Hawzah News Agency- In an interview, Tekyeh recounted memories of the martyred Leader's visits to Christian martyrs' families, emphasizing the role of empathy and unity in Iran's national cohesion.
A legacy of honoring Christian martyrs
The Assyrian lawmaker recalled that the late Leader, both during his tenure as president and as Leader of the Islamic Revolution, paid special attention to the families of martyrs.
He pointed to a heartfelt visit on the eve of Christmas to the family of martyr Jani Bet Oshana, at a time when the martyr's body had not yet been repatriated.
"After 38 years, when the body of martyr Jani Bet Oshana was finally returned home, his parents and brothers had already passed away, leaving no immediate family in Iran," Tekyeh said.
"Yet the great Iranian nation—Christians and Muslims alike, particularly our Muslim compatriots—turned out in force for his funeral. One mother of a missing soldier even said, 'I want to be a mother to this martyr.' These beautiful displays of solidarity left an indelible mark on Iran's Christian community."
He also recalled the late Leader's visit to the home of martyr Robert Lazar, where the martyr's mother served a homemade Christmas cake.
"The Leader warmly accepted the offering, partook of the pastry, and encouraged his entourage to do the same," Tekyeh said. "His repeated presence among Assyrian martyrs' families and his constant remembrance of Iran's Christians have left a lasting memory in the hearts of all religious minorities."
Religious minorities' rights fully protected
Addressing claims by hostile media outlets alleging the violation of religious minorities' rights in Iran, the MP dismissed such assertions as baseless.
"Unfortunately, the very foundation of these networks' activities is built on lies. Their livelihood depends on spreading false information," Tekyeh said.
He noted that such outlets have no understanding of the standing and rights defined for minorities in Iran.
"One has to ask them: from your perspective, what exactly constitutes minority rights? Only then can we address their alleged grievances," he said.
Citing concrete examples, Tekyeh pointed to the right to education, noting that Assyrian Christian schools in Tehran and Urmia teach the Bible in place of general religious instruction without any restrictions, with formally employed teachers.
"In the realm of religious rites, holidays, and national celebrations, we enjoy our own freedoms. Thanks to government support, there have been no obstacles," he added.
He highlighted the annual Tammuz International Cultural and Sports Festival, held for nearly 25 years with government funding, which has hosted delegations from Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Iraq, Syria, Russia, and other neighboring countries.
On inheritance rights, Tekyeh stressed that matters are handled according to the personal status laws of each minority community.
"There is no imposition on Christians to follow Islamic inheritance laws. The state officially recognizes Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant denominations, and respects each accordingly," he said.
'He was the Leader of all of us'
Speaking from Mashhad on the eve of the late Leader's funeral, Tekyeh emphasized the significance of religious minorities' participation in the ceremony.
"The Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran was the Leader of all of us. Assyrian Christians, Armenian Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, and Muslims—we are all Iranians living under one sacred tricolor flag, the very flag that today drapes his coffin," he said.
"As an Assyrian Christian and a proud Iranian, I considered it my national and religious duty to take part in bidding farewell to our martyred father and supreme leader," Tekyeh added.
He stressed that minorities had witnessed firsthand the late Leader's unwavering stance against global arrogance and his defense of the oppressed.
"Those who oppose us must understand that above all, we are Iranians—a united Iran. We actively served on the frontlines during the imposed war. The first martyr of the street battles during the Revolution in Urmia was a young Assyrian. We have offered martyrs, veterans, and former prisoners of war to this land," he said.
"Our presence at this ceremony is undoubtedly a firm slap in the face of the enemies."
Call for national unity
Concluding his remarks, Tekyeh urged the Iranian nation to strengthen empathy, integrity, and trust in the country's officials.
"It is our duty today to pray and honor the memory of all martyrs, especially the innocent martyrs of Minab," he said, referring to the victims of a recent terrorist attack.
He described the scene at Mashhad airport, where the belongings of the young victims were displayed, as deeply moving.
"Seeing the bags and shoes left behind by those dear students evokes profound revulsion in any human being. This bloodthirsty arrogance did not even spare children who were the future-builders of this land," Tekyeh said.
"The Zionist regime has neither any trace of religion nor any understanding of humanity. Its savage nature has made it despised across the world."
He concluded by likening national unity to an unbreakable chain.
"My final message to the Iranian nation is this: we must remain hand in hand, like links in a chain. If this chain of unity is preserved, no power on earth will be able to break it. The key to our victory and resilience lies in empathy, solidarity, and unwavering faith in the One God."
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