Mohammad Reza Khatami: Over 7 million fraudulent votes in 2009 election
On his last trial session, Mohammad Reza Khatami, the brother of the former president Khatami and the former chairman of Mosharekat Front Party said: “What was mentioned in the defense was just a portion of what happened in 2009 election. A portion that could easily be accessed by any interested internet user with a simple search online, and based on that, at least 7 million and 89 thousand and 993 votes have been fraudulent in 2009.”
The 2009 election was widely contested by the reformists and led to the Green movement and massive protests. The regime refers to the Green movement as “Fetneh” (the conspiracy/insurrection).
Outside the court, Khatami told the reporters: “This is the real conspiracy. Objecting to fraud is not insurrection. Fraud is the greatest conspiracy. Objecting and voicing protest and criticism of even the leader is not insurrection.”
Khatami added: “The 2009 election cannot be undone, and it's disastrous economic and political results are irreparable. But with a correct and fair attitude, you can show that if there is a violation, it will be fairly punished and that is how you create trust with the people. The regime’s credibility doesn’t come from hiding mistakes and treasons, but to face them correctly.”
The former member of parliament continued: “What I presented was a part of this betrayal of trust, now it is on the judiciary and the regime to apologize to all the victims of the 2009 and end all the incarcerations.”
Mohammad Reza Khatami was charged with “spreading lies to create public panic” for an interview in which he talked about fraud in the 2009 election.