{"id":338176,"date":"2025-10-13T21:13:43","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T20:13:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=338176"},"modified":"2025-10-14T10:22:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T09:22:31","slug":"councilor-robert-ward-the-iranian-peoples-courage-lights-the-path-to-freedom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-resistance\/councilor-robert-ward-the-iranian-peoples-courage-lights-the-path-to-freedom\/","title":{"rendered":"Councilor Robert Ward: ‘The Iranian People\u2019s Courage Lights the Path to Freedom’"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Councilor
Councilor Robert Ward of Croydon addresses an international conference in London on October 11, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On October 11, 2025, at an international conference<\/a> at Church House Westminster in London, Councilor Robert Ward of Croydon delivered a deeply personal and impassioned address in support of the Iranian people\u2019s struggle for freedom and democracy. Drawing on his own experience living in Iran before the 1979 revolution, Councilor Ward recalled the repression and fear under the Shah\u2019s rule, expressing both sorrow and admiration for a nation that \u201cdeserves so much better.\u201d<\/p>\n

He praised the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and Mrs. Maryam Rajavi\u2019s Ten-Point Plan<\/a>, noting that over 2,000 UK mayors and councilors now back it across party lines. Councilor Ward condemned the Iranian regime\u2019s appalling human rights record, especially its execution of minors\u2014citing Amnesty International\u2019s finding that the regime executes more people under 18 than the rest of the top ten countries combined.<\/p>\n

Calling executions \u201cweapons of fear,\u201d he urged the international community to stand united with the Iranian people and recognize their courage, particularly the women and youth who lead the struggle. He ended on a hopeful note, envisioning a future where Iran is known not for oppression but for its culture, history, and contributions to civilization. \u201cNo to the Mullahs. No to the Shah,\u201d he declared. \u201cFreedom will prevail.\u201d<\/p>\n

The full text of Councilor Robert Ward’s speech follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

My speech at Church House Westminster marking #WorldDayAgainstTheDeathPenalty<\/a>, urging an end to the Iranian regime\u2019s record executions and recognition of @Maryam_Rajavi<\/a> and the NCRI as the democratic alternative to the rule of the mullahs. pic.twitter.com\/khD8w2EuWK<\/a><\/p>\n

— Robert Ward (@moguloilman) October 12, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n