{"id":69891,"date":"2025-02-01T07:54:42","date_gmt":"2025-02-01T06:54:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/?p=69891"},"modified":"2025-02-04T17:58:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T16:58:45","slug":"irans-escalating-executions-a-critical-conference-at-the-uk-parliament","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/human-rights\/2025\/02\/irans-escalating-executions-a-critical-conference-at-the-uk-parliament\/69891\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran\u2019s Escalating Executions: A Critical Conference at the UK Parliament"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Conference at the UK Parliament<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the UK Parliament hosted a pivotal conference titled \u201cIran: The Alarming Surge in Executions,\u201d which coincided with the first anniversary of the No to the Executions Tuesdays campaign.<\/p>\n

Organized by the Association of Former Political Prisoners in the UK, the event brought together parliamentarians, human rights defenders, and survivors of Iran\u2019s harsh prison system to discuss the worsening human rights violations in the country and the urgent need for action to halt the execution of political prisoners.<\/p>\n

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A Unified International Appeal for Action<\/strong><\/p>\n

This conference unfolded against the backdrop of a global campaign advocating for the lives of two political prisoners, Mehdi Hasani and Behrouz Ehsani<\/a>, who are facing imminent execution. Both are key supporters of Iran\u2019s primary opposition group, the People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI\/MEK<\/a>), and have been transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison, sparking serious concern among human rights activists and prompting global calls for intervention.<\/p>\n

Chairing the session, Narges Rahmanfard began by emphasizing the significance of the event in drawing attention to Iran\u2019s escalating human rights abuses. She condemned the regime\u2019s increasing use of executions, particularly against political dissidents, and urged the international community and UK lawmakers to take swift action. Rahmanfard also highlighted the ongoing international campaign to prevent the execution of Mehdi Hasani and Behrouz Ehsani, stressing the importance of showing solidarity with the Iranian people in their quest for justice. She framed the event as an opportunity to amplify the voices of the Iranian Resistance and those suffering under oppression.<\/p>\n

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MPs and Lords Call for Stronger International Action<\/strong><\/p>\n

Several Members of Parliament (MPs) and Lords who spoke at the event condemned the Iranian regime\u2019s systemic use of executions as a tool for silencing opposition and called for decisive international action. Jim Shannon MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief, underlined the moral responsibility of parliamentarians: \u201cBehind the alarming rise in executions, I recognize the role we as MPs must play. I pray for Iran every day, for its people, for its liberty and democracy. Along with many others, I will do my best in this house to bring about changes that matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lord Whitty, a former UK government minister and Labour life peer, urged a stronger response from the UK and its allies, adding, \u201cWestern governments particularly have a responsibility here. Too many are turning a blind eye. My government must take steps, including the proscription of the IRGC, and work with allies to ensure that the regime receives no economic or political support. The world must not treat Iran as just another government, but as a blot on humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baroness O\u2019Loan, a crossbench member of the House of Lords and former Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, sharply criticized the Iranian judicial system and its execution practices, stating, \u201cThe judiciary and executions in Iran are not about justice; they are tools of oppression aimed at silencing dissent. The UK must take two overdue actions: proscribing the IRGC as a terrorist organization, as the U.S. and Canada have done, and leading international efforts at the UN to hold the regime accountable.\u201d She also praised Mrs. Maryam Rajavi<\/a>, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Conservative MP David Pinto-Duschinsky, a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, rejected the notion of moderation in Iran\u2019s leadership, asserting, \u201cDespite a so-called moderate president, we are witnessing hundreds of executions and a complete denial of rights to the Iranian people. Their legitimate demands for a voice in their own future are being crushed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Labour MP Dawn Butler for Brent Central, former Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, questioned the international community\u2019s failure to take meaningful action, saying, \u201cWhen we hear about what\u2019s happening in Iran, we think\u2014how can this still be happening in our lifetime? How can we watch this unfold before our eyes and not do more?\u201d<\/p>\n

William Powell, former Liberal Democrat Member of the Welsh Assembly, reflected on the Iranian regime\u2019s fragility, saying, \u201cNothing is more powerful than hearing the voices of those who have sacrificed for their principles. The Iranian regime may still wield power and tools of oppression, but it remains deeply fragile. That makes our efforts now more crucial than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n