London—December 12, 2023: A conference titled “Support Iranian People’s Struggle for Human Rights and Justice” was held at the UK House of Lords. The event brought together participants from both houses of the UK Parliament, jurists, and human rights activists, including notable figures like Lord Alton, Lord Carlile, Baroness O’Loan, and members of the House of Commons such as Bob Blackman, Dr. Liam Fox, Steve McCabe, Martyn Day, Jim Shannon, and former MEP Anthea McIntyre. Distinguished legal professionals such as Professor Sara Chandler QC, Lauren Lederle, and Jocelynne Scutt were also in attendance.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), initiated the conference online with her opening remarks. She emphasized that Iran’s challenges have become a multi-faceted conflict involving the international community, the people of the Middle East, and, crucially, the people of Iran.
Mrs. Rajavi pointed out a concerning surge in prisoner executions, citing November’s execution of at least 120 individuals, including supporters of the Mojahedin (PMOI/MEK) and brave protesters. She also highlighted the regime’s actions of terrorism beyond Iran’s borders.
Discussing the trial of 104 PMOI members in absentia, Mrs. Rajavi revealed that the regime initiated a show trial in Tehran, featuring only the regime’s alleged judges and lawyers. She emphasized that the Iranian Resistance has long invited regime leaders to an international court.
In his speech at the UK House of Lords, MP Bob Blackman condemned the regime’s human rights record, especially on Human Rights Day. He expressed deep concern over the increasing use of capital punishment in Iranian courts and denounced disinformation campaigns and terrorist acts orchestrated by the regime.
MP Blackman reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the MEK and the Resistance Units in Iran, advocating for the NCRI as the true democratic alternative. He called for the proscription of the IRGC and indicated that a parliamentary debate in the new year would reinforce these views.
Lord Alton underscored the far-reaching consequences of the Iranian regime’s actions, emphasizing its role in providing weapons and munitions, resulting in civilian casualties in Europe and Ukraine. He echoed the call for proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the UK and denounced the regime’s efforts to stifle civil society, women, students, and the democratic opposition through repression.
Baroness O’Loan expressed deep concern over the international community’s failure at the UN and the West’s accommodating approach to the terrorist regime in Iran. She urged the UK government to lead an international coalition, asking the UN Security Council to review the regime’s human rights record.
In her closing remarks, Baroness O’Loan emphasized standing with the Iranian people and their organized opposition, led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, for a free, democratic, and secular republic in Iran.
Former MEP Anthea McIntyre highlighted the pivotal role a future democratic Iran could play in reshaping the Middle East towards human rights, democracy, and stability. She called on the UK government to support Mariam Rajavi’s recommendations for justice and accountability.
Dr. Liam Fox expressed deep concern about human rights abuses in Iran, criticizing the international community’s reluctance to address them. He called for the outlawing of the IRGC, action against Iranian banks and airlines in the UK, and raising public awareness about the abuses perpetrated by the Iranian regime.
Lord Carlile emphasized his enduring commitment to human rights causes, saluting the resilience of Iranian refugees and condemning the Iranian regime’s actions.
MP Jim Shannon condemned the regime’s use of religion to justify atrocities and expressed support for the Iranian people’s determination to establish a democratic republic.
Shadow Minister for Veterans Steve McCabe emphasized the need for increased efforts in dealing with the regime and called for a comprehensive ban on the IRGC.
MP Martin Day expressed deep concern over the human rights situation in Iran, calling for the complete proscription of the IRGC in the UK and continued support until justice prevails.
Human rights lawyer Lauren Lederle shed light on severe human rights violations in Iran and called for enhanced dialogue and collaboration with survivors.
Dr. Jocelyn Scutt expressed deep concerns about the human rights situation in Iran, particularly the violation of the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Prof. Sara Chandler highlighted international legal community activism, urging continued support for human rights defenders inside Iran.
