Wednesday May 12, 2010
The Honorable Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
President of the Federal Republic of Brazil
Palácio do Planalto – 4º Andar
70150-900 – Brasília – DF
Dear President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,
The Stand for Freedom in Iran Coalition was deeply disturbed to learn of your scheduled visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran in a few days.
It is our belief that by meeting with the Iranian leadership you are condoning the behavior of the regime and its blatant abuse of human rights. It is no secret that the Iranian government continues to deny religious rights to minorities, restrict women through its laws, and unlawfully detain and mistreat democracy activists. Since the beginning of this year, the government has executed 71 people and has a known record of executing minors. The judiciary and police forces have used torture as a method to force confessions from innocent people. These documented atrocities cannot be denied and must be addressed.
We call upon you to be led by your conscience and immediately cancel your meeting with the Iranian
leadership.
Signed,
The Members of the Stand for Freedom in Iran Coalition
CC:
The Honorable Ambassador Osmar Chohfi
Consul General
The Honorable Paulo de Tarso Vannuchi
Special Secretariat for Human Rights