A significant number of Irish parliamentarians from Seanad Éireann and Dáil Éireann have issued a joint statement, expressing grave concern over the worsening human rights crisis in Iran and advocating for international recognition of the Iranian people’s right to regime change. The statement underscores support for the Iranian opposition’s democratic platform as a roadmap to a free and democratic Iran.
The declaration highlights the dire human rights situation in Iran, reporting over 1,000 executions in 2024 alone. It specifically condemns the regime’s “Hijab and Chastity Law” as a tool to enforce mandatory hijab, suppress women who lead protests, and prevent future uprisings. The statement also points to the regime’s desperate measures to crush dissent, citing the late 2024 sentencing to death of nine political prisoners for alleged membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). These actions, according to the parliamentarians, underscore Tehran’s desperation and fear of organized resistance.
A Faltering Regime and the Imperative for Change
The statement notes that the collapse of Hezbollah’s influence and the downfall of the Syrian dictator have severely impacted the Iranian regime’s survival strategy. The Irish signatories assert that appeasing this faltering regime betrays democratic values, emboldens its repressive policies, and undermines global security due to Tehran’s ongoing nuclear ambitions and terrorism.
The majority in Ireland’s Senate stands with the Iranian people against tyranny. This unified stance highlights Ireland’s commitment to freedom, human rights, and democratic change in Iran. #FreeIran2025 #en_simayazadi pic.twitter.com/hwWt95qyuo
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) May 22, 2025
In the 2022 uprising, the Iranian people unequivocally rejected all forms of dictatorship, whether monarchical or theocratic, demanding a democratic republic. Given the regime’s complete blockade of all avenues for political activity, the Irish parliamentarians call on the international community to recognize the Iranian people’s right to regime change. Furthermore, they emphasize that the right of MEK Resistance Units, who are playing a key role in this popular push for change, to fight the IRGC must be acknowledged, and the IRGC should be designated as a terrorist organization.
The Democratic Alternative and International Endorsement
The Iranian opposition, through its democratic platform and the Ten-Point Plan proposed by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), offers a roadmap to end the religious dictatorship and transfer sovereignty to the people’s representatives. This vision encapsulates the popular demands of Iran: “No to compulsory hijab,” “No to compulsory religion,” “No to dictatorship,” and “No to executions”. It also provides the prospect of a democratic Iran and lasting peace in the region.
The statement highlights broad international backing for this democratic alternative and roadmap, noting that in June 2024, over 4,000 parliamentarians and 100 former leaders endorsed it. The Irish signatories strongly urge all governments to support this plan.