A conference was held at the House of Commons in London to express support for the resistance of Iranian women fighting for freedom and democracy. The event, titled “Iran: One Year into Iran’s Popular Uprising, Onward to the Democratic Republic,” featured prominent women from the UK Houses of Parliament and was moderated by Azadeh Zabeti, Co-President of the Anglo-Iranian lawyers. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), sent a message to the conference, emphasizing the leading role of women in the Iranian resistance.
In her message, Rajavi acknowledged the nationwide uprising that began in Iran a year ago, which persisted despite a brutal crackdown by the regime. She highlighted the determination of the Iranian people to overthrow the regime and the significant role played by women in the uprising.
Mrs. Rajavi in parts of her message said, “One year ago, a nationwide uprising began in Iran, which persisted for several months, despite a brutal crackdown. Seven hundred and fifty young men and women, including teenagers, were shot to death or killed under torture by the IRGC. Others lost their eyes after being shot by pellet guns.
During the uprising, the Iranian people demonstrated their rejection of all forms of dictatorship, as reflected in the popular slogan “down with the oppressor, be it the shah or the mullahs.” Rajavi called for the abandonment of appeasement policies toward the Iranian regime, stating that such policies only embolden the regime to commit more crimes, violate human rights, and engage in terrorism and hostage-taking.
Anna Firth, a Member of Parliament, announced a statement signed by over 1,000 prominent women from 67 countries expressing support for the resistance of Iranian women. The signatories included former and current Presidents, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers, ministers, Nobel Prize Laureates, artists, athletes, and parliamentarians. The statement endorsed Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, which advocates for freedom, equality, and a democratic republic in Iran, emphasizing the complete equality of women.
The statement expressed solidarity with the Iranian people’s uprising that began in September 2022, with women and girls leading the revolt. The regime’s repressive forces brutally suppressed the uprising, resulting in the deaths of numerous young women, girls, and children. The Iranian people’s demand, as conveyed through their slogans, is to end the religious dictatorship and establish a democratic republic based on the separation of religion and state and complete gender equality.
The courage and prominence of women in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Iran are rooted in a century of resistance against both monarchical and religious dictatorships. The statement condemned the regime’s oppression and highlighted the determination of the Iranian people, especially the youth and women, to dismantle the medieval dictatorship.
As the ruling mullahs in Iran intensified their oppressive measures, including the revival of Guidance patrols to suppress women and increased executions, the signatories expressed solidarity with Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan and called on the international community to support the people of Iran. They urged the designation of the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization and called for holding the regime’s leaders accountable for their crimes.
In summary, the conference in London brought together prominent women from various fields to express support for the resistance of Iranian women fighting for freedom and democracy. The event showcased the leading role of women in the Iranian uprising and highlighted the international solidarity with their cause. The signed statement by 1,000 prominent women emphasized the demand for a democratic republic and gender equality in Iran and called for the international community’s support in holding the regime accountable for its crimes.
