In a resolute censure of the authoritarian Iranian regime, the interparliamentary group Australian Supporters of Democracy in Iran has expressed profound outrage and grief over the execution of three political prisoners in Isfahan.
Majid Kazemi, Saeed Yaqoubi, and Saleh Mirhashemi were executed on Friday, causing widespread shock and evoking international outcry. Amidst increasing violence and a worrying rise in executions, the group underlines the urgency of decisive action to support the Iranian populace in their battle for liberty and democracy.
“We are deeply angered at the execution of political prisoners Majid Kazemi, Saeed Yaqoubi, and Saleh Mirhashemi in Isfahan today, despite the widespread protest action of the people of Isfahan and by the international community at the threat of these executions,” the statement read. Particularly significant is the case of Majid Kazemi, who has family in Sydney campaigning vigorously for his life, receiving support from numerous Federal MPs.
“We deeply appreciate the immediate statements issued by you, Senator Steele-John and Senator Birmingham on Twitter to condemn these terrible executions. We call on the Australian government to escalate its series of actions…to hold this inhumane regime to account,” the statement continues.
Iran’s execution of Majid Kazemi, Saeed Yaqoubi and Saleh Mirhashemi exemplifies the regime’s brutality against its people.
We condemn these reprehensible killings in the strongest possible terms.
Our thoughts are with their families.
Australia stands with the people of Iran.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) May 19, 2023
The group’s call for action was clear, stating: “This calculated escalation of terrorizing political violence must be met by escalated urgent and effective action against the regime.” The urgency stems from a rapidly escalating wave of executions in Iran, signaling the regime’s desperation to quell the people’s determination to rise up.
The statement released chilling statistics: “Yesterday, May 18, the Iranian regime carried out 14 executions. With the 3 executed in Isfahan today, that makes a shocking total of at least 110 executions during the past four weeks.”
Statement on the execution of Majid Kazemi below. My thoughts are with Majid's family and community at this time. Women, life, freedom. #MajidKazemi pic.twitter.com/PwvFbm8C3v
— Senator Jordon Steele-John (@SenatorJordon) May 19, 2023
The Supporters of Democracy in Iran are now urging the Australian government to make a robust public statement, condemn these executions as an intensification of repression, and announce new actions against the Iranian regime.
Among their recommendations, they suggest sanctions on judiciary and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps figures involved in the executions, cancellation of diplomatic visas for senior Iranian officials, and asset freezes on family members of Iranian parliamentary leaders residing in Australia.
In conclusion, the Australian Supporters of Democracy in Iran, led by Dr. Meredith Burgmann, make it abundantly clear that they stand with the Iranian people, firmly denouncing the brutal acts perpetrated by the authoritarian regime. Their resolve and commitment to uphold human rights remain undeterred in the face of increasing atrocities.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu