On February 12, a session in the House of Lords brought together prominent figures from politics, law, and activism to discuss human rights, freedom, and democracy in Iran. Hosted by Mosa Zahed, founding director of the Middle East Forum for Development, the event expressed strong support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for a democratic republic, and the proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
Mosa Zahed opened the session by emphasizing the need for international intervention, highlighting ongoing executions in Iran, including the imminent execution of political prisoner Behrooz Ehsani. “The Iranian people have relentlessly fought for their rights,” he stated. “The UK must proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization and stand firmly with the Iranian people’s fight for democracy.”
Lord Henry Bellingham reiterated the importance of recognizing the NCRI and its objectives. “We must continue our efforts to stop executions inside Iran and push the government to proscribe the IRGC,” he asserted. “This will support the Iranian people and contribute to global peace and stability.”
Farzaneh Najari, a chemical engineer and member of the Anglo-Iranian Professionals, gave a sobering account of Iran’s deteriorating conditions. “Iran is a land of death,” she said. “People die for speaking against the government, refusing the hijab, poor healthcare, and environmental disasters. The NCRI and Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan are our people’s hope.” She urged the UK to take decisive action to accelerate regime change, emphasizing that “even one second sooner means saving thousands of lives.”
Malcolm Fowler, a distinguished lawyer and member of the Human Rights Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales, condemned the UK government’s hesitation in proscribing the IRGC. “They see appeasement as a sign of weakness,” he warned. “It is irrational to let the IRGC avoid being proscribed. We must be tougher and make it plain that diplomatic and trade engagement with Iran will cease unless they behave as a proper nation should.”
Last night's session in the House of Lords focused on #HumanRights, #freedom, and #democracy in #Iran. It also expressed support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran, Ms Maryam Rajavi's 10-point plan to establish a democratic republic, and the proscription of the #IRGC pic.twitter.com/AuoAvuUdHZ
— Mosa Zahed (@Mosazahed) February 13, 2025
Jim Shannon MP, a longstanding advocate for human rights, issued a call to action. “At this very moment, the lives of NCRI supporters hang in the balance,” he said. “The regime thrives on oppression and terror, but the people of Iran are rising. Their fight for freedom and democracy is unyielding, and we must support them.” He emphasized Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as a “roadmap for a just future” and called on the UK government to recognize the NCRI as the legitimate opposition to the Iranian regime.
Neda Zebeti, a human rights activist, reflected on Iran’s history of resistance, drawing parallels between the current struggle and the 1979 revolution. “Different dictators, different ideologies, yet the same oppression,” she noted. “The Iranian people’s demands have been consistent: the removal of the supreme leader, respect for fundamental freedoms, and an end to terrorism.” She criticized the UK’s failure to proscribe the IRGC despite listing its proxies as terrorist organizations. “It is illogical and immoral,” she said. “We need an end to appeasement.”
Conservative Councillor Robert Ward struck an optimistic tone, stating, “The regime has never been weaker. The Syrian ally is gone, and proxies are failing. The Iranian people have organized, and their resolve is strong. This could be the year the regime falls.” He called for the UK to engage with Maryam Rajavi, recognize the NCRI, and finally proscribe the IRGC.
Sheida Uraki shared her personal loss, recounting the execution of five family members by the Iranian regime. “More than 1,000 people have been executed since the new president took power,” she said. “We condemn this tyranny and urge the UK to take immediate steps to stop executions and support resistance forces.”
Siavosh Rajabi echoed the need for decisive international action. “The NCRI is not just an opposition, but a beacon of hope,” he said. “Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan has garnered global support. The UK must recognize the NCRI, engage with its leadership, proscribe the IRGC, and support global efforts to end executions.” He stressed that a free Iran would contribute to global stability and peace. “This is our moment to be on the right side of history.”
The event concluded with a resounding message: the time for action is now. Lawmakers, activists, and advocates urged the UK government to stop appeasement, stand with the Iranian people, and take concrete steps toward supporting a free, democratic, and secular Iran.