The Liberated Captives in the Supreme Leader's Statements 1

The Liberated Captives; treasures of faith and sources of national pride.

In a meeting with various groups of people on November 15th, 1989, Ayatollah Khamenei, while appreciating the sacrifice of liberated captives and their families, emphasized the courage, resilience, and moral rectitude and national status of the liberated captives, and warned against the enemy's political efforts as to exploit the issue of prisoners.

Praising resistance of the LCs(=Liberated Captives) against Imperialism

The Supreme Leader, referring to the position of Iranian fighters and prisoners, introduces them as a real and potential danger not only for the Ba'athist regime of Iraq but also for the entire front of Imperialism. He emphasizes that the young LCs, with their steadfastness and gallantry, have taught a hard lesson to the enemies.

Ayatollah Khamenei called the LCs an example of gallantry and resilience who showed resistance even in the difficult conditions of captivity. The Leader emphasized that each of the prisoners was considered a potential danger to the enemy's imperial system, and this steadfastness shows their national and moral value.

Families’ Pride in the LCs

The Leader of the Revolution called upon the families of prisoners to be proud of their liberated loved ones, placing them on par with the families of martyrs. He emphasized that the patience and honor of the liberated captives are at least as worthy of respect as the sacrifices of martyrs and veterans, and their families should, like the families of martyrs, be proud of these dear ones. This perspective views captivity not as a weakness, but as an arena for demonstrating the power of faith and defeating enemies in the hidden trenches of captivity.

Faith, Gallantry, and Inner Strength of the LCs

In these statements, the LCs were introduced as models of "gallantry" and "inner strength" who, during their years of captivity, despite various pressures and strictures from the Ba'athist regime, did not surrender. The Leader of the Revolution emphasized that the enemy, despite inflicting tortures and restrictions, failed to "digest"   the spirit and the faithful and revolutionary identity of these prisoners and have it dissolved. Throughout the years of captivity, the Ba'athist regime had imposed severe behaviors and numerous pressures on the prisoners. Nevertheless, the liberated captives, through faith and endurance, were able to withstand the pressures and rendered the enemy incapable of destroying their morale.

Exposure of Inhuman Enemy Behavior; From Concealment to Political Exploitation

In a significant part of these statements, the dual and inhuman nature of the Ba'athist regime and its Western supporters is exposed. He condemned these actions, pointing out that thousands of Iranian prisoners in Iraqi camps were not even registered, and the Red Cross also fell short in this regard. In contrast, the enemy's framing of the issue of prisoners as a "humanitarian issue" is assessed as a deceptive and political maneuver aimed at making people forget the crimes of the eight-year war and preventing the pursuit of the fate of the missing and unregistered prisoners.

Honoring the Exalted Status of Veterans and Their Families

At the end of these statements, the lofty status of martyrs, veterans, and especially liberated prisoners of war and their families, was emphasized and they were hailed as "the most prominent and noblest of people." The Supreme Leader regards showing gratitude to these dear ones as everyone's duty, from the public to government agencies. At the same time, he describes God's reward and transaction with these great individuals as beyond any material compensation and value, and as the most enduring reward.

See also

• Liberated Prisoners of War in the Remarks of the Leader

Author

Hassan Beheshtipour