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The Mounting Global Support of the Ongoing Anti-regime Iran Protests- Nr. 2 

Written by Shamsi Saadati

photo_2022-09-20_22-49-47

The nationwide uprising in Iran that was sparked by the killing of a 22-years-young girl and highlighted the regime’s gender apartheid quickly escalated into a major revolution that is now calling for the end of the entire clerical establishment. 

Entering the sixth week, Iran’s revolution has claimed the support of many world leaders, legislators, NGOs, human rights activists, and celebrities around the world. As Iranians continue to suffer and get killed by the murderous regime, they increasingly need support and recognition worldwide, most notably their right to legitimate self-defense against Tehran’s killing machine. 

Some of the international community’s statements are reflected below.

Due to the length of the published content, older updates can be found here:

The Mounting Global Support of the Ongoing Anti-regime Iran Protests- Nr.1  

Newer updates can be found here:

The Mounting Global Support of the Ongoing Anti-regime Iran Protests- Nr. 3

 

October 24

Issuing a statement, United States Representative Brian Mast announced: “I am cosponsoring the Mahsa Amini Act, which would sanction Iran’s Supreme Leader and his inner circle.  This bill sends a clear message from the U.S. Congress that this type of aggression and suppression will not be tolerated. We cannot let extremists continue to violate human rights and wreak havoc around the globe.  We must stand up to this corrupt regime.”

According to EuropaPress, the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares reiterated on Monday his strong condemnation of the persecution of Iranian women and girls who participate in demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini and warned of new EU sanctions against the Iranian regime if Tehran refuses to stop the brutal crackdown.

 

October 23

 

October 21

According to Lessetiel, Prime Minister Luxembourg’s Xavier Bettel has condemned Iran’s security forces for their deadly crackdown on protesters. “It’s not an accident or anything. People are being killed by the morality police,” Bettel said on Friday on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels. “Iran has a morality police force that tells women what is good for them. “It’s shameful,” said the Luxembourger. Bettel went on to say that one cannot simply close one’s eyes against the background of what is happening in Iran.

On behalf of the US Mission to the United Nations, Counselor for Public Affairs Elijah Waterman told the UN General Assembly Fourth Committee: “We are deeply concerned by the regime’s stifling of the Iranian people’s freedom of expression. The Iranian government has cut off access to the Internet for most of its 80 million citizens to prevent them – and the world – from watching its violent crackdown on peaceful protestors. It is clear from these actions, that the Iranian government is afraid of its own people. Mahsa Amini is senselessly, tragically dead, and now the government is violently suppressing peaceful protesters rightfully angry about not only her death, but the long history of government repression and abuse her death represents.”

A bill proposed by US Representative James Banks dubbed the Mahsa Amini Act would impose sanctions on the Iranian regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and President Ebrahim Raisi as well as their respective offices for human rights abuses and support for terrorism.

 

October 20

 

October 19

Issuing a statement, the Canadian government announced: “Canada is imposing new sanctions against the Iranian regime in response to its gross and systematic human rights violations, including its persecution of women. These measures are also in response to the Iranian regime’s ongoing breach of international peace and security.”

“These new measures are in addition to the existing sanctions Canada has had in place against Iran under the Special Economic Measures Act since 2010. Under these sanctions, Canada has already listed several individuals and entities associated with Iran’s military the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, other parts of the regime’s deep state, as well as associates of the Iranian regime.”

October 18

In a conversation between former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice at Stanford University, Secretary of State Tony Blinken said: “What we’re seeing is – really is remarkable. And it starts with the incredible courage of very young people, especially women and girls, who are standing up for their most basic rights, their most fundamental freedoms, at extraordinary personal risk. And of course, we saw the prominent deaths of young women that led to this.”

“But what’s powerful about it is that this is – this is grassroots, this is bottom up. This is a reflection of huge frustration and huge anger that so many in Iranian society have toward the direction of their country and toward their leadership, and they’re demanding change. This is not made in the U.S.A.; it’s not made anywhere else. To the extent that leaders in Iran try to point the fingers and somehow blame us, they are profoundly misreading and misunderstanding their own people and their own country, and that’s going to be to their detriment.”

“I think our voice has been very clear – not just our voice, our actions. And not just ours, but countries around the world. But fundamentally, this is about the Iranian people. It’s about their country. It’s about their future. They will decide it. But we want to demonstrate in both practical as well as rhetorical ways our solidarity with them in this moment.”

The spokesperson of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs issued a statement that read: “The Council of the European Union yesterday adopted restrictive measures against four entities and eleven individuals implicated in serious human rights violations in Iran and directly responsible for the ongoing violent repression.”

“We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately cease this brutal repression and to implement the principles to which they themselves subscribed, in particular those contained in the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which they adhered in 1975.”

Switzerland is considering whether to adopt the strengthened European Union sanctions against Iran following Teheran’s crackdown against demonstrators outraged by the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, Reuters reported.

October 17

Issuing a statement, the UN Child Rights Committee urged Tehran to stop all violence against children, which is a clear violation of their rights, including the right to protest peacefully. The statement reads in part: “A month after demonstrations erupted across Iran, the unabated violent response by security forces against protesters, and reports of arbitrary arrests and the killing and detention of children are deeply worrying.”

“Some sources suggest that as many as 23 children have been killed and many others injured in at least seven provinces by live ammunition, metal pellets at close range, and fatal beatings. A number of schools have also been raided, and children arrested by security forces. Some principals have also reportedly been arrested for not cooperating with security forces. On 11 October, the Minister of Education confirmed that an unspecified number of children had been sent to “psychological centres” after they were arrested allegedly for participating in anti-State protests.”

The Council of the European Union announced via a statement it has added eleven individuals and four entities to the list of those subject to restrictive measures in the context of the existing Iran human rights sanctions regime. This is in view of their role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to the recent demonstrations in Iran.

Talking to a reporter in Luxembourg, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra said: What is crystal clear, what we see is a completely justified fight of courageous women and men in Iran for their own freedom. Clearly, this is something we support. We condemn any attempt to attack these protesters we call again for an independent investigation. We call again for sanctions. Also for a clear declaration by the European Union on what is going on.”

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed that Norway will adopt new EU sanctions against the regime in Iran, calling it “a clear signal of protest from Europe.”

Støre said Norway has been in “close contact” with the EU on the sanctions. “We have protested markedly against Iran’s violations of human rights,” Støre told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK). “There’s been a violent reaction from the police against those who protest, so we stand together with the EU on these recent sanctions.”

Jean Asselborn, Luxembourgian Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Immigration, and Asylum told reporters: “The almighty leaders in Iran ought to have a look at the calendar and figure out that we are in the year 2022. The people do not want to be locked up anymore. People want to breathe, particularly women and the youth.”

“We have to stress that those people who take to the streets are not terrorists. It’s also not the work of the Great Satan, the United States, that is causing these protests. This regime does not function anymore. Therefore, the EU must take the first step and I’m afraid it will not be the last one.”

Former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley called for US President Biden to demand the removal of the Iranian regime from the U.N. women’s commission in the wake of the death of Mahsa Amini — a death that has sparked protests and a brutal response from the theocratic regime.

October 16

October 15

October 14

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) called on the Joseph R. Biden administration to spearhead the establishment of a United Nations (UN) Commission of Inquiry on Iran following weeks of brutal crackdowns, arrests, and killings of women peacefully protesting mandatory religious headscarf (hijab) laws.

“Iran’s use of excessive and lethal force against protesters asserting their religious freedom is a deplorable violation of international law for which there must be full accountability,” said USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel. “Iranian protesters are asking that their voices be heard. We urge the Biden administration to support a UN Commission of Inquiry on Iran to ensure that Iranian security forces cannot silence Iranians seeking religious freedom with impunity.”

“The time is long overdue for Iranian security officials who repress those seeking freedom of religion to face accountability,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Abraham Cooper. “Iranians risking their lives for greater freedom of religion deserve the unwavering support of the international community. The Biden administration must pursue every available measure to unify a global coalition that will act decisively as Iranian security officials continue to respond with violence to appeals for greater religious freedom.”

In an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said: “I do hope that each and every one of us utterly condemns this brutal violence without having to cite feminist foreign policy. But for me, it is no coincidence that women are suffering so much and that headscarf rules are playing a role. That is why from my very first day in office, I have made clear in every country that, in line with feminist foreign policy, women’s rights are a yardstick for the state of society. Those who oppress half of their population obviously don’t set many stores by democracy. And the brutal way in which the regime has been treating women for almost four weeks now shows its lack of consideration for its own population. We see and hear horrendous examples on a daily basis: women are being abducted on the street, beaten up, and tortured, and 15-year-old girls are taken from their homes. In Iran, we are not just seeing the systematic suppression of women. Feminist foreign policy also means showing how other groups are affected. We are talking here about the rights of Sunnis, Bahá’ís, Kurds, and homosexuals. I am working hard to ensure that the perpetrators of these human rights crimes are called to account, that they are not allowed to enter Europe and that their assets in the EU are frozen – in addition to the 550 persons and organizations currently sanctioned. And this first sanctions package as a reaction to the suppression of women is only going to be the start of providing the people with effective assistance.”

During her press briefing, US White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: “The President has said this and I’ll reiterate what he said, which is: We remain gravely concerned about the intensity — intensifying violent crackdown on peaceful protesters in Iran who are demanding their equal rights and basic human dignity.”

“The Iranian government has now killed more than 200 people in its crackdown, according to credible reports by human rights organizations. Again, we condemn the Iranian authorities that have arrested and fired on peaceful protesters; the targeted arrest of journalists, human rights activists, teachers, and cultural figures; and the — and the continued disruption of the Internet inside Iran.”

“For decades, Iran’s regime has denied fundamental freedoms to its people and suppressed the aspirations of successive generations through intimidation, coercion, and violence. The United States stands with, again, Iranian women and all the citizens of Iran who are inspiring the world with their bravery.”

German Women’s Affairs Minister Lisa Paus and her counterparts from the remaining G7 countries have appealed to Iran to put an end to violence and repression of protests in the country.

“Women’s rights are human rights and the Iranian authorities are obligated under international law to guarantee the equal and full enjoyment of all human rights by all women and girls,” the ministers said in a joint statement issued after a meeting in Berlin.

October 13

Issuing a statement, the Canadian government announced: “The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations. These sanctions build upon the ones announced on October 3, 2022, and respond to the Iranian regime’s systematic human rights violations and ongoing actions that destabilize regional security. The regime’s continued grave and ongoing breaches of international law are well-known and documented, including its blatant disregard for human life. Canada will always stand with Iranians and the victims of this regime, including with the families and loved ones of the victims of the downing of Flight PS752.”

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), along with Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced a bicameral Senate resolution reaffirming the United States support for the Iranian protesters who have been fiercely fighting for their freedom and fundamental human rights.

October 12

During a live interview with the French TV network France 2, President Emmanuel Macron said that France stands “alongside” Iranian protesters. He expressed his “admiration” for the “women” and the “young people” who demonstrate. He felt that these demonstrators carried “the universalism of our values”. “We stand alongside those who fight for these values,” insisted the French head of state.

October 11

According to Scoop, the ACT Party Called for the expulsion of the Iranian regime’s ambassador from New Zealand. “A response from the Iranian Ambassador to a letter from the ACT Party shows he has no place in New Zealand,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“If other nations don’t stand up and push back on these sorts of atrocities then we have no chance of ever putting an end to them. The Iranian Government should be forced to consider whether these actions are acceptable and whether it can be accepted by the global community if they continue.”

During his daily press briefing, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric said: “I wanted to flag a statement from Catherine Russell, the Executive Director of UNICEF.  She said she was extremely concerned by continuing reports of children and adolescents being killed, injured and detained amid the ongoing public unrest that we’re seeing in the country.  Our thoughts are with the families of those who have been killed and injured, she said, and we share their grief, she added.”

“UNICEF calls for the protection of all children from all forms of violence and harm, including during conflict and political events.  Violence against children – by anyone and in any context – is indefensible.”

The US President issued a statement honoring the ‘Proclamation on International Day Of The Girl, 2022’ that includes: “I will continue to speak out for women and girls around the globe, including in Iran, where brave young women are demonstrating to secure their basic rights, and I have called on the Congress to double funding for programs that promote gender equality worldwide.”

October 10

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement in support of protests across Iran which were first sparked by the arrest, beating, and murder of Mahsa Amini by the regime’s morality police in addition to broader outrage over systemic violence against women.

October 9

According to the Frankfurter Algemeine, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has announced that further sanctions will be imposed on the Iranian regime.

“We will ensure that the EU imposes travel bans on those responsible for this brutal repression and freezes their assets in the EU,” said Baerbock, strongly criticizing Tehran. “Anyone who beats up women and girls on the street, kidnaps people who want nothing more than to live in freedom, arbitrarily arrests them, and sentences them to death is on the wrong side of history.”

October 8

October 7

According to the AFP, the Canadian government moved to institute bans on over 10,000 senior leaders in the Iranian regime’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), including its elite Quds Force, for an ongoing “brutal” crackdown on mass protests.

“We are using the most powerful tools at our disposal to crack down on this brutal regime. Our government will continue to pursue all the tools at our disposal,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters.

The U.S. State Department said that it would continue to coordinate with its allies and partners on how to respond to the Iranian regime’s “bloody crackdown” on protesters and its “state-sponsored violence” against women, Reuters reported.

“We are going to continue to coordinate with our allies and partners and respond to Iran’s violent crackdown as well as, frankly, its state-sponsored violence against women,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.

October 6

The United States imposed new sanctions on the Iranian regime’s interior and communications ministers as well as other state officials. The US Treasury Department announced: “Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating seven senior leaders within Iran’s government and security apparatus for the shutdown of Iran’s Internet access and the continued violence against peaceful protesters in the wake of the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly wearing a hijab improperly, and died in the custody of Iran’s Morality Police.”

The Swiss foreign ministry has called on the Iranian regime to protect Iranians’ right to freedom of expression amid a violent crackdown on anti-government protests that erupted after the death of a young Iranian woman, Swiss Info reported.

October 5

October 4

According to Global News, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to further punish Iran’s “bloodthirsty regime”, one day after Ottawa imposed sanctions over the death of Mahsa Amini. Trudeau told reporters in Nova Scotia that Ottawa would hold Iran to account, not only for Amini’s death, which has sparked global outcry, but for the families of victims on flight PS752 that was shot down in January 2020. At a debate in the European Parliament, High Representative Josep Borrell said: “Let me express our admiration for the demonstrations – mainly women and also men across Iran protesting her killing and the repression that they have suffered that has cost tens of people killed. These are facts, these are not opinions. These are facts. In the streets of Iran, the repression of the demonstrators has left behind tens of people killed.”

October 3

United States President Joe Biden issued a statement to condemn the violent crackdown on protesters in Iran. The statement read: “I remain gravely concerned about reports of the intensifying violent crackdown on peaceful protestors in Iran, including students and women, who are demanding their equal rights and basic human dignity.  They are calling for just and universal principles, which underpin the UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  For decades, Iran’s regime has denied fundamental freedoms to its people and suppressed the aspirations of successive generations through intimidation, coercion, and violence. The United States stands with Iranian women and all the citizens of Iran who are inspiring the world with their bravery.”

The French government condemned in the strongest possible terms the continued brutal repression of protests in Iran. A statement issued by the French Foreign Affairs Ministry said: “France condemns in the strongest possible terms the continued brutal repression of protests in Iran, whose death toll has once again increased dramatically, and demands that this repression end immediately. France has been particularly shocked by the violence committed against protestors, especially at Sharif University this past weekend.”

“Iran must respect the right to peaceful protest as well as human rights, in particular the rights of women and girls, which are protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which was ratified by Iran. Last Friday, the Iranian embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires was summoned to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and received these messages.”

The Canadian government announced it is sanctioning 34 individuals and entities, including the Iranian regime’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the morality police.

The list, obtained by Radio-Canada, comes a week after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged sanctions on the Iranian government. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly on Monday announced the list of sanctions, which includes 25 individuals and nine entities.

The Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney issued a statement and condemned Tehran’s “disproportionate and unjustifiable response of the Iranian internal security apparatus to peaceful protests against the death in custody of Mahsa Amini.”

The statement also reads: “I also remind the Iranian Government that Iran is a party to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, which enshrines the fundamental rights of freedom of assembly and speech. The disproportionate use of force against peaceful protests and the decision to severely restrict access to the internet is a breach of those fundamental rights.”

The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office summoned the Iranian regime’s Chargé d’Affaires in London over the Iranian authorities worsening crackdown on protests.

As the people of Iran protest the killing of Mahsa Amini, people in Canada march in solidarity. Canada will hold Iran accountable for its crimes. We stand in solidarity with women in Iran and women globally protesting for their rights. Women’s rights are human rights. #MahsaAmini pic.twitter.com/r7Dl4Gq6Zl

— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) October 3, 2022

According to Reuters, the US White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Monday denounced the crackdown by Iranian security forces against peaceful protests in Iran.

“We’re alarmed and appalled by reports of security authorities’ responding to university students’ peaceful protests with violence and mass arrests,” she told reporters traveling with President Joe Biden to Puerto Rico.

The ongoing protests are in response to the death two weeks ago of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was beaten by security forces for wearing an “improper” hijab.

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