On October 11, 2023, in observance of the World Day Against the Death Penalty, a conference was convened within the chambers of the Welsh Parliament to scrutinize Iran’s human rights track record. In attendance were esteemed parliamentarians and delegates hailing from Iranian communities across the United Kingdom. The primary aim of this conference was to lend resonance and backing to the ongoing civil unrest in Iran and to advocate ardently for the establishment of a democratic republic.
Leading the conference was Mark Isherwood, a prominent figure affiliated with the Conservative Party and holding the role of Shadow Minister for Social Justice. The gathering played host to distinguished speakers, most notably Altaf Hussain, a member of Parliament from the Conservative Party and the Shadow Minister for Equality, and Sam Rowlands, a fellow Conservative MP serving as the Shadow Minister for Local Government in Wales. Additionally, the event featured contributions from William Powell, a former representative of the Welsh Parliament, and Joseph Carter, a City Council member representing the Liberal Democrats.
Beyond the realm of politics, passionate voices representing a mosaic of Iranian communities within the UK took the floor, sharing their personal insights and experiences. These heartfelt expressions significantly enriched the discourse and shed light on the pressing imperative of ushering in democratic change in Iran.
The conference served as a powerful call to action, urging global attention to the widespread use of capital punishment by the current Iranian regime. Furthermore, it stood in unwavering solidarity with the Iranian people’s unwavering determination to secure democratic reforms. This gathering emerged as a pivotal platform for dialogue, emphasizing the vital role of international cooperation and support in the pursuit of fundamental freedoms and a democratic future for Iran.
Mark Isherwood, representing the Conservative Party and holding the post of Shadow Minister for Social Justice, underscored the unanimous support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its President-elect’s Ten-Point Plan, a position held by a majority of the Welsh Parliament. He fervently stressed the urgency of addressing a justice-seeking campaign, particularly referencing the 1988 massacre that claimed the lives of 30,000 political prisoners in Iran. Mr. Isherwood emphasized the imperative of preventing the burial, both literal and figurative, of this atrocity. He conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Anglo-Iranian community to the Welsh Senators for their steadfast support and recognition.
1/2 Today I Chaired this lunchtime’s meeting in the Senedd/Welsh Parliament with the Iranian Academics Association, ‘Conference on Iran: Free and Democratic Iran within reach’, supporting their efforts in advocating the Iranian people's desire for a democratic republic.
— Mark Isherwood MS (@MarkIsherwoodMS) October 11, 2023
Mr. Sam Rowlands, a Conservative MP and the Shadow Minister for Local Government in Wales, shared his personal perspective on the necessity of change in Iran. While acknowledging the specific responsibilities that fall upon the UK Parliament, Mr. Rowlands reassured the audience of his and his colleagues’ commitment to providing a platform for the Iranian people’s aspirations, as delineated in the NCRI Ten-Point Plan. He underscored the importance of collaboration with colleagues in Westminster and the UK government to offer appropriate support to the Anglo-Iranian community and lauded the organization for spotlighting this critical issue. He extended his warm wishes for their endeavors in instigating change in Iran.
A moving session today with the Iranian Academic Association in support of a free & democratic #Iran.
— Sam Rowlands MS (@SamRowlands_) October 11, 2023
We heard stories about terrible brutality by the Iranian Government, particularly towards women.
Thank you to my colleague @MarkIsherwoodMS for chairing. pic.twitter.com/pe8r3XDqfy
Former Welsh Parliament member, Mr. William Powell, recognized the historic significance of the conference, citing his recent engagement in NCRIactivities. He drew attention to the far-reaching consequences brought about by the Mullahs’ regime and the determination of all parties in the Welsh Senate to sustain pressure on the regime.
Great to welcome @iran_policy to @SeneddCymru after their kindness & hospitality at #Ashraf3 🇦🇱 & #FreeIran2023 🇫🇷 Moving words, heart-rending testimony & determination to prevail over tyranny. Diolch o galon i @MarkIsherwoodMS @AltafHussainSWW @SamRowlands_ & @joseph_carterUK https://t.co/Nrp8R71QVe pic.twitter.com/pwHpmJ995O
— William Powell🔶 (@WmPowell2021) October 12, 2023
Mr. Joseph Carter, a City Council member representing the Liberal Democrats, commended the event and stressed the paramount value of freedom. He highlighted how frequently Western societies take their freedoms for granted and called attention to influences that seek to undermine democracy, including actions by the current Iranian regime. Mr. Carter expressed deep admiration for the courage exhibited by Iranian women who stand up despite facing brutal repercussions. He applauded the global support for their cause and noted the bipartisan backing for their efforts.
Today I had the honour of representing Cardiff at @SeneddWales meeting with the National Council of Resistance of Iran sponsored by @MarkIsherwoodMS . A moving event hearing about the work of activists here in Wales and the sacrifices of people resisting oppression back in Iran pic.twitter.com/SnJzGx1FoI
— Cllr. Joe Carter 🔶 🇺🇦 (@joseph_carterUK) October 11, 2023
Members of the Anglo-Iranian community who participated in the conference also took the stage, sharing their thoughts and perspectives on the human rights situation in Iran, while passionately affirming their unwavering commitment to a free and democratic republic in Iran.
