Coordinated Actions in Dozens of Cities Commemorate Political Prisoners, Resistance Martyrs, and the Founding of the National Liberation Army of Iran
As the anniversary of June 20—the historic beginning of Iran’s nationwide resistance against religious dictatorship—approaches, PMOI/MEK Resistance Units and supporters of the Iranian Resistance carried out a wide-ranging campaign across Iran. The activities also coincided with the anniversary of the founding of the National Liberation Army of Iran, established in 1987 as a symbol of organized resistance for freedom and national sovereignty.
The nationwide initiative spanned major metropolitan centers and smaller cities alike, demonstrating the continued presence and determination of Resistance Units throughout the country. From Tehran, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan, Shiraz, Ahvaz, Karaj, Rasht, and Kermanshah to Astara, Sardasht, Baneh, Gachsaran, Saravan, Zahak, Fasa, and many other locations, activists organized a series of coordinated actions honoring the martyrs and political prisoners of Iran’s struggle for freedom.
Tehran: Honoring the Martyrs of Resistance and Renewing the Call for Freedom
Tehran witnessed some of the most extensive commemorative activities. Resistance Units displayed large banners, posters, and messages paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the fight against tyranny.
Many of the banners described June 20, 1981, as the beginning of a historic resistance movement that has continued for more than four decades. Among the prominently displayed slogans were:
“The Liberation Army is the only path to freedom.”
“June 20, the Day of Martyrs and Political Prisoners.”
“Death to oppression, whether the Shah or the Supreme Leader.”
Messages from Resistance leaders Massoud Rajavi and Maryam Rajavii were also featured, highlighting perseverance, sacrifice, and the inevitability of freedom for the Iranian people.
In several locations, activists held flower-laying ceremonies and commemorative gatherings in honor of resistance martyrs and political prisoners.
Resistance Units Expand Activities Across Major Cities
In Tabriz, Resistance Units emphasized the rejection of both forms of dictatorship that have ruled Iran, carrying banners declaring that “the rule of the mullahs and the rule of the Shah must come to an end.” Other messages portrayed June 20 as a movement sustained through sacrifice, steadfastness, and resistance.
In Mashhad, activists commemorated the martyrs of June 20 and highlighted the ongoing struggle against religious fascism. Banners and posters carried messages including:
“The rebellious generation has blossomed from the blood of the martyrs of June 20.”
“Death to the oppressor, whether Shah or Supreme Leader.”
“The National Liberation Army guarantees lasting peace, freedom, and Iran’s independence.”
Resistance Units in Isfahan marked the anniversary with public displays emphasizing the importance of organized resistance in achieving freedom. One widely displayed message declared:
“June 20 is a historic turning point in the struggle for freedom.”
In Shiraz and Ahvaz, banners honoring the National Liberation Army of Iran appeared in various locations, carrying the slogan:
“Long live the National Liberation Army of Iran.”
In Ahvaz, activists also reaffirmed their commitment to continue the struggle for the overthrow of the ruling religious dictatorship and the establishment of freedom and democracy.
Urmia, Karaj, Rasht, and Kermanshah Echo Calls for Democratic Change
In Urmia, Resistance Units promoted messages supporting democracy, equality, and a free Iran. One banner proclaimed:
“Freedom is coming through determination and action.”
Karaj witnessed an extensive series of activities, with Resistance Units highlighting June 20 as a defining milestone in Iran’s contemporary struggle for freedom. Among the slogans displayed were:
“No force in the world is stronger than our will.”
“The National Liberation Army is the only path to freedom.”
In Rasht, activists commemorated the anniversary by honoring the National Liberation Army and reaffirming resistance against the doctrine of absolute clerical rule.
In Kermanshah, banners linked the prospect of democratic governance to the growth of organized resistance and described the National Liberation Army as “the nightmare of the clerical regime.”
Resistance Units Carry the Message of June 20 to Smaller Cities
The nationwide campaign extended to numerous cities and towns across Iran.
In Astara, Resistance Units displayed a prominent banner reading:
“Iran Rajavi, Rajavi Iran.”
In Hamadan, activists honored the martyrs of June 20 while emphasizing the emergence of a new generation of Resistance Units inspired by their sacrifice and courage.
In Qazvin, supporters commemorated PMOI martyrs, including Commander Vahid and his companions, and highlighted June 20, 1981, as the beginning of a historic chapter in Iran’s struggle for freedom.
In Yazd, Resistance Units identifying themselves as combat units of the National Liberation Army renewed their pledge to continue the fight against dictatorship, repeating the slogan:
“Death to the oppressor, whether Shah or Supreme Leader.”
Border Cities and Provinces Join the Nationwide Campaign
Reports from Sardasht, Gachsaran, Baneh, Saravan, Zahak, and Fasa confirmed a broad range of coordinated activities marking the anniversary.
Across these cities, Resistance Units displayed banners and posters bearing messages such as:
“Long live the National Liberation Army of Iran.”
“The National Liberation Army will return.”
“June 20 is the historic chapter of resistance for freedom.”
“Death to the oppressor, whether Shah or Supreme Leader.”
In Sardasht, activists linked June 20 to the beginning of organized resistance against religious dictatorship. In Gachsaran, supporters pledged to continue the struggle until freedom is achieved. Similar activities in Baneh, Saravan, Zahak, and Fasa expressed support for the Iranian Resistance and called for the overthrow of the ruling regime.
June 20 Remains a Symbol of Sacrifice, Resistance, and Hope for Freedom
Through banner displays, poster campaigns, public gatherings, commemorative ceremonies, and acts of tribute across more than twenty cities, Resistance Units honored political prisoners and fallen members of the Iranian Resistance while reaffirming their commitment to the struggle for freedom.
The campaign underscored themes that have long defined June 20: remembrance of resistance martyrs, solidarity with political prisoners, rejection of both monarchical and clerical dictatorship, and support for a democratic republic based on the sovereignty of the Iranian people.
By carrying out coordinated actions from Tehran and Mashhad to Sardasht and Saravan, Resistance Units once again demonstrated that June 20 remains a powerful symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and the Iranian people’s enduring quest for freedom and democracy.
