On December 12, a significant conference, “Support Iranian People’s Struggle for Human Rights and Justice,” convened at the UK House of Lords. Prominent attendees included UK Parliament members from both houses, legal experts, and human rights activists.
Notable figures included Lord Alton, Lord Carlile, Baroness O’Loan, MPs such as Bob Blackman, Dr. Liam Fox, Steve McCabe, Martyn Day, Jim Shannon, and former MEP Anthea McIntyre. Esteemed legal professionals like Professor Sara Chandler QC, Lauren Lederle, and Jocelynne Scutt were present.
The event commenced with an online address by Iranian opposition President-elect Maryam Rajavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). She underlined the global implications of Iran’s current crisis, stressing the regime’s increased use of prisoner executions and international terrorism.
Mrs. Rajavi revealed a concerning surge in prisoner executions in November, with at least 120 people, including People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK) supporters and protesters, executed. She also criticized the regime’s recent show trial of 104 PMOI members, advocating for international legal action against the regime.
MP Bob Blackman condemned Iran’s human rights record and drew attention to recent acts of disinformation and terrorism linked to the regime. He expressed solidarity with the MEK and NCRI, calling for the proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Lord Alton emphasized the far-reaching impact of Iran’s actions, particularly in supplying arms in various conflicts. He supported calls for proscribing the IRGC and urged a robust global response to Iran’s human rights abuses.
Baroness O’Loan expressed concern over the international community’s lack of action against Iran’s human rights violations. She called for targeted sanctions against Iranian leaders and supported Mrs. Rajavi’s call for legal action against Iranian officials.
Former MEP Anthea McIntyre urged the UK to lead UN efforts against Iran, welcoming the appointment of Lord David Cameron as the new Foreign Secretary. She called for support of Mrs. Rajavi’s recommendations, including the proscription of the IRGC.
Dr. Liam Fox criticized the international community’s silence on Iran’s human rights abuses and called for action against Iranian banks and airlines in the UK. He stressed the importance of public awareness of the regime’s atrocities.
Lord Carlile highlighted his commitment to human rights and condemned the Iranian regime’s actions, including its cyber warfare and intimidation tactics.
MP Jim Shannon, chair of the APPG on Freedom of Religious Belief, denounced the regime’s use of religion to justify atrocities and expressed support for the Iranian people’s quest for a democratic republic.
Shadow Minister Steve McCabe and MP Martyn Day echoed the need for a comprehensive ban on the IRGC and stronger international actions against Iran’s human rights violations.
Lauren Lederle discussed legal avenues for addressing Iran’s human rights abuses, while Dr. Jocelynne Scutt and Prof. Sara Chandler emphasized solidarity with Iranian women and the legal community’s role in supporting human rights defenders.
In summary, the conference at the UK House of Lords served as a platform for international leaders to voice their support for the Iranian people’s struggle for human rights and justice, highlighting the need for decisive global action against the Iranian regime’s 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