Manchester, UK – May 8, 2025: The Academics in Exile Association, which supports the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), held a public bookstall and photo exhibition in Manchester to raise awareness about the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran—particularly the plight of political prisoners facing execution.

The event condemned the recent death sentences issued to prisoners affiliated with the PMOI and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees. The exhibition drew attention to the urgent cases of Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, two political prisoners reportedly at imminent risk of execution.

Participants used the platform to urge the UK government to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC ) as a terrorist organization and to close the Iranian regime’s embassy in London, describing it as a hub for espionage and terror activities. Members of the Iranian diaspora in Manchester also echoed calls for international legal action against Iran’s ruling authorities for crimes against humanity.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the Academics in Exile Association stated:

“We join Amnesty in calling for an urgent halt to the executions of political prisoners Mehdi Hasani & Behrooz Ehsani.”

We join Amnesty in calling for an urgent halt to the executions of political prisoners Mehdi Hasani & Behrooz Ehsani. #StopExecutionsInIran @amnesty @AmnestyIran pic.twitter.com/DvrfR01gTb

— Academics In Exile Association (@iranianacademic) May 8, 2025

The association further called for justice, stronger sanctions against the regime, and recognition of the Iranian people’s right to self-defense. The exhibition attracted a diverse and engaged audience in Manchester.