Statements in Meeting with Officials and Staff of the Judiciary on the Eve of the Anniversary of the Seventh of Tir and Judiciary Day

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

I welcome you all and congratulate you, dear brothers and sisters. I hope that the Almighty God, by the blessing of this noble month and the great birth of these days, the Awaited Savior (may our souls be sacrificed for him), grants you all and the entire Iranian nation His favors, mercy, and guidance.

The occasion of the Seventh of Tir is a prominent and significant one. Although during these days, the judiciary is honored and the efforts and labors of the dear ones in this branch are brought to the public's attention—which is a proper and appropriate act—nevertheless, the incident of the Seventh of Tir is one that is related to the fate of the Revolution and the Islamic Republic system, and this incident was decisive for the Islamic Republic. Although the martyrs of this incident were among the best and most prominent elements of the Islamic Republic and the Islamic Revolution, and their memory will never be forgotten—especially the distinguished and luminous personality of the late Ayatollah Beheshti (may God’s mercy be upon him) and other martyrs—yet, in this incident, the face of hypocrisy was revealed in the country; behind the hypocritical elements, the arrogant powers showed themselves. For a nascent system, the revelation of the enemies' faces is no small matter. The hypocrites who introduced themselves as followers of God, the Prophet, Islam, and Nahj al-Balagha disgraced themselves with this incident; they showed how much they are enemies and opposed to the pillars of the Islamic system, to the legitimate figures, to the prominent personalities, to the great scholars, to the sincere and effective servants; their faces were made clear. If a few incidents like the Seventh of Tir had not occurred and these assets had not been lost to the Iranian nation, certainly the dear Iranian nation would not have been able to recognize the hypocrites' faces so clearly; they could have infiltrated again—"and they would have placed themselves among you"—they could have presented themselves as legitimate. This incident exposed the vile reality of the hypocrites. The main enemies of Islam, namely global arrogance and the Zionists, supported them; thus, their faces were also revealed. It is true that this incident took away some assets from us, but these martyrdoms, these unjustly shed bloods, brought great achievements for the Iranian nation, like all martyrdoms; martyrdom is like this. Being killed in the way of God, shedding the blood of the oppressed in the way of God, has the natural and inevitable effect of bringing achievements to the Islamic community, to the Muslim nations, to the history of Islam. We will never forget the memory of these martyrs, nor will we forget the memory of this incident. The value of those who gathered for God in that assembly and were subjected to this unjust and savage attack is preserved before the Almighty God and before the Iranian nation.

Regarding the judiciary, let me say a few words: First, we thank the esteemed head of the judiciary. His statements today were very useful and enlightening. Behind these statements, there are valuable actions and efforts; for which we must truly thank him, the senior officials of the judiciary, and all the staff and judges, both judicial and non-judicial, in the judiciary. What has been accomplished is very valuable and in the direction of the efficiency of the judiciary.

What I want to say is that in the judiciary, two supreme goals must always be kept in mind; all actions must be directed towards these two supreme goals; if these two goals are achieved, then the society will reap the benefits. One of these goals is the integrity of the judiciary, and the second is the efficiency of the judiciary. All efforts must be to transform this judiciary into a completely efficient and completely sound entity. If this happens, then the people will taste the fruit. What is that fruit? A sense of satisfaction and a sense of security, thanks to the presence of the judiciary. This is necessary for a country, for a society. All the emphasis in Islam, in Islamic texts, in the Holy Quran, in the traditions regarding judgment and the resolution of disputes is for this reason, so that society can feel satisfied; every oppressed person feels that they can reach the safe shore of the judiciary and that oppression can be prevented. This is necessary.

Just as I have repeatedly stated and the esteemed head of the judiciary has also pointed out, the outputs must be constantly monitored, and the progress of work must be monitored. All the actions mentioned are necessary and have been necessary. The result will be achieved when these actions are followed with precision, pursued step by step, and monitored, so that we can reach the desired outcome. If this happens, God willing, the judiciary will become what Islam and the Quran have desired and willed for this efficient entity in society.

Of course, there are gaps. It is true that, despite all these actions and positive efforts, there is still a gap between what the officials of the judiciary desire and what Islam and Islamic laws intend, and what actually exists. It is easy to say, but it is truly a difficult task; traversing these paths and preserving these characteristics step by step is indeed a difficult task; however, we must seek help from the Almighty God. This gap must be bridged. Of course, we do not expect that this gap will be bridged in two or five years, but we must continue to move towards filling these gaps. This is our request. All officials of the judiciary at various levels must truly commit themselves to bringing the judiciary to these two characteristics—namely, the characteristic of integrity and the characteristic of efficiency. Of course, the gaps are clear to the esteemed officials of the judiciary; both in the reports that are provided, it is shown that they recognize the gaps, and in the discussions that take place, one feels that these gaps are known to the officials of the judiciary. Sometimes, we have points that we mention to the esteemed head of the judiciary and to some officials of the judiciary; we remind them of these. In any case, the gaps are clear. We must strive to fill these gaps; we must not lose hope; we must continue to advance the judiciary and make it better and more flourishing day by day.

Of course, there is a point here, and that is that progress in work and reaching the goal is possible through following programs; it is made possible by planning. Fortunately, the third program has been approved and communicated; it is in the hands of the judiciary, in the entirety of the judiciary, with the details that have been mentioned—these various circulars and regulations—this program is progressing. There should be no negligence in moving towards the program; if this happens, God willing, the situation of the judiciary will improve day by day.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our great, insightful, and intelligent nation for the great work they accomplished in this important season; namely, the issue of elections. We cannot exclude this important and fundamental issue from the realm of analysis, reminder, and attention; an incident that, almost a year ago, the opponents of the Islamic Republic, the enemies of the Islamic Republic, were planning negatively regarding this incident; they spent money, thought about it, shouted, and carried out various actions, exerted pressure, to bring this incident about in the way they wanted; either for the elections not to take place, or for the elections to face low turnout and indifference from the people; or even after the elections, to create excuses that would allow them to implement their nefarious objectives in the country; they had planned for all of this. All of this is not hidden news; it is not special and secret information; much of it is public information. Anyone who has observed the behaviors of the front of the enemies of the Islamic Republic over the past year, followed them, or heard about them, understands what plans they had.

Well, what happened was one hundred and eighty degrees opposite to what they wanted. Is this a small matter? Is this a minor incident that can be glossed over with superficial analyses? No, the Iranian nation radiated greatness; the Iranian nation accomplished a great and remarkable task; in the arena of confrontation and hostility against international enemies, they demonstrated skill. Why should this be concealed? Why should we not repeat this multiple times?

There were several fundamental points in this election. Of course, there are many points, but I will mention two or three: one is the presence of the people. For a long time, they spread doubts, created uncertainty; they constantly spoke about the validity of the elections, about the executors and overseers of the elections, to discourage the people, to create doubt, which would lead to people not coming to the ballot boxes; but the people acted exactly opposite. It turned out that even the enemy's propaganda apparatus could not deny or ignore it. On the day of the elections, at the very time of the elections, the enemy's media reported that the gathering of people was large, enthusiastic, and that everyone had come since morning. This was a very important phenomenon. Thus, the first issue was this presence of the people, which had a significant meaning.

The meaning of the people's presence was that they are interested in the fate of the country; they are interested in the Islamic Republic, which this election is part of its pillars and texts; they trust the bodies conducting the elections—both the executors and the overseers—and they are hopeful for the continuous progressive movement of the country. This issue of trust is a very important point. Alongside the intelligence of the people, the insight of the people in this presence, public trust is also a very important point. Interestingly, we told our dear people that, well, the people love their system, they come to vote; but if there is anyone who does not have a clear heart towards the Islamic system, they should still come for the sake of their country and its interests. Some of these people were likely among that group and came. What does this indicate? It indicates that even those who are not supporters of the system trust the system; they also know that the Islamic Republic can preserve and defend the interests and national dignity of the country. The problem of governments in various countries is that they are unable to defend their people, their interests, and their dignity against global assaults and international greed. The Islamic Republic stands firm and strong like a lion against its enemies, defending the interests of the nation; even those who may have come to vote but do not believe in the system confirmed this with their actions; they showed that trust in the Islamic Republic is widespread. This is another point, which is very important.

Another point that was prominent in this election and is often overlooked is that this election, the presidential election and the council elections were held together. Presidential elections in many countries are accompanied by conflict, disputes, and sometimes bloodshed. The council elections in remote areas are even more sensitive than the presidential elections in this regard. In a certain village, in a certain small town, between two tribes, between the upper and lower parts of the village, between different groups in a small village or town, there is a possibility of conflict and opposition. In this vast country, in this expansive land, in these tens of thousands of cities and villages across the country, no incident that indicates insecurity occurred or was reported. Is this a small matter? "Two unknown blessings are health and security." Security is one of the most fundamental needs of a nation. If there is security, progress occurs, knowledge grows, the economy flourishes, and the construction of the country becomes possible. Security of this magnitude in this country was demonstrated in this election. Whatever our security apparatus wanted to convey through propaganda, they could not express this truth as clearly as the election did. This election showed that, thanks be to God, in this country, due to the cooperation of the people, due to the vigilance of the officials in various sectors and throughout the country—this vast country—good security is established. This is another point.

Another point that I believe was prominent in this election and deserves gratitude to God is that after the elections, the various candidates acted with dignity and respect for the law; this is very important. They went to meet the elected president, congratulated him, and expressed their happiness. I must thank these gentlemen. This is what sweetens the people's hearts; this is what makes the people feel they have achieved success. Now, if they had shown obstinacy, behaved in an undignified manner in these matters, made excuses, and started a quarrel—quarrels can be started for any excuse—the people's hearts would have been soured. The reason we have repeatedly complained about the events of 2009, expressed grievances, and criticized is because of this. In a magnificent and glorious election, the people feel victorious; then one person, two people, or four people come and sour the people's hearts; while there is a path for lawfulness. This happened that year; the people's hearts were soured, the sweetness of the election was denied to the people; but in this year's election, thanks be to God, the people's hearts were sweetened, and they rejoiced. Behavior must be lawful. The reason we have emphasized so much on observing the law is that this is its result. When the law is observed, the people's hearts are sweetened, and their spirits are uplifted. This must always be a lesson for us. The people also discern in these matters; they observe and recognize political figures. The political figure who deals with dignity and lawfulness in matters is liked by the people. Those who disregard the law, who deviate from the law—for any excuse—are also recognized by the people; they are disliked.

In any case, the election was truly a prominent and important phenomenon; and this was a divine grace, a blessing from the Lord that guided the hearts of the nation and brought the immense forces of the people into the arena to create this epic. The election truly became an epic; the people achieved what the well-wishers hoped for, that a political epic would be created.

Now, everyone must assist the one who is elected by the people; various agencies must help; this is our request. Managing the affairs of the country, dear brothers and sisters! It is a difficult task. It is easy to sit from afar and criticize. We have repeatedly given the example: one person sits by the pool and criticizes someone who is diving from several floors up; saying, "Well, his foot was crooked here, his hand was not right there, he did not dive well." Criticizing is easy; but if we ourselves were to go up there and dive, we would see that we do not dare. Criticizing and protesting is easy. We do not say that no one should criticize, should not object; why, healthy criticism and objection are certainly beneficial for the progress of the country's work; but it must also be noted that executive work is hard. Now, thanks be to God, the people have elected a president; everyone must assist this president. Expectations should not be overly inflated; we should not act hastily in matters and judge hastily, so that, God willing, important tasks of the country can be accomplished.

I also have some remarks regarding the statements made by the esteemed candidates on television—before the elections I mentioned—there is currently not much opportunity to elaborate; however, one of our points is this. Yes, there are weaknesses, but strengths must also be seen. The current government has many strengths, even if there are weaknesses. Which of us does not have weaknesses in our work, in our actions? Strengths must also be seen. Important works have been accomplished in the country. The services that have been rendered, the foundational works that have been done, the constructions that have taken place, these should not be overlooked. These were often ignored in the statements of the esteemed candidates during the two or three weeks of election propaganda. How good it would have been if, for example, when they mention the economic problem, they mention inflation, they mention the rising prices—which of course is a reality—they also mention the works that have been done, the efforts that have been made. This kind of approach is fair. One must see both the positive and negative aspects. Of course, it is natural that someone who presents themselves to the people sees the existing problems, tells the people about them; this is not a fault; but in this regard, one should not look at it absolutely and think; positive points must also be mentioned, negative points must also be mentioned.

One sentence regarding the nuclear issue—I may elaborate more on this in the future if necessary—I said in the speech on the first day of the year that the opposing front, which is mainly limited to a few arrogant and greedy countries that falsely and wrongly call themselves the international community, with the United States at the forefront, and the main instigators being the Zionists, their issue is that they do not want the nuclear issue of Iran to be resolved. If it were not for their obstinacy, the nuclear issue would have been easily resolved. We have repeatedly come close to a resolution, signed agreements, the nuclear agency signed; it accepted that the existing problems have been resolved—these are documented; these are undeniable—well, the issue should have been concluded, the nuclear file of the country should have been closed. The Americans immediately brought up something new. They do not want the issue to be resolved. We have multiple examples in this regard. Resolving the nuclear issue of the Islamic Republic, by its nature, is among the easy and straightforward tasks; but when the other side does not wish for this issue to be resolved, well, this is how it becomes as you see.

Therefore, they must pay attention to this; the Islamic Republic has acted legally in the nuclear issue, has acted transparently, and has acted logically in terms of reasoning; however, this is a point that they have deemed suitable for exerting pressure on the Islamic Republic. If this is not the case, they will bring up another issue for pressure. The goal is intimidation; the goal is pressure; the goal is to wear out. They themselves have said: the goal is to change the political system and political mechanisms. Of course, in private conversations they say, or sometimes in letters they write, they say no, we do not want to change the system; but in the corners of their statements, in their remarks, in their actions, this issue is completely clear. A nation that does not act under their command, that does not act according to their whims, is despised by them. Governments and states that are obedient and compliant to them are acceptable to them; they do not care about democracy, nor human rights, nor nuclear issues. The issue is that the Islamic Republic stands on its own feet, relying on its own power, standing with trust in the Almighty God, and is progressing in various directions; they do not like this, and they will not like it. Of course, the experience of the Islamic Republic and the experience of the Iranian nation has shown that in this path, the one who is victorious is the Iranian nation, and it is they who will strike back at their enemies.

The path of the Islamic Republic is the path of God; the goals are divine goals; the reliance is on divine will; and such a path will never lead to a dead end. Everyone must know this and be assured that, with divine grace and by God's permission, there will be no dead ends in our path. We hope that, God willing, just as the Iranian nation has progressed day by day until today, this progress will continue in the future with the initiative of the officials, with the movement of the officials, with the determination and reliance of the officials, and that all the Iranian nation will be included in the pure prayers of the Awaited Savior (may our souls be sacrificed for him) and that the pure spirit of the Imam and the souls of the martyrs will be pleased with us and you.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.