Endorsed the Rushdie Fatwa: As Iran’s ambassador to Germany, Mousavian publicly stated on German radio that Iran would not lift the fatwa calling for the assassination of Salman Rushdie. His refusal to condemn this extremist order aligned him with violent fundamentalist policies.
Prioritized Trade over Human Rights: Mousavian expressed doubt that Germany would risk its trade relations with Iran by protesting the fatwa, showing his willingness to prioritize economic interests over human rights and freedom of speech.
Complicity in Political Assassinations: During his ambassadorship, 24 Iranians were assassinated across Europe. A German court determined that these murders were orchestrated by the Iranian leadership, including the foreign ministry. A former Iranian spy testified that Mousavian was involved in many of these assassinations.
Mykonos Restaurant Assassinations: In 1992, four Iranian dissidents were murdered at Berlin’s Mykonos restaurant. A German court later concluded that Iran’s Special Affairs Committee, including top Iranian officials, ordered the killings. Several Iranian and Lebanese operatives were found guilty, and Germany expelled four Iranian diplomats, asking for Mousavian’s recall. He returned to Iran shortly afterward, connecting him to the regime’s violent actions.
Support for Terrorist Organizations: In a 1997 interview with Taz Daily, Mousavian expressed support for Hamas and Hezbollah, both designated as terrorist organizations. His endorsement of these groups further illustrates his alignment with violent extremist movements.
Imprisonment in Iran for Corruption: Mousavian was imprisoned in Iran not for opposing the regime's policies, as some have suggested, but due to gross financial corruption. His incarceration underscores the extent of his unethical behavior, even within a regime notorious for its own corruption and malfeasance.
Ongoing Investigation into Mousavian’s Role at Princeton: On November 16, 2023, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce announced an investigation into Princeton University, focusing on the controversial role of Mousavian, who formerly served as Iran’s ambassador to Germany. This investigation highlights concerns about his ties to the Iranian regime and his support for terrorism.
Propagating Iranian Regime Falsehoods: Despite his academic credentials, Mousavian's work is aimed at diverting attention from the Iranian regime's aggressive nuclear activities. His writings and speeches downplay or justify Iran's nuclear ambitions, influencing public opinion in the US and the West in favor of the regime. Mousavian must be fired for spreading Iranian regime propaganda instead of fostering genuine academic discourse and integrity.
Mousavian’s history of supporting violent extremism, corruption, and regime propaganda makes him a dangerous actor who actively promotes the oppressive policies of the Islamic regime occupying Iran.