Iranian Green Movement

Quick Facts: Who was Iranian Green Movement?

Subject:

Iranian Green Movement

Known for:

A major political movement in Iran following the disputed 2009 presidential election.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Iranian Green Movement (Persian: جنبش سبز ایران, romanized: Jonbeš-e Sabz-e Irân) or Green Wave of Iran, also referred to as the Persian Awakening or Persian Spring by Western media, refers to a political movement that arose after the 12 June 2009 Iranian presidential election and lasted until early 2010, in which protesters demanded the removal of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from office. Green was initially used as the symbol of Mir Hossein Mousavi's campaign, but after the election it became the symbol of unity and hope for those asking for annulment of what they regarded as a fraudulent election. Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi are recognized as political leaders of the Green Movement. Former deputy supreme leader, Hussein-Ali Montazeri was also mentioned as spiritual leader of the movement. The Green Movement protests were a major event in Iran's modern political history and observers claimed that these protests were the largest since the Iranian Revolution of 1978–79.

Career & Major Achievements

While the protests started out as a peaceful, non-violent movement, hundreds of people were arrested and several died as protests turned more violent in the following months. The movement eventually had trouble with retaining its momentum. Background to the protests The office of the President in Iran is considered the second most powerful position in the country, after that of the Supreme Leader, as the President is the head of the executive branch of power. Since 2005, Iran was led by conservative Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who first served as mayor of Tehran before being elected as president. Ahmadinejad's name was associated with human rights violations in the country, particularly with the use of violence.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The list of these violations included the increased number of death penalties and problems with LGBT rights. According to Human Rights Watch, "basic human rights protection in Iran has deteriorated to new lows" under Ahmadinejad's first presidency as, for example, the number of executions increased by three times. The Iranian president has no power over the judiciary, as it is headed by the chief justice who is in turn appointed by the Supreme Leader. During the first presidency of Ahmadinejad, the problem was particularly severe with juvenile death penalty. More than 130 juvenile offenders were sentenced to death in Iran as of 2008.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1978: 1978 Milestone — The Green Movement protests were a major event in Iran's modern political history and observers claimed that these protests were the largest since the Iranian Revolution of 1978–79.
2. 2005: 2005 Milestone — Since 2005, Iran was led by conservative Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who first served as mayor of Tehran before being elected as president.
3. 2008: 2008 Milestone — More than 130 juvenile offenders were sentenced to death in Iran as of 2008.
4. 2009: 2009 Milestone — The Iranian Green Movement (Persian: جنبش سبز ایران, romanized: Jonbeš-e Sabz-e Irân) or Green Wave of Iran, also referred to as the Persian Awakening or Persian Spring by Western media, refers to a political movement that arose after the 12 June 2009 Iranian presidential election and lasted until early 2010, in which protesters demanded the removal of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from office.

Notable Quotes by Iranian Green Movement

“The vote of the people is more important than Mousavi or any other person.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Iranian Green Movement

True or False: “The Green Movement was entirely organized by established political parties from its inception.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The protests initially seemed spontaneous without any formal organization, though they were later associated with specific figures.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aage Bohr — Historical peer (Died in 2009) (2009): Pioneering Danish nuclear physicist, Nobel laureate for atomic structure theory.
• Abdurrahman Wahid — Historical peer (Died in 2009) (2009): Influential Indonesian politician, Islamic leader, and fourth President known for pluralism.
• Alex Chilton — Historical peer (Died in 2010) (2010): American musician, best known for his vocal work with The Box Tops and Big Star.
• Alexander McQueen — Historical peer (Died in 2010) (2010): Iconic British fashion designer known for theatrical, boundary-pushing collections.
• Adolf Dassler — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.
• Aldo Moro — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Italian statesman who served as Prime Minister multiple times, championing the modern Italian centre-left.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Akira Yoshizawa — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Japanese origamist, credited with elevating origami from a mere craft to a recognized living art.
• Ahn Jae-hwan — Historical peer (Died in 2008) (2008): South Korean actor known for roles in films like Beautiful Temptation and Show Show Show.
• Aimé Césaire — Historical peer (Died in 2008) (2008): Afro-Martinican poet, politician, and founder of the Négritude movement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Iranian Green Movement