Cartoon 55: Rouhani’s Key

President-elect Hassan Rouhani ran on a platform of “Prudence and Hope,” and held up a large golden key at his campaign rallies to signify the doors he would unlock as president and the challenges facing Iran that he could solve as president.

Rouhani touched upon many civil society and citizens’ rights issues in his campaign appearances and ads. While much of his language was not concrete, his message was clear and his supporters responded vehemently, voicing their desire for freedom for all political prisoners, an end to censorship and harassment, and respect for their basic rights.

And yet, since his election on June 14, 2013, Rouhani has remained silent on the topic of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience.