Iranian Americans honor victims of executions and call for support of NCRI’s democratic alternative as thousands prepare to gather outside the United Nations
NEW YORK — With only two days remaining until major rallies outside the United Nations, supporters of the Iranian Resistance continued a weeklong public campaign in Manhattan on Saturday and Sunday, holding candlelight vigils, displaying photographs of those killed by the Iranian regime, and conducting street outreach to call for an end to executions and support for a democratic alternative.
The 2026 #FreeIran NY Campaign is underway! Tune in live on September 22nd at 9 am EST as we gather outside the UN to:
• Demand an immediate end to executions in Iran
• Honor the martyrs who gave everything for freedom
• Support @Maryam_Rajavi's 10-Point Plan for a… pic.twitter.com/97sJ3OL9xZ— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) September 18, 2026
The Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC) is leading the campaign, which began September 17 and runs through September 23. Activities have included information tables, public gatherings, and photo exhibitions of martyrs and victims of political executions. These efforts will continue Monday, September 21, one day before the main events.
In the shadows of @UN headquarters in New York City tonight, we remembered the fallen for freedom in Iran and celebrated their bravery – which is so vibrant in the youth of Iran. Their struggle for a democratic republic needs global support. @ReutersTV @NewsNation @VOAfarsi pic.twitter.com/4WwIGbjjAx
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) September 19, 2026
On Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19, Iranian Americans gathered near UN headquarters for candlelight vigils. Participants lined streets with rows of victim portraits, candles, roses, and “Stop Execution” banners. They honored those executed by the regime, including political prisoners and protesters from recent uprisings, and expressed support for Iran’s organized opposition.
Outside @UN tonight, we call on the international community to put the Iranain People at the center of Iran policy discussions. @USUN pic.twitter.com/AWhM9IikN0
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) September 18, 2026
OIAC posted images and video from Saturday night showing supporters packed a Manhattan street in the shadows of UN headquarters. “We remembered the fallen for freedom in Iran and celebrated their bravery — which is so vibrant in the youth of Iran,” the group wrote. “Their struggle for a democratic republic needs global support.”
In Manhattan, NY tonight we are remembering the lives taken by the regime in Iran and express our support for Iran's organized opposition movement led by @iran_policy and its President Elect @Maryam_Rajavi pic.twitter.com/VyRqGHp9NA
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) September 19, 2026
Simay Azadi TV reported that the September 18 vigil formed part of a week of activities ahead of the September 22–23 rallies. Organizers are demanding an end to political executions and protesting the expected presence of Iranian regime President Masoud Pezeshkian at the UN General Assembly.
🚨 New York | Candlelight Vigil Ahead of Major UN Rally
On September 18, Iranian-Americans gathered near the United Nations for a candlelight vigil honoring those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom in Iran.
The vigil was part of a week of activities ahead of the… https://t.co/EhxASOvpKX pic.twitter.com/1aWPEpddrb
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) September 19, 2026
The main rallies will take place Tuesday, September 22, and Wednesday, September 23, starting at 9:00 a.m. at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza (Second Avenue and 47th Street), across from the United Nations. The September 22 gathering coincides with the address by the U.S. president to the UN General Assembly. The September 23 rally will be held during Pezeshkian’s expected appearance.
Yes. We are outside the @UN and will rally here September 22nd and 23rd to call on policymakers to truly hold regime accountable, politically support Organized Iran Resistance.
> Dag Hammerkjold Plaza, 9am@iran_policy @Maryam_Rajavi @USUN @jaysolomon https://t.co/zQGDcvFy5B pic.twitter.com/voH5Tn0kjZ— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) September 19, 2026
Organizers expect thousands of Iranian Americans and supporters from across the United States. They are calling for an immediate halt to the surge in executions, accountability for crimes against the Iranian people, and international recognition of a democratic alternative.
Participants will support the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the Ten-Point Plan presented by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the NCRI’s President-elect. The plan calls for a democratic, secular, non-nuclear republic based on free elections, gender equality, separation of religion and state, abolition of the death penalty, and an end to oppression of ethnic and religious minorities. Rally organizers are also calling for recognition of the NCRI’s Provisional Government for a democratic republic of peace and freedom.
The campaign rejects dictatorship in all forms with the message “No to Shah, No to Mullahs, Yes to Free Iran.”
