On Friday, December 26, 2025, MEK Resistance Unit in Zahedan, the capital of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan Province, carried out defiant activities against all forms of dictatorship ruling Iran. Rallying under the central slogan, “The time has come to end all forms of dictatorship—whether religious or monarchical,” the Resistance Units displayed placards and chanted slogans rejecting both the Shah’s regime and the clerical dictatorship, reaffirming their commitment to overthrow, freedom, and a democratic future for Iran.
Commemorating the 2009 Ashura and 2017 Nationwide Uprisings
The Resistance Units marked the anniversary of 6 Dey (December 27), 2009, the Ashura uprising in Tehran, under the slogan:
“Long live 6 Dey, the anniversary of the Ashura 2009 uprising in Tehran,”
while chanting slogans against the ruling clerical regime.
They also honored December 28, the anniversary of the December 2017–January 2018 nationwide uprising, described as “the revolutionary uprising of a nation in chains to overthrow tyranny and put an end to the illusion of reform from within the regime.”
Activists emphasized that these uprisings shook the foundations of Iran’s ruling system and exposed the impossibility of reform under dictatorship.
“Neither Shah nor Sheikh”: A Clear Rejection of Dictatorship
Placards and slogans highlighted the Iranian people’s rejection of all forms of authoritarian rule, echoing the long-standing slogan “Neither Shah nor Sheikh.”
Massoud Rajavi stated:
“The brave youth of Tabriz and Urmia shouted the verdict of the downfall of the remnants of dictatorship in the stadium—‘Neither Shah nor Sheikh.’”
He further warned that history would not repeat itself, stressing:
“Anyone who thinks they can hijack Iran’s democratic revolution—as was done with the Constitutional Revolution or the anti-monarchical revolution—and drown it in blood is gravely mistaken.”
Commitment to Democratic Revolution and Freedom
Maryam Rajavi underscored that genuine change in Iran requires sacrifice and popular resolve, stating:
“Toppling the regime of Velayat-e Faqih (absolute religious rule) is only possible through the struggle and determination of the Iranian people and by paying the price for it.”
She added:
“There is only one destination ahead of us—victory; and only one path before us—the democratic revolution.”
Reaffirming the people’s demand for freedom and independence, Maryam Rajavi concluded:
“Today, the people of Iran reject all forms of dictatorship and declare: ‘Neither Shah nor Sheikh.’”
