Geneva Summit Highlights Iranians’ Struggle Against Human Rights Violations in Iran

 Geneva Summit Highlights Iranians’ Struggle Against Human Rights Violations in Iran

Iran’s former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi addressed the Geneva Summit on Human Rights and Democracy, addressing the repression of protesters and democracy activists in Iran. The Geneva Summit on Human Rights and Democracy has been held annually for 17 years, and is organized by a coalition of 25 non-governmental organizations. It aims to raise international awareness of human rights issues ahead of the main session of the UN Human Rights Council.

In his keynote address titled “The Struggle for Freedom in Iran,” Reza Pahlavi called for international support to confront the Iranian leadership, describing its rule as based on repression. “The Iranian people have endured more than four decades of suffering, but their spirit remains steadfast,” he said. “They are fighting not only for themselves, but for the values ​​of freedom, justice and human dignity.”

Pahlavi criticized what he described as the international community’s failure to hold the Iranian regime accountable, saying: “I stand here on behalf of my fellow citizens who have been silent for too long, not only because of the authoritarian government that occupies our country, but also because of the ideological bias that distorts the truth about Iran.

” He also warned that the Iranian leadership’s repression extends beyond its borders, using “its embassies and so-called cultural centers as bases for espionage and terrorism across Europe.” He added: “To those who seek to silence us or obstruct our path, I say: We do not wait for your permission.”

Painful testimonies of repression in Iran

The summit also featured another session that highlighted the Iranian regime’s suppression of protesters during the “Women, Life, Freedom” national protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police in 2022. The session featured first-hand testimonies from victims of repression, and was moderated by Iranian-Canadian activist Nazanin Afshin-Jam. The panel included:

- Mahan Mehrabi, brother of political prisoner Mahmoud Mehrabi.

- Maryam Divar, mother of 16-year-old Abolfazl Amir-Ataei, who was killed while protesting.

- Saman Pouregma, who was shot in the eye during the demonstrations, partially losing his sight.

Afshin-Jam said during the session: “Let history record that this regime does not only arrest peaceful protesters, but also the lawyers who defend them and the journalists who report on them. It does not just execute political prisoners, it also persecutes their family members who are trying to mourn them.”

In his speech, Mahan Mehrabi called on the international community to take action instead of just expressing concern, saying: “History will judge us by our actions, not by our words.” He added: “For the mothers who mourn their sons, for the prisoners who suffer in their cells, for the Iranians who are being killed in silence, please: Look at Iran’s suffering, do not be complicit in these crimes, be a voice for freedom.”

Maryam Dior, for her part, recounted her son’s tragedy, saying: “On the morning of September 21, my son posted a story on Instagram in protest. Later that day, he took to the streets. In the afternoon, Iranian regime forces fired a tear gas canister directly at my 16-year-old son’s head, killing him.” Saman Pouregma asserted: “The people of Iran do not recognize the Iranian regime as a legitimate government. This regime does not represent us.

” He addressed the international community, saying: “Sever your diplomatic relations with the Tehran regime, take immediate action to release all political prisoners, and impose maximum pressure on this regime to stop executions.” Videos and photos circulated on social media showing hundreds of Iranians gathering outside the summit venue, waving flags and chanting in support of Reza Pahlavi and the summit agenda.

Iran International Honored

Iran International has been awarded the 2024 Courage Award by the Geneva Summit, in recognition of what organizers described as its courageous coverage of the daily abuses committed by the Iranian regime.