands of people with oppressive measures. Today too, their agents are still doing the same things, but they behave in an indifferent way. No one in the world believes that the Americans care about humanitarian issues. Of course, they use sophistry and give clever reasons, but they say such things to justify their own moves. We believe that they are doing is a mistake. On this issue, they will receive a serious blow and they will feel it. They will definitely suffer a loss in this regard and there is no doubt about this. Well, this is the condition of the region.
The Islamic Republic was formed amid a whirlwind of events. At that time, it stood up against different hostile groups for many years. Not only was the Islamic Republic and its slogans not weakened and undermined, but it also became stronger, in the real sense of the word, on a daily basis. Today, the Islamic Republic is completely different - in terms of power, influence and domestic capabilities - from the Islamic Republic which existed 25, 30 years ago and today, its slogans are firm. Therefore, it should know what it wants to do by taking a look at its miraculous background and paying attention to the plots of the enemy in the region. Our responsibility, the responsibility of all the officials of the country and the responsibility of the Islamic Republic\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s government is to pay attention to three great criteria for all decisions and actions:
The first criterion is the ideals and goals of the Islamic Republic. These ideals and goals should never be ignored. We can refer to one of the most important ideals of the Islamic Republic in a short phrase: ‘Creating an Islamic civilization\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'. Islamic civilization means an environment in which we can achieve growth in spiritual and material areas and in which we can attain the ultimate goal for which Allah the Exalted has created us. It means living a good and dignified life. Islamic civilization means building a dignified, powerful, confident and innovative individual who can improve the natural world. This is the goal and ideal of the Islamic Republic.
The second criterion is the methods and guidelines which help us achieve these goals. These are general guidelines and they should be identified. These guidelines are relying on Islam and taking care not to become the oppressor or the oppressed in different interactions. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Be an enemy of tyrants and oppressors and be a friend and helper of those who are oppressed and tyrannized.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [Nahjul Balaghah, Letter 47] This is a responsibility. This is a general guideline. Reliance on the votes of the people and reliance on what helps us establish democracy and other such things constitute the main policies and the major guidelines of the Islamic Republic for achieving ideals. Other guidelines are communal work, communal effort, communal innovation, national unity and other such things.
And the third criterion is taking realities into consideration. We should see realities. In a meeting which was held in the auspicious month of Ramadan, I said to officials of the Islamic Republic that what we need is a kind of idealism which takes realities into consideration. We should gain a proper understanding of realities. We should take a look at realities and see what our weak and strong points are and we should know what prevents us from moving forward. We should gain a proper understanding of realities. In that meeting, I referred to a number of sweet realities which exist in our country. We should not always take a look at our weak points and shortcomings.
The emergence of outstanding ideas and thoughts, the existence of active and innovative elements, the promotion of religious teachings and spiritual concepts among many youth, the preservation of religious and Islamic slogans, and the increasing influence of the Islamic Republic in the region and in the entire world constitute a number of the existing realities. These realities should be seen. Of course, besides these sweet realities, there are a number of bitter realities. This is similar to our [personal] lives which is a combination of sweetness and bitterness. By relying on and strengthening sweet realities, we should try to decrease bitter realities or make them fade away.
These three elements should receive attention. Ideals and the guidelines which are necessary to achieve these ideals should not be ignored. Of course, realities should be taken into consideration as well. If we do not take realities into consideration, we will not tread our path in the right way. However, realities should not prevent us from treading our path. If the existence of a rock makes us turn back from our path, we have made a mistake. Also, if the existence of this rock is ignored and if we tread the path in a careless way, we have made another mistake. But if we take a look and see what ways we can find around this rock or how we can take the rock away from our path, make a hole in it or find an alternative path, then we have adopted the right outlook on realities.
This is what our magnanimous Imam did in the first chapter of the Revolution - that is to say during the first 10 years of the Revolution which were very fateful and sensitive years. Our magnanimous Imam did not close his eyes to realities, but he did not back down and did not forget about the guidelines either. You should take a look at Imam\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s life and slogans. Our magnanimous Imam was a person who was not afraid of anyone on the issue of the Zionist regime. The idea that the Zionist regime is a cancer and should be destroyed was expressed by Imam. He was not afraid of anyone on the issue of the evil, arrogant and meddling moves of America. It was Imam who said, \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"America is the Great Satan.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" It was Imam who said, \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"The attack of Muslim youth and Muslim students on the U.S. embassy and taking their documents and tools - which were used for spying - is like conducting a second revolution and is perhaps better and more important than the first revolution\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\". These are the methods of Imam. One the issue of the war, he said, \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"We fight until we end the fitna.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" This is what Imam said. Other people used to say, \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"We should continue fighting until we can achieve victory.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" But Imam said that \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"We fight until we end the fitna.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" It was such resistance which strengthened the foundations of the Islamic Republic.
You can see what happened to those people who did not know this path, who acted in a different way in their own countries and who compromised their principles and forgot about their main slogans in order to please arrogant powers. If the slogan of fighting against Israel had been advocated in Egypt and if they had not accepted the false promises of America and its agents, the situation would definitely not have been like this. Today, the dictator of the Egyptian people, who destroyed their dignity for 30 years, has been released from prison and those who had been elected with the votes of the people may be sentenced to death.
If they had not done these things, such a situation would never have been brought about. If the elected officials had adopted proper positions, those who gathered around Tahrir Square and chanted slogans against the elected officials- half or more than half of them would have started to support these elected officials. That is to say, they were not the kind of people to confront and oppose the elected government, but when one stops adopting correct and appropriate positions, such things happen. These are things which should receive attention.
What we feel we should do to solve problems is that we should strengthen the Islamic Republic from inside the country. It is not only in this era that problems exist. Problems have always existed. Problems exist in all countries. If anyone thinks that there are no problems in such and such an advanced country, or in such and such a wealthy European or western country which is densely or sparsely populated, then they are wrong. Problems exist everywhere. Naturally, each nation faces certain problems when it wants to do something. The officials in such a country should solve the problems and move forward.
Now, some people may want to solve problems by asking for help, by relying on others, by bribing other people and by suffering humiliation. And a number of people may want to solve problems with their own power and with the capabilities which exist in their own country. We believe that we should strengthen the Islamic Republic from inside the country. This is the essence of our work. We should strengthen ourselves from the inside. It is possible to strengthen ourselves from inside the country by thinking rationally and adopting a wise outlook. It can be done by making scientific progress and by building economic infrastructures and managing economic issues in the right way. In my opinion, these are things which are possible.
Today, you can see that when they exert pressures on our oil industry, we will face certain problems. What is the reason for this? This is because since the war ended until today, we have not managed to reduce our dependence on oil. If we had reduced our dependence on oil, such pressures would not have brought about this situation. Therefore, we should take a look at ourselves and we should want to solve problems with our willpower.
Thankfully, there is a new administration in our country today. One of the advantages of the current condition is that a fresh administration has entered the arena. With new ideas and thoughts, with new innovations and with a competent group of people, it wants to carry out its responsibilities and move things forward. It wants to move towards the goals which it has highlighted. The honorable President is a cleric who is active and experienced in different revolutionary arenas. This is also one of the advantages which we enjoy today.
Naturally, all of us should help the administration. I think it is my responsibility to help. As we helped and supported all administrations, we will definitely help and support this administration as well. And officials will do this too. Of course, my support for different administrations does not mean that I agree with all the things that they do. In different eras, there were different administrations. We both supported and criticized all these administrations. But, such criticisms should not make us think that the administration is an outsider and it should not make us withdraw the support that we should provide to all administrations. It is necessary to provide such support and help. It is also necessary to pray for all administrations and offer our advice to them. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Advice is necessary for all believers\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [speaking in Arabic].
A friendly piece of advice may sometimes be offered in a harsh and severe way. I believe that if the officials who receive such a harsh and severe piece of advice think carefully, they will be happy to have received such advice. Even this harsh and severe piece of advice is to their advantage.
Anyway, when I take a look at the current conditions in the country, I see that the future is very promising despite the problems which were referred to by the friends in this meeting - of course, they did not refer to many of the existing problems. I see that we have a clear path ahead of us and we have clear and definite ideals. We know what we want to do. Also, the path to achieving these ideals is clear and well-defined and there is no ambiguity and confusion in our guidelines and it is clear what should be done.
During the recent years, it has become clear where alignments - on a regional and international level - lie. Of course, flexibility and clever maneuvers in all political arenas are good and acceptable, but such maneuvers should not make us cross certain red lines, stop pursuing the main guidelines and ignore ideals. These things should be observed. Of course, each administration and each individual uses specific methods and implements specific ideas and they move things forward with these ideas. I am completely optimistic and I believe that all the existing problems - including economic, political and security problems and cultural problems which are deeper and more important than economic problems although a number of economic problems have a higher priority - can be solved and the path to achieving this goal can be taken. I ask Allah the Exalted to help us do this.
There is a certain point that I have written down to discuss. You should pay attention to the fact that one of the main methods used by the enemies of Islam, particularly the enemies of the Islamic Republic in the region, is to create sectarian and denominational discord between Shia and Sunni Muslims. You should pay attention to this issue. There are two groups of people who have turned into the agents and mercenaries of the enemy. The first group is made up of a number of Sunni Muslims and the second group is made of a number of Shia Muslims. The first group engages in takfirism and has deviated from the essence of religion and the second group is made up of people who work for the enemy. In the name of Shia, these people provoke the feelings of other Muslims, justify their enmity and fuel the fire of fitna.
Each group, each institution and each government which is deceived by this great plot, which involves itself in this issue and which makes a mistake in this regard will certainly harm the Islamic movement and the Islamic government. Our country in particular will be harmed if this happens. I insist that outstanding ulama - whether Shia or Sunni ulama and whether those who live in Iran or those who live in other countries - should pay attention to the fact that differences between Islamic denominations should not make us create a new camp against ourselves. Such differences should not make us ignore the main enemy which is the enemy of the essence of Islam and the enemy of the independence and welfare of the people of the region.
I hope that Allah the Exalted will help all of us and I hope that all of you and us benefit from the blessings and prayers of the Imam of the Age (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake).
Greetings be upon you and Allah\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s mercy and blessings
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[08 Feb 2014] Thousands in Jordan protest against US-backed - English
Thousands of people have staged a rally in the streets of the Jordanian capital Amman to protest against a planned visit by the US Secretary of...
Thousands of people have staged a rally in the streets of the Jordanian capital Amman to protest against a planned visit by the US Secretary of State. The protesters also expressed anger at the so-called peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The protesters came from Arab nationalist groups and Jordanian tribes. They chanted anti-US slogans and called on Palestinian groups to reject the so-called peace process. They demanded Jordan\'s king Abdullah to annul the 1994 peace treaty between Israel and Jordan. The protest comes as the US Secretary of State has been trying to push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Acting Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas to accept a deal over occupied territories.
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[11 Feb 2014] The Debate - Iran Anniversary (P.2) - English
Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Demonstrators chanted slogans against...
Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Demonstrators chanted slogans against Israel and the hostile policies of the US. President Hassan Rouhani said threats against Iran are worthless and childish. On this edition of the Debate we will discuss the level of public support for the Islamic Republic and the amount of pressure exerted on the country from the west.
Guests:
- Professor, University of Tehran, Mohammad Marandi (Tehran).
- Center for American Progress & former US Assistant Secretary of Defense, Lawrence J. Korb (Washington).
Subjects:
1) What do you think about the level of public support for the Islamic Republic?
2) How has the western approach encompassing threats and pressure affected Iranian public opinion?
3) Why is the US saying all options are still on the table?
4) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the rhetoric of threat against the Iranian nation is \"worthless and childish.\" Do you agree?
5) What is the aim of the sanctions? Has the US been trying to fuel dissent in Iran? Is the US after regime change in Iran?
6) Do you think that if Iran ends its nuclear activities the US enmity will also end?
7) What is the position of the west versus Iran? Will it consider engaging in a win-win situation if not giving concessions?
8) Iran argues if the west was truly concerned about nuclear weapons in the region it would have confronted Israel...what is it about Iran that the west is attempting to confront?
12m:13s
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[11 Feb 2014] The Debate - Iran Anniversary (P.1) - English
Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Demonstrators chanted slogans against...
Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Demonstrators chanted slogans against Israel and the hostile policies of the US. President Hassan Rouhani said threats against Iran are worthless and childish. On this edition of the Debate we will discuss the level of public support for the Islamic Republic and the amount of pressure exerted on the country from the west.
Guests:
- Professor, University of Tehran, Mohammad Marandi (Tehran).
- Center for American Progress & former US Assistant Secretary of Defense, Lawrence J. Korb (Washington).
Subjects:
1) What do you think about the level of public support for the Islamic Republic?
2) How has the western approach encompassing threats and pressure affected Iranian public opinion?
3) Why is the US saying all options are still on the table?
4) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the rhetoric of threat against the Iranian nation is "worthless and childish." Do you agree?
5) What is the aim of the sanctions? Has the US been trying to fuel dissent in Iran? Is the US after regime change in Iran?
6) Do you think that if Iran ends its nuclear activities the US enmity will also end?
7) What is the position of the west versus Iran? Will it consider engaging in a win-win situation if not giving concessions?
8) Iran argues if the west was truly concerned about nuclear weapons in the region it would have confronted Israel...what is it about Iran that the west is attempting to confront?
11m:0s
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[11 July 2012] Al Saud tries to scare Sunni population - English
[11 July 2012] Al Saud tries to scare Sunni population - English
Tens of thousands of Saudi Arabian protesters have held a demonstration against...
[11 July 2012] Al Saud tries to scare Sunni population - English
Tens of thousands of Saudi Arabian protesters have held a demonstration against the Al Saud regime in the Qatif region of oil-rich Eastern Province.
The protester chanted slogans against the Al Saud regime, calling for its downfall. The mass rally comes a few days after Saudi forces killed at least three protesters in the region.
The oil-rich eastern province has been the scene of protests after the forceful detention of a prominent Shia cleric. Sheikh Nemr al-Nemr was wounded in an attack on his car and then arrested by Saudi forces. The Eastern Province has been the epicenter of anti-regime protests since last year. The protesters demand the release of political prisoners and social justice.
Press TV has conducted an interview with Ali Al Ahmed, director of the Institute for [Persian] Gulf Affairs (IGA) in Washington, to further discuss the issue.
4m:23s
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[12 May 13] Palestinians denounce visit of Qatari-backed cleric to Gaza...
The visit by the controversial Egyptian born cleric Yusef al Qaradawi to Gaza drew condemnation by many Palestinian people as well as Palestinian...
The visit by the controversial Egyptian born cleric Yusef al Qaradawi to Gaza drew condemnation by many Palestinian people as well as Palestinian factions.
On Thursday a group of Palestinians from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) rallied against his visit.They carried posters and chanted slogans in support of the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the leader of the Lebanese resistance movement Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
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2m:58s
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[16 June 13] Palestinian attacked by israeli settlers, soldiers - English
On Friday, a Palestinian man was assaulted by Israeli soldiers and settlers in Nablus. Dozens of Israeli staged a rally near the village of...
On Friday, a Palestinian man was assaulted by Israeli soldiers and settlers in Nablus. Dozens of Israeli staged a rally near the village of Jamma\'in in Nablus during which they chanted racist slogans and called for seizing more Palestinian land. When they were confronted by local Palestinians, Israeli soldiers attacked the Palestinians using tear gas and rubber bullets. 37 year old Ghassan Baker attempted to confront the soldiers who had entered his farm, however he was immediately dragged away and beaten by the soldiers and settlers. Ghassan Baker in the meantime was trying to tell the Israelis that he was wounded and could no longer walk due to injuries and breathing difficulties resulted from tear gas inhalation.
Nel Burden, Press TV, Jerusalem
2m:14s
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[17 July 2012] US withdrawal key to peace in Pakistan - English
[17 July 2012] US withdrawal key to peace in Pakistan - English
Pakistan's move to reopen its routes used for the transfer of supplies to the...
[17 July 2012] US withdrawal key to peace in Pakistan - English
Pakistan's move to reopen its routes used for the transfer of supplies to the US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan has triggered a fresh protest in city of Peshawar where demonstrators have rallied to urge the government to reverse its decision.
The protesters also staged a sit-in protest on Monday and chanted anti-US and anti-government slogans.
They also strongly denounced the US assassination drone attacks in Pakistan that have killed thousands of innocent civilians.
Press TV has conducted an interview with Ishtiaq Ahmad, a political analyst from Islamabad, to further discuss the issue.
5m:31s
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[18 Feb 2014] Syrian army regains control of village & strategic...
The Syrian army continues its offensive against foreign-backed insurgents in the city of Aleppo, making more advances in the area.
Syrian troops...
The Syrian army continues its offensive against foreign-backed insurgents in the city of Aleppo, making more advances in the area.
Syrian troops have regained full control of the village of Sheikh Najjar and the strategic Ghali Hill on the outskirts of Aleppo. A large number of foreign-backed insurgents, including some foreigners, were also killed in the offensive. It was the latest in a series of military operations against militants who receive military aid from their supporters in Western countries and their regional allies. Meanwhile, thousands of residents of the city of al-Hasakeh in northeastern Syria took to the streets to show their support for President Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian Army. The demonstrators also chanted slogans condemning the militants\\\' atrocities.
3m:29s
6034
[19 Nov 2013] Afghans rally against possible security pact with US -...
Hundreds of Afghan people including students, have held demonstrations in the eastern province of Nangarhar against a possible security pact with...
Hundreds of Afghan people including students, have held demonstrations in the eastern province of Nangarhar against a possible security pact with the US.
The protesters chanted anti-US slogans and blocked a key road between Kabul and the city of Jalalabad. They warned the Afghan elders and politicians against signing the deal, saying they do not represent the Afghan people. Afghanistan\'s grand assembly or Loya Jirga is slated to hold discussions on the controversial deal on Thursday. Meanwhile, scores of people gathered for a meeting in Kabul to voice their opposition to any deal that will prolong the US military presence in their country.
3m:40s
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[20 Dec 2013] Yemeni people protest US israeli meddling - English
Demonstrators have poured onto the streets of the Yemeni city of Sada\\\\\\\'a for yet another protest against the US and Israel.
The protesters...
Demonstrators have poured onto the streets of the Yemeni city of Sada\\\\\\\'a for yet another protest against the US and Israel.
The protesters stormed the main streets of Sada\\\\\\\'a in the country\\\\\\\'s north, holding placards denouncing the US interference in Yemen\\\\\\\'s affairs. The demonstrators also chanted slogans against the Yemeni government over American drone attacks in the country. The protests come in the wake of a deadly US strike on a wedding in the country, killing 17 people. The US is estimated to have carried out at least a dozen strikes in the province since the start of 2012.
2m:39s
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[20 Feb 2014] Protesters gather in Rabat to slam - English
Moroccans have taken to the streets to demand change on the anniversary of the country\'s pro-reform movement.
Unemployed youths and activists...
Moroccans have taken to the streets to demand change on the anniversary of the country\'s pro-reform movement.
Unemployed youths and activists along with members of a student group known as the February 20 Movement gathered outside parliament in the capital Rabat. They waved banners and chanted slogans against what they call corruption, injustice and despotism. Scores of protesters have been arrested since Morocco\'s pro-reform movement began in 2011. Campaigners say more than 30 student activists remain in prison.
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[21 July 2012] Rising protests in Saudi Arabia - Middle East Today -...
[21 July 2012] Rising protests in Saudi Arabia - English
Saudi protesters have taken to the streets in the Qatif region of Eastern Province to...
[21 July 2012] Rising protests in Saudi Arabia - English
Saudi protesters have taken to the streets in the Qatif region of Eastern Province to demand the release of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nemr al-Nemr. The demonstrators on Sunday chanted slogans against the repressive regime of Al Saud. Sheikh Nemr was attacked, injured and arrested by Saudi security forces while driving from a farm to his house in Qatif on July 8. He is currently in a military hospital in the city of Dhahran. According to Human Rights Watch, the Saudi regime "routinely represses expression critical of the government."
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[21 Nov 2013] Student killed as Egypt security forces attack al-Azhar...
Egyptian security forces kill a student after storming the dormitory of al-Azhar University. Dozens others are injured. Security forces have also...
Egyptian security forces kill a student after storming the dormitory of al-Azhar University. Dozens others are injured. Security forces have also detained dozens of students who support ousted president Mohamed Morsi. One of the buildings inside the university campus was set on fire during the attack in the capital, Cairo. On Wednesday, Egyptians staged protests against military rule in different towns and cities, including Alexandria, Tanta and Helwan. The demonstrators chanted slogans against army chief Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Egypt has been gripped by a political crisis and street protests since the army toppled President Morsi in early July. Thousands have been killed as the military cracks down on demonstrations across the country. Thousands of others have also been arrested.
3m:50s
6465
[21 Oct 2013] Al Azhar University students hold anti-govt. rallies in...
In Egypt, students of al-Azhar University hold a protest, demanding the reinstatement of the country\'s ousted President Mohammed Morsi....
In Egypt, students of al-Azhar University hold a protest, demanding the reinstatement of the country\'s ousted President Mohammed Morsi.
Thousands of students gathered in the campuses of the university in the capital Cairo and other cities for a third consecutive day. They chanted slogans against the army-installed interim government. Security forces reportedly arrested more than forty of the students during clashes. The rallies were held as the Egyptian prime minister threatened tough measures against those who want to divide the country. Egypt has been witnessing a political crisis and street protests after the army toppled Morsi in early July. Security forces have killed hundreds of protesters ever since.
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[25 Oct 2013] Rally dubbed US apology for racism and deception after...
A group of protesters have taken to the streets of Tehran for yet another demonstration against the US and its policies.
The protest is the...
A group of protesters have taken to the streets of Tehran for yet another demonstration against the US and its policies.
The protest is the latest in a series of weekly rallies held after Friday prayers. The demonstrators have dubbed this week\'s rally as \"the US apology for racism and deception.\" They chanted slogans against the US and torched its flag. The protesters also stepped on pictures of the US Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman to show their anger at her anti-Iran remarks. Earlier this month, Sherman told a group of US senators that deception is part of the DNA, while she was talking about dealing with Iran.
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[28 June 13] Brutal killing of Shia cleric in Egypt - English
Prominent Egyptian Shia cleric, Sheikh Hassan Shehata, and four of his devotees have been killed in a brutal attack carried out by Takfiri...
Prominent Egyptian Shia cleric, Sheikh Hassan Shehata, and four of his devotees have been killed in a brutal attack carried out by Takfiri extremists in Giza Province near Cairo.
The attack was carried out on Sunday when a crowd of several hundred assailants attacked Sheikh Shehata\'s home and then set it on fire at the village of Abu Mussalam.
Brutal scenes of the crime were posted on the internet late Sunday, showing men dragging Sheikh Shehata\'s bloody body on the street and beating him as the Sheikh chanted \"Allahu Akbar [God is Great].\"
Dozens of other devotees who were at Sheikh Shehata\'s house for commemorating a Shia holy day were also injured.
49m:28s
5034
[28 June 13] Saudi Arabia committing genocide - English
Tens of thousands of people in Saudi Arabia have attended the funeral of two activists who were killed by regime forces in the country\'s Eastern...
Tens of thousands of people in Saudi Arabia have attended the funeral of two activists who were killed by regime forces in the country\'s Eastern Province. The funerals were held in the town of Awamiyah and the Qatif region on Wednesday.
The mourners slammed the regime\'s deadly crackdown on the country\'s uprising and chanted slogans against the ruling Al Saud family.
Press TV has conducted an interview with Syed Ali Wasif, Society for International Reforms and Research, about the recent protests in Saudi Arabia.
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