The Iranian Academics Association organised a series of street exhibitions across northern parts of the United Kingdom, including Manchester and other cities, to raise public awareness about the alarming escalation of executions and repression in Iran. The exhibitions attracted significant attention from members of the public, many of whom stopped to view the displays, speak with organisers and express their solidarity with the Iranian people.
At the centre of the exhibitions was an urgent call to halt executions in Iran, particularly the execution of political prisoners and protesters, including women, girls and young people who have been arrested for taking part in nationwide demonstrations demanding freedom, fundamental rights and an end to dictatorship.
Through photographs, posters, information displays and conversations with passers-by, members of the Iranian Academics Association highlighted the continuing human rights crisis in Iran and the dangers facing prisoners sentenced to death following their participation in anti-government protests.
The organisers stressed that many of those at risk are young Iranians whose demand has been for a future based on freedom, democracy and respect for fundamental human rights. They called on the international community not to remain silent while the Iranian authorities use imprisonment, repression and capital punishment to intimidate a population seeking political and social change.
The exhibitions received a warm and encouraging response from the British public. Visitors expressed concern about the situation facing political prisoners and protesters and showed particular sympathy for women, girls and young people who have played a prominent role in demanding freedom and equality.
The campaign comes amid growing international concern over Iran’s increasing use of capital punishment. Human rights organisations and United Nations experts have repeatedly warned about death sentences imposed on protesters and serious concerns surrounding due process, fair trials and allegations of torture and ill-treatment.
Organisers of the exhibitions said that international solidarity can play an important role in saving lives. They urged the UK Government, parliamentarians, elected representatives, human rights organisations and the wider international community to increase political and diplomatic pressure on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt executions and introduce a moratorium on the death penalty.
They also called for stronger international action to defend political prisoners and those detained for peacefully demanding their basic rights.
The street exhibitions in Manchester and other cities across northern Britain formed part of a continuing public campaign by the Iranian Academics Association to bring the voices of Iranian prisoners, protesters and their families to the attention of the international community.
The message displayed throughout the exhibitions was clear: taking part in protests and demanding freedom must never become grounds for imprisonment or execution.
The organisers pledged to continue their activities across the United Kingdom and to mobilise public support for those in Iran who are risking their lives for freedom, democracy and a future free from religious dictatorship.
Stop Executions in Iran. Save the lives of political prisoners. Stand with Iran’s women, girls and young people demanding freedom.