On February 12, 2025, the UK’s House of Lords held a session to discuss human rights, freedom, and democracy in Iran. The meeting brought together politicians, legal experts, and activists who voiced strong support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for a democratic republic. A key point of debate was the proposal to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

Mosa Zahed, founding director of the Middle East Forum for Development, opened the session by stressing the urgency of international action and highlighting the ongoing executions in Iran, including the imminent execution of political prisoner Behrouz Ehsani. “The Iranian people have relentlessly fought for their rights,” he stated. “The UK must proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization and stand firmly with the Iranian people’s fight for democracy.”

Last night's session in the House of Lords focused on #HumanRights, #freedom, and #democracy in #Iran. It also expressed support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran, Ms Maryam Rajavi's 10-point plan to establish a democratic republic, and the proscription of the #IRGC pic.twitter.com/AuoAvuUdHZ

— Mosa Zahed (@Mosazahed) February 13, 2025

Lord Henry Bellingham reaffirmed the need to recognize the NCRI and its objectives. “We must continue our efforts to stop executions inside Iran and push the government to proscribe the IRGC,” he asserted. “This will support the Iranian people and contribute to global peace and stability.”

Farzaneh Najari, a chemical engineer and member of the Anglo-Iranian Professionals, described the worsening conditions in Iran. “Iran is a land of death,” she said. “People die for speaking against the government, refusing the hijab, poor healthcare, and environmental disasters. The NCRI and Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan are our people’s hope.” She urged the UK to take swift action, emphasizing that “even one second sooner means saving thousands of lives.”

Malcolm Fowler, a distinguished lawyer and member of the Human Rights Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales, criticized the UK government’s reluctance to proscribe the IRGC. “They see appeasement as a sign of weakness,” he warned. “It is irrational to let the IRGC avoid being proscribed. We must be tougher and make it plain that diplomatic and trade engagement with Iran will cease unless they behave as a proper nation should.”

Jim Shannon MP, a dedicated human rights advocate, called for urgent action. “At this very moment, the lives of NCRI supporters hang in the balance,” he said. “The regime thrives on oppression and terror, but the people of Iran are rising. Their fight for freedom and democracy is unyielding, and we must support them.” He highlighted Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as a “roadmap for a just future” and urged the UK government to recognize the NCRI as the legitimate opposition to the Iranian regime.

Human rights activist Neda Zebeti drew parallels between Iran’s current struggle and past uprisings. “Different dictators, different ideologies, yet the same oppression,” she noted. “The Iranian people’s demands have been consistent: the removal of the supreme leader, respect for fundamental freedoms, and an end to terrorism.” She criticized the UK’s failure to proscribe the IRGC despite listing its proxies as terrorist organizations. “It is illogical and immoral,” she said. “We need an end to appeasement.”

Conservative Councillor Robert Ward expressed optimism about the regime’s weakening grip on power. “The regime has never been weaker. The Syrian ally is gone, and proxies are failing. The Iranian people have organized, and their resolve is strong. This could be the year the regime falls.” He called for the UK to engage with Maryam Rajavi, recognize the NCRI, and finally proscribe the IRGC.

Sheida Uraki shared her personal tragedy, recounting the execution of five family members by the Iranian regime. “More than 1,000 people have been executed since the new president took power,” she said. “We condemn this tyranny and urge the UK to take immediate steps to stop executions and support resistance forces.”

Siavosh Rajabi stressed the importance of global support for the Iranian resistance. “The NCRI is not just an opposition, but a beacon of hope,” he said. “Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan has garnered global support. The UK must recognize the NCRI, engage with its leadership, proscribe the IRGC, and support global efforts to end executions.” He emphasized that a free Iran would contribute to global stability and peace. “This is our moment to be on the right side of history.”

The session concluded with a unified call to action: the UK government must end appeasement, support the Iranian people, and take decisive steps toward a free, democratic, and secular Iran.

Watch the highlights from a conference in the UK Parliament “United for a Free & Democratic Iran: In Support of NCRI, the Democratic Alternative.”
MPs & experts unite to support a free & democratic Iran and call for IRGC proscription. #FreeIran2025 #BlacklistIRGC pic.twitter.com/cRfgn7FLA8

— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) February 18, 2025