How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Panel)
Quote #7
"The elections were faked and they believe the results." (9.5)
We're not sure if this is Marji's father telling the truth or him buying into political propaganda, but he definitely believes that this is the truth. At least their election didn't hang on the interpretation of a few hanging chads.
Quote #8
"The regime got scared because if these opponents had reached Tehran, they would have freed those who represented a real threat to the government…" (29.66)
Marjane's dad talks a lot about Iranian politics in this chapter, and it can be confusing, especially for an outsider. The short of it is this: the few in power killed hundreds of thousands of people to ensure they stayed in power. That's some corruption right there. Notice that Dad says "real threat to the government," instead of a real threat to the people. The powers that be are not concerned with the people—only themselves.
Quote #9
Between 1980 and 1983, the government had imprisoned and executed so many high-school and college students that we no longer dared to talk politics. (35.22)
Fearmongering is the main political tool in Iran. Disagree with your official? Go to jail. If the United States was run this way, pretty much everyone would be in jail at this point. How many times have you disagreed with the president? Exactly—it happens.