AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Iran’s Public Libraries Institution, issuing a statement, condemned the criminal attack on the Sayed al-Shuhada (a.s.) Library in the city of Zanjan and deemed this abhorrent act worthy of being raised in international courts.
A portion of this statement reads, “This sacred place, the Sayed al-Shuhada (a.s.) Public Library in Zanjan was for years a refuge and welcoming space for all groups of people; from children and adolescents to the young and elderly, these people in pursuit of knowledge, virtue, and excellence.”
The statement adds, “The front tainted with all forms of oppression and immorality, which for some time has been led by arrogance and Zionism, sharpening its teeth to plunder the wealth of the civilization-building, culture-nurturing, resolute, proud, peace-seeking, and benevolent nation of our dear Iran, cannot bear to witness Iran's dignity, power, and independence. Now, in its savage aggression against the sanctity of the Iranian nation, it makes no distinction between a school and a government house, nor does it consider it shameful to fire upon a library, hospital, or factory!”
It emphasizes, “The intent of the Zionist and arrogant enemy of the Iranian nation is not limited merely to attacking powerful military and political positions! The enmity of this child-killing enemy stems from the humiliation imposed upon it by the magnificence of the Iranian nation's valor. Valor that is adorned with Iran's lofty name, and whose world-illuminating rays of light take pride in the virtue of faith and the grandeur of the nationality of this ancient land. Were it otherwise, the fire of war would not have been set upon the sacred and secure sanctums of schools, libraries, and universities.”
The statement continues, “The aforementioned library in Zanjan, along with the ‘Specialized Library for Understanding Imam Hussain (a.s.),’ spanning a thousand square meters of floor space, had gathered a rich treasure trove of written works and rare manuscripts, which, with great regret, now lies in ruins before the eyes of the world. Of the precious pages of its books, resources, and archives, nothing remains but a pile of ashes!”
In conclusion, it stated, “Such a crime shall be pursued in international forums with the collaboration of IFLA, and emphasis shall be placed on halting such senseless acts that stand in opposition to the civilization, culture, thought, education, and advancement of nations.”
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