 "Photo: Tamir Kalifa/The Daily Texan")
 "Photo: Tamir Kalifa/The Daily Texan")
A small group of protestors, some sharing Iranian descent, gathered Wednesday at the Texas Capitol to speak out against the disputed re-election of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the violent suppression of opposition supporters in Iran.
Protests and riots erupted in Iran after election results were released last week.
Iranians for Peace and Justice, a UT organization that promotes cultural and political understanding between Americans and Iranians, collaborated with Austin Permanent Peace Protest to sponsor the event. Many Austin protestors said they believe the Iranian election was a farce.
“It is sad to see what is happening in Iran with all the violence and force being used by the government,” said Hooman Hedayati, a UT government senior and board member of the organization. “But at the same time, it is inspiring to see the young people voice their opinions about wanting a true democracy.”
Banafsheh Madaninejad, a UT comparative literature graduate student and representative of Austin Permanent Peace Protest, read a list of nine reasons why the results of the election seemed fraudulent. The list alleges that Ahmadinejad used his influence to rig the election.
Madaninejad said the government acted against the opposition by closing down universities, capping Internet bandwidth, cutting off cell phone service and arresting reform leaders who support Mir Hossein Moussavi, Ahmadinejad’s top challenger in the election.
“Moussavi has promised to make the supreme leader acquiesce to the people’s need for a more open society,” Madaninejad said.
Hedayati worries that officials reviewing the issue might side with President Ahmadinejad based on loyalty.
“We are calling for an independent investigation of the election because the ones reviewing it now could be the same people involved in a potential scandal,” Hedayati said.
Hedayati voted in the Iranian election on Friday from one of 43 polling sites across the U.S. Hedayati said the Iranian embassy set up these voting locations for citizens that do not live in the country but still want to remain active in politics.
“I was glad to be able to vote in this election,” Hedayati said. “But after seeing the aftermath, I’m not sure if my vote really counted.”
He said the point of the protest was to show people’s refusal to recognize the current government of Iran.
“It is great to see all these people supporting something they feel strongly about,” said business junior Tito Hernandez at the rally. “I don’t know how much a protest in Austin will help with Iran’s efforts, but it’s a good turnout for the rally.”
