Manchester, June 28, 2025 — The Academics in Exile Association in it’s “No to Executions” campaign, united locals and the Iranian diaspora in a powerful demonstration of solidarity, signing petitions that advocate for Maryam Rajavi’s Third Option and the NCRI’s democratic alternative plan for Iran’s future. This collective action reflects a growing demand for regime change led by the Iranian people and their organized resistance, rejecting war and appeasement.
In #Manchester,the Association of Academics in Exile held a #NoToExecution campaign. Locals and Iranian expats showed powerful support—signing petitions and embracing the call for “no war, no appeasement,” but change by the people and organized resistance. #FreeIran2025
— Academics In Exile Association (@iranianacademic) June 28, 2025
28/06/25 pic.twitter.com/5bFwYabTWG
Building on this momentum, the association organized a public bookstall and photo exhibition in Manchester to condemn the recent surge in executions in Iran, particularly targeting political prisoners affiliated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). The event highlighted the regime’s ongoing human rights abuses, including systematic torture and the widespread use of the death penalty against prisoners of conscience. Citizens of Manchester warmly received the exhibition, many signing petitions demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees.
In addition to raising awareness, the Academics in Exile called on the UK government to take decisive action by designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and shutting down the Iranian regime’s embassy in London, widely regarded as a center for espionage and terrorist activities. Members of the Iranian diaspora in Sheffield joined these calls, urging the international community to hold Iran’s ruling authorities accountable for crimes against humanity.
The campaign emphasized the Iranian people’s right to self-defense and called for stronger sanctions against the regime to pressure it into respecting human rights. This event in Manchester not only underscored the urgent need for justice but also demonstrated broad support for a democratic and peaceful alternative to the current oppressive regime.