On November 14, Westminster hosted Pathway to Peace: Standing with the Victims of Terrorism and Oppression in Iran, organized by the Anglo-Iranian Professionals Association. The event brought together prominent UK parliamentarians, Iranian activists, and human rights advocates to amplify the voices of those fighting for freedom and justice in Iran.
The meeting was chaired by Naghmeh Rajabi, who opened the session with a deeply personal account of her family’s experiences under the Iranian regime. “My aunt, Afsaneh Rajabi, was just 22 years old when she was executed for demanding basic human rights,” she shared, emphasizing that the struggle for freedom in Iran is deeply personal for many. Rajabi called attention to the plight of Iranian professionals, stating, “Despite overwhelming adversity, they are not calling for limited reforms but for fundamental change—a rejection of decades of oppression.”
Rt Hon Sir Roger Gale, a veteran Conservative MP and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons reaffirmed his steadfast support for democratic freedoms and human rights in Iran. Addressing the audience, Sir Gale condemned the actions of the Iranian regime, describing its behavior as “completely unacceptable” and highlighting the persecution and execution of individuals “for their beliefs and behaviors.”
Sir Gale praised Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), calling her “an extremely courageous woman” and emphasizing her pivotal role in the fight for freedom in Iran. “We understand both what you are fighting for and why you are fighting for it,” he remarked, expressing optimism about the growing parliamentary support for the cause. He added, “We will stay on your side for as long as it takes to get this resolved.”
Democratic Unionist Party MP Jim Shannon expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in executions in Iran since Masoud Pezeshkian took office. Addressing a parliamentary event, Shannon highlighted that “the latest count is bringing the total number of executions under the regime’s new president, Pezeshkian, to 461, including 15 women.” He emphasized that this figure represents “a 75% increase compared to Raisi’s last year,” referring to former president Ebrahim Raisi, notorious as the Butcher of Tehran.
Shannon described the situation as “a profound tragedy for Iran when its brightest minds are imprisoned or executed instead of being given opportunities to help make Iran more prosperous.” He called for immediate action, urging the UK government to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and to support the Iranian people’s fight for freedom. Shannon reaffirmed his commitment to standing with the Iranian community until “Iran is free.”
Councillor Louise Hyams, representing St. James Ward, spoke passionately about the severe repression faced by Iranian women. “The cause of women in Iran is desperate,” she said, highlighting their exclusion from education and participation in society. “It makes me weep when I see what happens to them for the slightest infraction.”
As a female politician, Himes reflected on the progress women have made in the UK, referencing the suffragette movement and her own journey in politics. “Here I am as a female politician… something we fought so strongly for here,” she remarked, calling for solidarity with Iranian women. She urged governments to act decisively, expressing hope for “an end to the rulers of the current government of Iran so that we will have peace.”
Pathway to Peace: Standing with the Victims of Terrorism and Oppression in #Iran,organised by the Anglo-Iranian Professionals Association.
The meeting addressed the escalating political repression and economic crisis in Iran#FreeIran2024 #IRGCterroists https://t.co/dz2oV6oA1c pic.twitter.com/DllTbR8Pz1— Academics In Exile Association (@iranianacademic) November 16, 2024
Dr. Ellaheh Zabihi, a senior lecturer at the University of London, called for decisive action from the UK and its allies to address Iran’s worsening human rights crisis. She outlined six critical steps, including establishing an international accountability process as recommended by UN experts, referring Iran’s human rights abuses to the UN Security Council, and mandating the International Criminal Court to prosecute crimes against humanity. “The UK must use its position as a permanent member of the Security Council to lead these efforts,” she stated.
She also emphasized the need for sanctions against senior Iranian officials, the suspension of diplomatic relations until political prisoners are released, and cooperation with the Iranian democratic opposition to amplify the global campaign against executions. Highlighting the ongoing “No to Executions Tuesdays” hunger strike by Iranian prisoners, Dr. Zabihi called for solidarity with their resistance under dire conditions.
“These steps are not just necessary—they are urgent,” she said, stressing that international inaction could lead to another mass atrocity reminiscent of the 1988 massacre.
Rana Rahmanfard, a linguist and activist, highlighted the Iranian regime’s global expansion of terrorism and its devastating impact. “This regime has masterminded, armed, and funded more wars, terrorist activities, and assassination attempts than I can even think to mention,” she stated, calling it “a global threat.”
Rahmanfard emphasized the regime’s international reach, referencing terrorist plots foiled in Europe and the UK, as well as its support for conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and beyond. “If we agree that the Iranian regime is the biggest threat to global security… the only solution is to target the very heart of this terrorism: the IRGC,” she urged.
Stressing the need for firm action, Rahmanfard called on the UK government to proscribe the IRGC and adopt a tougher stance. “We can no longer accept the diplomatic approach with this regime,” she said.
Ian Strachan, chair of the Berenwerth Conservative Association, delivered a heartfelt speech on the tragic mismanagement of Iran’s resources under its current regime. “One of the saddest things about what’s happening in your country is that you’ve got technical people, doctors, driving taxis to make a living when they could be investing all that talent in rebuilding Iran,” he said.
Strachan criticized the regime’s focus on nuclear ambitions and state privilege at the expense of its people. “If they had a government that understood leadership and got its priorities right, Iran could truly develop its potential and contribute not just to the Middle East but to the world,” he stated.
Drawing from his experience as a conservative and a businessman, Strachan emphasized that growth and progress begin with people. “It’s people who create wealth, drive innovation, and build economies,” he noted, lamenting the regime’s failure to harness its citizens’ potential. Strachan pledged his support for the Iranian people and expressed hope for a brighter future for the country.
Today’s conference at Parliament called for a strong response to Iran’s human rights violations, including an immediate ban on the IRGC, Representative of Academics in Exile Association highlighted the challenges faced by intellectuals & academics under Iran's oppressive policies pic.twitter.com/Pr5E9MN09v
— Academics In Exile Association (@iranianacademic) November 14, 2024
Mohammad Soleimani, representing the Anglo-Iranian Young Artists Society, criticized Western governments for their policies of appeasement toward Tehran during a parliamentary event. “What is happening now reminds me of when Chamberlain appeased Hitler, and that led to the Second World War,” he said.
Soleimani referenced the 2018 bomb plot targeting the NCRI gathering in Paris, orchestrated by an Iranian diplomat, and condemned decisions by European governments to return convicted regime operatives like Hamid Noury to Iran. He warned that such actions embolden the regime’s tactics and pose a threat even beyond Iran’s borders. “If we carry on watching the Ayatollahs and appeasing them, the next step is they are going to come for us here,” he stated.
Soleimani also spoke about the continued suffering of Iranian elites, including two students, Unicea and Amir Hossein Waradi, who are currently being tortured. He emphasized the importance of pushing for tougher policies against Tehran, particularly through proscribing the IRGC, which he described as central to the regime’s oppressive activities.
“We need to push and push more,” Soleimani concluded, urging attendees to remain committed to pressuring the regime and rejecting appeasement.
Niva Limbu, an aide to MP Jim Shannon and Parliamentary Officer for the APPG on Freedom of Religion or Belief, spoke about recent parliamentary efforts on Iran’s human rights. She noted a February debate where Shannon supported Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan and highlighted bipartisan work raising questions about women’s rights in Iran.
Limbu also mentioned a letter to the FCDO and UK Prime Minister, co-signed by MP Shannon and other leaders, urging action on Middle Eastern human rights issues. “This is a cross-party and bipartisan effort to promote freedom of religion and human rights within Iran,” she stated.
Mehdi Safarmanesh, representing the Academics in Exile Association, spoke about the devastating impact of the Iranian regime’s systemic corruption and mismanagement during a parliamentary event. He described the economic and social crises plaguing the nation, stating, “Over 500,000 people have permanently left Iran in the last decade, leading to one of the highest emigration rates globally.”
Safarmanesh criticized the regime’s misuse of resources, noting that funds are diverted to “specific groups and power structures” instead of fostering development and education. He highlighted the plight of millions of Iranians living below the poverty line and the “loss of human capital” as students, scientists, and artists flee the country.
“The main question is, can this situation continue?” Safarmanesh asked. He urged decisive action, calling for the UK to recognize the Iranian people’s right to resist, designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and support Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for democratic change.
