The Senedd, also known as the Welsh Parliament, stands as the embodiment of democratic representation in Wales. Since its establishment in May 1999, has stood as a testament to the will of the Welsh people, with its unicameral legislature composed of 60 elected Members of the Senedd (MS).
In a recent statement, the majority of the representatives in the Parliament of Wales, the Senedd, voiced their support of the people of Iran. The 38 signatories include heads of commissions and ministers. They acknowledged the resounding message conveyed by the Iranian population during their nationwide uprising, rejecting all forms of dictatorship, be it the toppled monarchy or the current religious tyranny.
Furthermore, the Members of the Welsh Parliament vehemently condemned the harsh suppression of protesters in Iran, an alarming situation that resulted in the tragic loss of over 700 lives and the arbitrary arrest of more than 30,000 individuals. This flagrant disregard for human rights and dignity has compelled the Welsh Parliament to demand an immediate cessation of the violence and bloodshed, underscoring the importance of preserving human life and upholding the principles of justice.
The signatories also expressed their endorsement of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point program. Declared two decades ago, the plan encompasses the values that democratic countries hold dear, including free elections, freedom of assembly and expression, abolition of the death penalty, gender equality, the separation of religion and state, autonomy for Iran’s ethnicities, and a non-nuclear Iran.
The statement of the majority of the Scottish Parliament follows:
Support the Iranian People in Their Struggle
for a Secular and Democratic Republic
February 2023
For the past six months, the world has witnessed a sweeping popular uprising in Iran, demanding freedom and democracy. Some 750 protesters have been killed and 30,000 arrested. While any change should come from the Iranian people and their own resistance, the international community has its own responsibility.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Iran in their desire for a secular and democratic republic where no individual, regardless of religion or birthright, has any privilege over others. Through their slogans the Iranian people have made it clear that they reject all forms of dictatorship, be it the deposed Shah or the current theocratic regime and thus reject any association with either.
We believe it is for the Iranian people to decide their future. However, we recognize the fact that over the past four decades, the democratic coalition of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has constantly and tirelessly pursued democratic change. In this respect, we believe the Ten-point Plan articulated by the NCRI President, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, deserves our support. It stands for free elections, freedom of assembly and expression, abolition of the death penalty, gender equality, the separation of religion and state, autonomy for Iran’s ethnicities, and a non-nuclear Iran.
The Iranian people’s courageous uprising can be attributed, on the one hand, to the explosive state of Iranian society, a product of suppression, poverty, discrimination, and government corruption, and, on the other hand, four decades of nationwide organized resistance. Tragically, in the summer of 1988 alone, over 30,000 political prisoners – the vast majority of whom were members of the MEK – were brutally massacred.
We condemn the Iranian regime’s meddling in the Middle East region and Europe, including its terrorist attempts and cyber-attacks in Albania.
We urge the international community to stand with the Iranian people in their quest for change and to take decisive steps against the current regime. This includes blacklisting the IRGC and holding regime officials accountable for their crimes against humanity.