A majority of members of the Grand Council of Geneva have signed a powerful declaration of solidarity with the Iranian people, backing their struggle for freedom and a democratic future. The statement strongly condemns the regime’s human rights abuses and affirms the role of Iran’s organized resistance in shaping a free and just alternative.
The declaration highlights deep concerns regarding human rights in Iran, specifically noting that the Iranian regime carried out at least 1,000 executions in 2024 alone. A key point of contention is the “hijab and chastity law,” which the signatories condemn as a mechanism for imposing total police control over society, rather than solely enforcing compulsory veiling. This stands in stark contrast to the democratic opposition’s clear stance: “No to compulsory hijab, no to compulsory religion, and no to compulsory government,” a message central to their “No to Executions” campaign.
The statement also brings to light the regime’s attempts to quell growing dissent through increased repression and executions, efforts that have ultimately failed. Disturbingly, by the end of 2024, nine political prisoners were sentenced to death for alleged affiliation with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).
Weakening Regime and the Call for Support
The declaration asserts that the Iranian regime’s survival strategy, reliant on proxy groups and regional dominance, is showing signs of vulnerability. The declaration points to the diminishing influence of Hezbollah and the swift downfall of the Syrian dictator as evidence that regimes like the mullahs and Assad are susceptible to collapse, contrary to their own propaganda. The statement warns that complacency and investments in these regimes not only compromise democratic values but are also detrimental politically and economically.
Crucially, the declaration emphasizes that supporting the Iranian people in their pursuit of regime change is both a just political stance and a moral imperative. It underscores that the Iranian people and their organized resistance should be at the core of any principled policy concerning Iran.
#Swiss Committee Urges Action to Halt Executions of Political Prisoners in #Iranhttps://t.co/UX2qWpCFKr
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) December 18, 2024
The People’s Uprising and the Demand for Democracy
The statement references the 2022 uprising, where the Iranian people unequivocally rejected all forms of dictatorship – be it monarchical or theocratic – and demanded a democratic republic. This demand was further reaffirmed by their widespread boycott of the presidential election masquerade. Popular protests and the activities of the PMOI-led Resistance Units have continuously intensified.
Given the regime’s complete obstruction of all avenues for political activity, the signatories recognize the Iranian people’s right to regime change and the right of Resistance Units to fight the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The declaration strongly advocates for the IRGC to be designated as a terrorist organization.
Swiss MP Laurence Fehlmann Rielle: "Indeed, the opposition exists, and it is alive and powerful. It is embodied in the NCRI and it must extend to all the components which advocate the establishment of a #democratic and secular society."#FreeIran10pointPlan pic.twitter.com/f8NtRdWdvm
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2024
A Vision for a Democratic Iran
The Iranian opposition, with its democratic program and the Ten-Point Plan put forth by NCRI President-elect Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, calls for national solidarity and a clear roadmap to end the religious dictatorship and transfer sovereignty to the people’s representatives. This vision, the statement concludes, offers the prospect of a democratic Iran and lasting peace in the region.
The declaration highlights significant international support for this plan, noting that in June 2024, over 4,000 parliamentarians from across the political spectrum and more than 100 former leaders publicly supported the Ten-Point Plan. This plan advocates for a democratic republic founded on the separation of religion and state and gender equality. The declaration urges all governments to support this vital plan.