Councillor receives threats of violence for stance on Iran

A councillor from Coventry, Mattie Heaven, has revealed receiving death threats due to her support for US-led actions against the Iranian government. Heaven, along with her husband Vahid Beheshti, faces fatwas from Iranian clerics after advocating for the IRGC's classification as a terrorist organization.

A councillor in Coventry, originally from Iran, has disclosed that she and her husband are receiving death threats because of their support for US-led actions against the Iranian government. Mattie Heaven, a Conservative member of Coventry City Council, moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 11 and is married to Iranian journalist and activist Vahid Beheshti.

Religious Edicts Issued Against the Couple

Heaven revealed that both she and Beheshti have been targeted with fatwas by Iranian clerics. The threats followed their public calls for the UK government to officially classify the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation due to its activities in the United Kingdom. Heaven explained that she maintains nearly daily contact with counter-terrorism police. She stated, "They say, 'If you feel the threat, call 999'. And I say by that time, it would be too late."

The Home Office confirmed that it has implemented a "robust package of measures to counter the grave threat from the Iranian regime."

Understanding Fatwas

A fatwa is a formal ruling issued by Islamic clerics, often addressing religious law. In certain cases, such as the current situation, a fatwa can target specific individuals. A well-known example is the fatwa issued against author Salman Rushdie following the publication of his 1989 novel The Satanic Verses.

Support for Military Action

Heaven and Beheshti have both publicly voiced support for military strikes against the Iranian government. Heaven highlighted that a change in Tehran’s leadership could enhance global safety. She stated, "This conflict is not just saving people inside Iran, it's for our safety and freedom and security here in the UK too."

The councillor emphasized the IRGC’s stated aim of establishing a global Islamic state and its financial support of groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, which have contributed to instability in the Middle East.

Criticism of the IRGC and UK Government

The couple has accused the IRGC of conducting terrorist activities and has criticized the UK government for not proscribing the organisation three years ago. As part of a protest, Beheshti conducted a hunger strike outside the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to demand action against the IRGC.

UK Government Measures Against the IRGC

While the IRGC has not been fully proscribed, the Home Office has sanctioned the organisation. These measures include targeting more than 550 individuals and entities linked to the IRGC and placing the entire Iranian state on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, which aims to increase transparency regarding Iranian influence activities in the UK.

Limitations in Police Action

Heaven noted that the lack of full proscription restricts UK authorities’ ability to respond to the threats. She remarked that her husband feels safer when positioned in front of the Foreign Office due to visible security cameras. Despite repeated meetings with counter-terrorism police, Heaven described the practical response as limited. "This is not a joke. The police are aware. The counter-terrorism police have met me several times they sympathise but in terms of action, we see zero action," she said.

Ongoing Advocacy

Both Heaven and Beheshti continue to call for stronger measures against the IRGC and broader Iranian influence, highlighting the perceived threat posed by the Iranian regime to both domestic and international security.

Related Context

• Iranian missiles were intercepted over Turkey and the UAE as oil prices rose above $100 per barrel.
• Mojtaba Khamenei has been named as successor to Iran's supreme leader.
• Former US President Donald Trump demanded "unconditional surrender" from Iran amid rising global tensions.

Sources:

• Councillor gets death threats over Iran stance (Yahoo)
• Councillor gets death threats over Iran stance (AOL)
• Councillor gets death threats over Iran stance (BBC Local RSS)
• Councillor gets death threats over Iran stance