On November 16th, a conference convened at the Australian Parliament in Canberra to observe the fourth anniversary of Iran’s November 2019 uprising. The Australian Supporters of Democracy in Iran orchestrated the event, uniting multiple representatives from the Australian Parliament. The gathering aimed to honor those who lost their lives in the nationwide uprising and denounce the clerical dictatorship’s grave human rights transgressions and disruptive interventions in the region.
Distinguished speakers at the session included senators and members of parliament spanning various political affiliations in Australia. Among them were Senator Matt O’Sullivan, Senator David Shoebridge, MPs Rowan Ramsey and Susan Templeman, Peter Murphy, as well as representatives from Iranian communities and Iranian doctors residing in Australia.
MP Peter Murphy, Co-Chair of the Australian Committee of Democracy Supporters in Iran and the moderator of this session, highlighted Iran’s deep involvement in regional instability. He pointed out the Iranian government’s financing and arming of terrorist proxy forces in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, misusing its interpretation of Islam to justify creating turmoil. Murphy expressed concern about escalating executions and killings within Iran, emphasizing the regime’s use of these actions to suppress resistance. He called for international support for the Iranian people’s demand for a democratic republic.
Senator David Shoebridge reflected on the worsening conditions in Iran and the Middle East, attributing the situation to terrorist groups backed by the Iranian regime. He emphasized the need to oppose brutality and called for an end to such conditions in both Iran and Gaza, pledging his support.
Senator Matt O’Sullivan underscored the coalition’s support for Australian government sanctions and proposed additional measures against Iranian regime leaders. He advocated for listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and reducing diplomatic ties with Tehran. O’Sullivan reaffirmed standing with the Iranian people.
MP Rowan Ramsey expressed belief in imposing robust sanctions against the Iranian regime and its key figures. He mentioned discussions in the Australian parliament about amending laws to enforce sanctions against the IRGC, aiming to target this destabilizing organization. Ramsey hoped for progress in this area by the year’s end.
Dowlat Nowruzi, the NCRI Representative in the UK, expressed gratitude for collective concern about Iran and emphasized the importance of addressing crises involving Iran and the region. Nowruzi highlighted ongoing nationwide uprisings in Iran and called for the revival of six UN Security Council resolutions, advocating comprehensive sanctions against the Iranian regime to curb its destabilizing activities.
