TEHRAN- Meta's decision to close the social media pages of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has been condemned as proof of the falseness of the West's claim of freedom of expression. 

This criticism was voiced during the "Iran-Venezuela Cultural Relations" meeting at the Bolivarian University of Venezuela on March 11, khamenei.ir reported on Thursday.

The event, held on the anniversary of the unveiling of the book "Cell No. 14" in Caracas, brought together intellectuals and university professors to discuss the importance of cultural ties between the two nations.

The Minister of Culture of Venezuela, Ernesto Villegas Poljak, sent a message expressing support for Iran's right to sovereignty and cultural preservation. He emphasized the need for nations to defend their independence and traditions in a world that values diversity. 

In a message sent to the event, Iran's Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Mohammad-Mehdi Esmaeili highlighted the friendship between Iran and Venezuela and called for expanded cultural cooperation.

He also condemned the recent events in Gaza and accused the U.S. and its allies of using sanctions, censorship, and other oppressive tactics against justice-seeking nations. He criticized the closure of the social media pages of the Leader and the removal of pro-Palestinian content by those who claim to advocate human rights, noting that freedom of expression is only tolerated as long as it does not challenge oppressive policies.

Recognizing the common struggles against injustice that both nations of Iran and Venezuela have endured, he underscored his belief in a future where the marginalized and oppressed will prevail over their adversaries.

Edgar Figueroa, a researcher at the Bolivarian University, spoke about the importance of cultural exchange in fostering relationships between countries fighting for justice. 

The Spanish translation of the Leader's autobiography, "Cell No. 14," has been well-received in Venezuela, with its sixth edition now available. In a message to Spanish-speaking people, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei emphasized the importance of unity among justice-seeking nations.

In May 2023, the Portuguese and Spanish editions of “Cell No. 14” were launched during a special ceremony at the 34th Tehran International Book Fair.

Translator Martha Golzar said at the time that she feels proud of her translation of the book and added, “The author had written the book in a manner that was easily understandable and I did my best to do so.”

She called the book really informative and helpful for the younger generation.

The Spanish translation of “Cell No. 14” (“Celda No. 14”) was first introduced in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas in March 2023.

Ayatollah Khamenei has sent a message to the book launch event.

“I would be very happy if I could have communicated with you, the speakers of Spanish, by this book,” the Leader wrote in a short message.

Later in April, the House of Representatives of Colombia hosted a book launch celebration of (“Celda No. 14”.)

The book and its audio edition were offered by Iran at the International Book Fair of Bogotá, the Colombian capital.

“This book covers a brief episode of my life. What a good thing it would be if we, you and all justice-seeking nations can be more understanding and supportive of each other. May God bless you,” he concluded.

The book focuses on the first half of the life of Ayatollah Khamenei, from his early childhood all the way to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that brought the monarchical regime to an end in Iran.

The Persian edition “Khun-e Deli ke La’l Shod” (“The Pains that Changed into Gains”) was published by Islamic Revolution Publications in 2019.

It was a Persian translation of “Inna Ma as-Sabri Nasra” the Leader had written in Arabic. The memories were then compiled by the Iranian Arabic language scholar Mohammad-Ali Azarshab.

The Arabic version was unveiled by Lebanon’s Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah during a ceremony held in Beirut in February 2019 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.

The book also contains unpublished photos of the Leader, his father and his children, in addition to a photo collection of paintings related to the topics in the book.

SAB/