Iranian tyrant Ahmadinejad delivers ‘a message of love’

PRESIDENT Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, who once denied that gays exist in his country, and does not believe that the Holocaust ever took place, delivered Channel 4’s alternative Christmas message last night – much to the fury of many.

Ahmadinejad, left, up close and personal with an adoring fan

Four hours after the Queen’s traditional Christmas Day message was broadcast on the main UK channels Ahmadinejad sent out a “spiritual” message – but one which contained nakedly political elements, including the implicit claim that if Jesus Christ were alive today, he would oppose US hegemony.

In a speech in Farsi with English subtitles, he said that the ills in the world had come about through nations failing to follow the teachings of the Prophets, including Jesus:

If Christ was on Earth today undoubtedly he would stand with the people in opposition to bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist powers … He would hoist the banner of justice and love for humanity to oppose warmongers, occupiers, terrorists and bullies the world over. If Christ was on Earth today undoubtedly he would fight against the tyrannical policies of prevailing global economic and political systems, as He did in His lifetime.

He added:

Today, the general will of nations is calling for fundamental change … Demands for a return to human values are fast becoming the foremost demands of the nations of the world.

Channel 4 has been rebuked by the Government for its decision to broadcast the address.

Iran's idea of 'human values' – hanging two teenage homosexuals

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said that providing a platform for Ahmadinejad, who has called the Holocaust “a myth”, would cause widespread offence, despite the conciliatory tone of his speech.

A spokeswoman for the FCO said:

President Ahmadinejad has, during his time in office, made a series of appalling anti-Semitic statements. The British media are rightly free to make their own editorial choices, but this invitation will cause offence and bemusement not just at home but among friendly countries abroad.

And the human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said:

Ahmadinejad’s apparently reasonable words are pure propaganda. His actions are devoid of love, justice, humanity and brotherhood. They involve the brutal repression of his own people.

Jewish groups too were up in arms. Stephen Smith, director of the Holocaust Centre, said Ahmadinejad’s message should be treated with caution. The Iranian President has repeatedly called the Holocaust a “myth” and called for the annihilation of Israel.

Mr Smith said:

Many of his political and historical views are very dangerous and do not uphold the views in his message. I think this benign message is deception. People need to be alert to the fact that this is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Henry Grunwald QC, president of the Jewish Board of Deputies, added:

The appearance on our television screens of a man whose prejudices are so well-documented and who has openly called for the eradication of another member country of the United Nations is an affront to decency.

To invite him to deliver a Christmas message, even a so-called alternative one, fills me with disgust. Whatever he may say in his ‘message’, his words on other occasions and his actions towards minority groups in Iran should have disqualified him from filling this television spot.

Ron Prosor, the Israeli Ambassador to London, said:

In Iran, converts to Christianity face the death penalty. It is perverse that this despot is allowed to speculate on the views of Jesus while his Government leads Christ’s followers to the gallows.

But Dorothy Byrne, Channel 4’s head of news and current affairs, defended the choice.

As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad’s views are enormously influential. As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view.

See full reports here and here.