London Conference highlights world support for Iran protests and resistance of Iranian women
British lawmakers and distinguished personalities participated in a conference this morning, September 12, 2023, at the House of Commons in London, declaring support for the resistance of Iranian women for freedom and democracy.
The conference entitled, “Iran: One Year into Iran’s Popular Uprising, Onward to the Democratic Republic,” featured prominent women from the UK Houses of Parliament. Azadeh Zabeti, Co-President of the Anglo-Iranian lawyers, moderated the event.
The NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi sent a message to the conference and Ms. Anna Firth, MP, announced and read out the statement signed by 1,000 prominent women in support of the resistance of Iranian women for freedom and democracy.
Maryam Rajavi: Women’s leading role is the fruit of four decades of resistance by Iranian women
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.
“Backed by four decades of resistance, the Iranian people’s determination to overthrow the regime, and the fighting spirit of the injured and the parents of the victims have astonished the world.
“Women’s leading role in the uprising which has been the result of four decades of struggle by Iranian women in the PMOI and other groups, has impressed everyone.
“Some 1,000 prominent women from around the world who are well recognized in leadership, science, art, and social affairs have issued a statement supporting the vanguard role of women in the Iranian Resistance, on the eve of the anniversary of the Iran uprising. The declaration is a sign of international solidarity with the brave women and girls in Iran.
“During the uprising, the people of Iran showed that they were determined to overthrow the mullahs’ regime. They reject all forms of dictatorship. The slogan ‘down with the oppressor, be it the shah or the mullahs,’ chanted across the country, reflects this desire.
“The policy of appeasement must be set aside. It will only embolden the mullahs’ terrorist regime to commit more crimes, violate human rights in Iran, and engage in more terrorism, and hostage-taking.”
1,000 prominent women support the resistance of Iranian women
Anna Firth, MP, announced a statement signed by prominent women worldwide in support of the resistance of Iranian women.
“It’s my great pleasure to read a statement that has been signed by 1,000 prominent women as we approach the eve of the Iranian people’s uprising.
“Over 1,000 prominent women from 5 continents and 67 countries have issued a joint statement expressing their support and emphasizing the courageous women of Iran and their pivotal role in this uprising.
“Here we have 50 current and former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers, and ministers as well as 175 parliamentarians, Nobel Prize Laureates, artists, and athletes.
“In this historic statement, these figures declare their endorsement for the Ten-Point Plan outlined by Maryam Rajavi for freedom, equality, and a democratic Republic; the only program that champions the complete equality of women.”
Statement of Support for the Resistance of Iranian Women
As we approach the first anniversary of the Iranian people’s uprising for freedom, we, the undersigned, express our solidarity and support for the uprising of the Iranian people, especially women.
On September 16, 2022, a nationwide uprising erupted, with women and girls pioneering this revolt. Of the 750 individuals tragically killed by the regime’s repressive forces, a significant number were young women and girls. As a result of the regime’s brutal suppression, at least 70 children lost their lives.
The demand of the Iranian people, both women, and men, crystallized in 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.
In the face of the brutality and savagery of the clerical regime, the world observed the courage and audacity of Iranian women and girls during the uprising. They defied the regime’s oppressive forces, especially the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij, risking their lives with bare hands, and chanted, “Whether veiled or unveiled, we are heading towards the revolution.”
The courage and prominence of women in this struggle did not spontaneously materialize. Rather, it is firmly rooted in a century of Iranian women’s resistance against two distinct forms of tyranny: monarchical and religious dictatorships. Misogyny is a distinct feature and one of the pillars of the system of velayat-e faqih (absolute clerical rule). The people, especially the youths and women of Iran, are determined to end this medieval dictatorship.
Now, as the ruling mullahs in Iran have once again launched oppressive Guidance patrols in the streets to suppress women and prevent the re-ignition of the uprising, and as the religious tyranny has stepped up executions to continue its rule,
We, the undersigned, express our solidarity with 3600 parliamentarians worldwide and 123 former presidents and prime ministers, who voiced support for Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, and her Ten-point Plan for a free, democratic republic and gender equality in all spheres, most notably the right of women to freely choose their attire.
We ask the international community to stand with the brave women and people of Iran, place the oppressive and criminal Revolutionary Guards on the terrorist list, and take decisive steps to hold the leaders of the regime accountable for their crimes.
