Interview 1 - Catherine’s Story and what it tells us about the Khomenist regime in Iran
Stephen Hoffman (SH): I understand you have an incredible and barely believable true story to tell of your connection to Iran and the Iranian regime, could you give our readers an insight into your story?
Catherine Perez-Shakdam (CPS): Quite, but as it is often the case, life can be stranger than fiction! To be fair my story is not terribly original and if not for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s determination to turn me into a feature piece and ensure I would make every headline for several months (circa 2022), mainly out of anger that a Jewish woman could have climbed the echelons of the regime and sit across its leadership, I’m not certain anyone would have heard about it.
My story can be summarised as one of infiltration of the Iranian regime. The regime has made a habit out of recruiting foreigners to its cause and it turns out that as they were trying to mould me into yet another mouthpiece of the regime, I was in fact gathering intelligence on its ideologues to better understand their modus operandi, their plans, and ambitions.
I travelled to Iran on several occasions and met with several high-ranking members of the regime, including Ayatollah Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi. It’s all been documented extensively and much of what I revealed has since been confirmed by UK officials. The UK Minister for Security corroborated my claims that the Islamic Republic of Iran had mapped out the Jewish diaspora in view of targeting its most prominent members and sow unrest.
You can read more about my story via the link below.
https://www.thejc.com/news/news/how-i-infiltrated-the-tehran-regime-and-met-the-ayatollah
SH: What did your personal experience tell you about the nature of the Khomenist regime in Iran?
CPS: That at its very core it is nihilistic in nature. I’ve written rather extensively on this. The Islamic Republic of Iran built its worldview around the notion of death and martyrdom, impressing on its followers that such sacrifices are religious duties. This is seldom talked about. I would go as far as to argue that this aspect of the regime’s ideology is poorly understood. We have looked at the regime through the lens of our bias and assumptions.
Khomeini formulated this rather eloquently actually: “We do not worship Iran, we worship Allah. For patriotism is another name for paganism. I say let this land [Iran] burn. I say let this land go up in smoke, provided Islam emerges triumphant in the rest of the world.”
The core of the regime’s ideology is encapsulated in this quote. This is something of a mantra amongst the regime’s men.
The regime’s ideology is geared towards export, it is not limitated to the geography of Iran, You can see that in the employment of proxy groups and the efforts Iran has exerted in the MENA region, Africa and most recently in Latin America.
We think ourselves safe as Iran is so very far away, but in truth the regime is already within our borders, indoctrinating more minds to its vile worldview, formulating their opposition to the West as a religious crusade.
I look upon the Islamic Republic of Iran as a cult. Maybe if more were to do so solutions would appear more evident. One can hope!
SH: What are the misconceptions in your view from both policy makers and the public about the Khomenist regime and how it acts?
CPS: In my view, there are several misconceptions that both policymakers and the public often hold about the Khomeinist regime in Iran and its actions. These misconceptions can impact how the regime is perceived and how policies are formulated:
Misconception of Unity: One common misconception is the perception of a highly unified and monolithic regime. While the regime presents a united front to the outside world, there are significant internal divisions and power struggles among various factions. Policymakers and the public might underestimate the complexity of the regime's internal dynamics.
Assumption of Broad Support: It is often assumed that the Iranian regime enjoys widespread support among its population. However, this assumption overlooks the fact that many Iranians, particularly the younger generation, are critical of the government and its policies. The regime's control over the media and its use of coercion can create a false impression of unanimous support.
Neglect of Social Discontent: There is a tendency to underestimate the level of social discontent within Iran. Frequent protests, including those led by women and youth, reflect deep dissatisfaction with the regime's policies, including economic hardships, political restrictions, and women's rights issues.
Solely Religious Motivations: While the Iranian regime is rooted in an Islamist version of Islamic ideology, it is a misconception to assume that all of its actions are solely motivated by religious fervour. Strategic interests, regional ambitions, and geopolitical considerations also influence the regime's behaviour on the international stage.
Underestimation of Repression: Some might underestimate the extent of repression and human rights abuses carried out by the regime, assuming that it adheres to international norms. In reality, Iran has a history of severe human rights violations, including the suppression of dissent, arbitrary arrest, mistreatment of political prisoners and the targeting of Iranian dissidents abroad.
Overlooking Women's Struggles: Women's rights issues in Iran often receive inadequate attention. Despite the regime's claim to uphold Islamic values, there are significant gender disparities and violations of women's rights. Policymakers and the public may not fully appreciate the resilience and activism of Iranian women in their quest for greater equality and freedom.
Impact of Sanctions: The impact and effectiveness of international sanctions on Iran are sometimes oversimplified. While sanctions have economic consequences, they also have complex social and political implications. Understanding these nuances is crucial for a more comprehensive approach to Iran.
Neglecting Civil Society: The vibrant civil society in Iran, including human rights activists, journalists, and women's rights advocates, is often overlooked. Engaging with these voices from within Iran is vital for fostering positive change and supporting those working for a more open and inclusive society.
SH: The key ideology of the regime is a Shiite version of Islamism, could you explain to our readers this ideology and the impact this ideology has had on the oppression of Iranians at home and the spread of Islamist terrorism abroad?
CPS: Certainly, the key ideology of the Iranian regime is rooted in a Shiite version of Islamism, often referred to as "Wilayat al-Faqih" or "Guardianship of the Jurist." This ideology was formulated by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and it has had significant implications both domestically and internationally.
Domestic Impact:
Authoritarian Rule: The core tenet of Wilayat al-Faqih is the absolute authority of the Supreme Leader, who is regarded as the highest religious and political authority in Iran. This has led to an authoritarian system where ultimate power is concentrated in the hands of one individual. The Supreme Leader exercises control over all branches of government, the military and other key institutions.
Limited Civil Liberties: The regime's interpretation of Shiite Islam has led to a restrictive legal framework that curtails civil liberties and personal freedoms. Iranians face limitations on freedom of expression, assembly, and the press. Women, in particular, have been subjected to strict dress codes and limitations on their participation in various aspects of public life.
Religious Discrimination: The regime's adherence to a Shiite version of Islam has led to discrimination against religious minorities, including Zoroastrians, Sunnis, Jews, Christians and Baha'is. These communities often face persecution and restrictions on their religious practices.
International Impact:
Support for Proxy Militias: The Iranian regime has provided support to various Shiite militant groups and proxy militias across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and various Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. This support is driven by the regime's aim to expand its influence and promote its version of Shiite Islam in the region.
Destabilisation of the Middle East: Iran's regional activities, often conducted through its proxy militias, have contributed to instability and conflicts in the Middle East. This has had dire consequences for neighbouring countries and has fueled sectarian tensions, most specifically against the State of Israel.
Involvement in Terrorism: The Iranian regime has supported and sponsored acts of terrorism abroad. While direct evidence linking the regime to specific terrorist acts is often debated, there is clear proof of Iranian involvement in attacks and plots against both regional and international targets.
Challenge to Sunni Arab States: Iran’s Shiite Islamist ideology has placed it in opposition to Sunni majority Arab states, leading to regional rivalries and tensions, particularly with Saudi Arabia. This sectarian divide has exacerbated conflicts and proxy wars in the Middle East.
The Mahsa Amini Project of which Catherine is Director of and Stephen the Campaign Manager for, will be taking part in a number of activities from 13th September 2023, to commemorate the year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini on 16th September 2023, which the second interview with Catherine will be talking about and which gives us an insight into the nefarious nature of the current Iranian regime.
As part of the campaign, videos from various public figures, politicians and grassroots activists will be released on the 13th of September and 16th September and at 1pm on 16th September, Catherine will be hosting a Twitter Space, to mark the anniversary of Mahsa’s death, which anyone can take part in and I link to below.
https://x.com/i/spaces/1jMJgLkLXAPxL
There will also be an event chaired in Parliament by Lord Ian Austin of Dudley taking place on Monday 18th September from 4pm to 5.30pm to House of Lords Room 1, which members of the public are invited to. Further details can be found below.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mahsa-amini-project-women-life-freedom-tickets-716504493227
