UK Lawmakers Advocate for Stronger Measures Against Iran’s Human Rights Abuses
UK lawmakers and activists gathered on February 12 to call for stronger measures against Iran’s human rights violations, emphasizing the necessity of designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization and supporting the National Council of Resistance of Iran to secure democracy and freedom in Iran.
On February 12, the House of Lords hosted a pivotal session addressing human rights issues in Iran, attended by leading figures from politics, law, and advocacy. The event, led by Mosa Zahed of the Middle East Forum for Development, emphasized the urgent need for international intervention in light of ongoing human rights abuses, such as executions, including that of political prisoner Behrooz Ehsani. Zahed urged the UK to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization to support the Iranian people’s struggle for democracy.
Lord Henry Bellingham supported the NCRI’s objectives, stating the importance of stopping executions in Iran and advocating for the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist entity. He asserted that this action would reinforce the Iranian people’s efforts and contribute to global peace. The call for decisive action resonated throughout the session, highlighting the dire situation in Iran.
Farzaneh Najari, a chemical engineer, presented a stark portrayal of life in Iran, describing it as a place where individuals are persecuted for dissent, including opposition to the hijab mandate. She cited the NCRI and Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as essential hopes for the future, emphasizing that immediate action could save lives. Najari’s plea highlighted the urgency of regime change in Iran.
Malcolm Fowler, a lawyer, criticized the UK government’s reluctance to classify the IRGC as a terrorist organization, stating that such appeasement signals weakness. He cautioned against allowing the IRGC to operate without consequences and insisted on a tougher stance that could halt diplomatic relations unless Iran abides by global norms of conduct. His remarks underscored the need for a firmer approach from the UK government.
Jim Shannon MP voiced the immediate danger faced by NCRI supporters, calling for action to counter the oppressive regime that thrives on terror. He heralded Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as a guiding framework for establishing a just society in Iran. Shannon emphasized the moral obligation of the UK to recognize the NCRI as the legitimate opposition to the current Iranian government.
Neda Zebeti, a human rights activist, connected the current fight in Iran to historical struggles against dictatorship and oppression. She criticized the UK’s failure to designate the IRGC as a terrorist group while deeming its affiliates as such. This inconsistency, she argued, was both illogical and unethical.
Conservative Councillor Robert Ward expressed optimism about the weakening regime, noting the decline of Iranian allies and the increasing resolve among the Iranian populace. He urged the UK to collaborate with Maryam Rajavi and recognize the NCRI formally, underscoring the potential for regime change in Iran this year.
Sheida Uraki shared her harrowing personal experiences of loss due to the regime’s brutality, noting the alarming rate of executions under the current leadership. She called for the UK to act swiftly against these injustices and to support opposition forces fighting for liberation.
The session in the House of Lords highlighted the pressing need for stronger action against Iran’s human rights violations. Speakers unanimously called for the UK government to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, recognize the NCRI, and actively support the Iranian people’s quest for democracy. There was a shared urgency for international intervention and concrete steps to facilitate a free and democratic Iran, underscoring the belief that now is the time for action.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
