Washington, DC — April 4, 2026 — Supporters of the Iranian Resistance gathered on April 4, 2026, near the White House following the execution of two PMOI political prisoners, Vahid Bani-Amerian, and Abolhassan Montazer, carried out earlier that day. The demonstration was held in response to these latest executions, which participants described as part of a broader wave of repression that has intensified in recent days. They also pointed to the execution of four other PMOI political prisoners—Mohammad Taghavi, Akbar Daneshvar Kar, Babak Alipour, Pouya Ghobadi—who were put to death between March 30 and April 4.
Near the @WhiteHouse now, we honor @Mojahedineng members Vahid Bani-Amerian and Abolhassan Montazer executed today. At least 4 other MEK members and a 18 year old protester were killed by the clerical regime this week. Regime change demands People & their organized resistance.… pic.twitter.com/0K3RT32R6s
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) April 4, 2026
Vigil Held After Latest Executions of PMOI Political Prisoners
The demonstration, organized by Iranian-American supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and backers of Maryam Rajavi, took place along Pennsylvania Avenue and included a candlelight vigil honoring those executed in recent days.
NOW on Pennsylvania Ave NW & 15th St NW, near the White House: supporters of @iran_policy and @Maryam_Rajavi are holding a candlelight vigil—illuminated by candle lights—drawing attention to the execution of political prisoners, including members of #MEK.@VOAFarsi pic.twitter.com/c2crbdlIIb
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) April 5, 2026
Participants highlighted what they described as an escalating wave of executions carried out by Iran’s ruling establishment. An additional victim, Amirhossein Hatami, identified as a young protester linked to earlier nationwide uprisings, was also reportedly executed.
Support of the National Council of Resistance of Iran hold candle light vigil in the World War I memorial park in Washington,DC to call on policymakers to condemn escalating wave of oppression in Iran. We reiterate that the primary war is between the regime and people in Iran. pic.twitter.com/njbveRES9i
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) April 5, 2026
Protesters Warn of Escalating Repression in Iran
Speakers at the gathering emphasized that executions are being used as a tool of repression. They argued that the Iranian authorities rely on capital punishment to instill fear and suppress dissent, particularly amid ongoing domestic unrest. Protesters described the recent executions as part of a broader strategy to counter growing opposition within the country.
The vigil, illuminated by candles, served both as a memorial and a political statement. Iranian-American participants called on U.S. policymakers to take a stronger stance against human rights violations in Iran and to publicly condemn the executions. They stressed that the central conflict in Iran is between the ruling system and the Iranian people, rather than external geopolitical tensions.
Calls for Stronger U.S. Action and Support for Iranian Resistance
Organizers also underscored the role of organized resistance movements, stating that meaningful change in Iran depends on the people and their structured opposition. They urged international recognition of these movements, which they say have been active for over four decades.
This gathering in Washington followed a series of protests held over the past week across North America and Europe, where Iranian diaspora communities have mobilized in response to the reported executions.
We call on the United States to condemn the execution this week of 6 MEK members by the clerical regime in Iran. We must push back against the regime & the language with which IRGC is speaking with people of Iran. @SecRubio pic.twitter.com/PuuSNKprSf
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) April 5, 2026
Maryam Rajavi Calls for International Accountability
Following the execution of Vahid Bani-Amerian and Abolhassan Montazer on April 4, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi condemned the killings and called for urgent international action. She urged the global community to hold Iranian authorities accountable and to take decisive steps against ongoing human rights violations, emphasizing the need to support the Iranian people and their organized resistance.
At dawn today, Vahid Bani Amerian and Abolhassan Montazer were hanged in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj. The two heroic members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) have now joined their comrades who laid down their lives in the struggle for freedom, including… pic.twitter.com/aIVQYrXu7d
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) April 4, 2026
