Emaduddin Baghi: Release of Political Prisoners, a Step Toward Strengthening the National Defense Front

Emaduddin Baghi wrote in a note in Etemad newspaper: "To increase social resilience and form a national defense front against foreign threats, the perspective toward critics must change, and by releasing national-minded political prisoners and utilizing their potential, the groundwork for convergence and hope in society should be established."

For years, it has been asked why political opponents should be imprisoned at all and why, at the very least, the criminal procedure codes approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly are not observed.

During the 12-day war, it was continuously urged to release political prisoners to create hope for change and strengthen national cohesion, but there was no listening ear.

After the war, it was also requested that in honor of the people's behavior—who thwarted the enemy despite their dissatisfactions—the method of governance and the treatment of critics be reformed.

Preserving territorial integrity in a war with Israel and the United States requires the formation of a national defense front on the broadest possible basis.

Many political prisoners, despite their opposition to the government, think nationally and stand in empathy and solidarity with the country's defense forces against aggressors toward Iran.

By releasing political prisoners who oppose aggressors toward Iran and believe in national interests—and even by utilizing them in the management of the country—hopeful changes can be initiated.