Thousands of Iranians and supporters gathered outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on 22 September, calling on the international community to take action against executions, political repression and human rights violations in Iran.
The demonstration took place as world leaders assembled for the United Nations General Assembly. Protesters gathered at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, carrying banners and calling for an end to executions and for a free and democratic Iran.
The New York Post reported that thousands of anti-regime demonstrators took part in the gathering, while other media reported the presence of Iranian-Americans, former political prisoners, human rights activists and political figures.
A central focus of the demonstration was the increasing use of the death penalty and the situation of political prisoners in Iran. Former prisoners spoke about their experiences and the fear faced by detainees awaiting execution.
Former political prisoner Shirin Nariman, who was arrested in Iran as a teenager, recalled how prisoners understood that when names were called in the afternoon, those prisoners could be heading to the gallows. She urged world leaders to take the growing number of executions seriously.
At the same time, speakers stressed that foreign war is not the solution to Iran’s crisis. Demonstrators called for the Iranian people themselves to determine their country’s future and for the international community to support their fundamental rights rather than relying on military intervention.
Majid Sadeghpour of the Organization of Iranian American Communities argued that neither a change in the regime’s behaviour nor foreign military intervention would provide the democratic transformation sought by protesters. He called instead for recognition of the Iranian people’s struggle and their organized opposition.
The rally also highlighted demands for a future Iran based on democratic government, free elections, separation of religion and state, equality between women and men, respect for minorities, and abolition of the death penalty.
Speakers rejected both the continuation of the present theocratic system and a return to dictatorship under the monarchy, arguing instead for a democratic republic in which political authority derives from the will of the people.
The gathering came during a week-long campaign in New York against executions in Iran, including rallies, public outreach and candlelight vigils for victims of executions, torture and political persecution.
For human rights organisations, the demonstration carries an urgent message beyond New York: the international community must not remain silent when prisoners face execution for political dissent.
Iranian Academics Association stands in solidarity with the victims of executions and political repression and supports efforts to protect prisoners facing death sentences. Every life saved matters.
The international community must act to defend human rights, demand accountability and support the Iranian people’s right to determine their own future — without war, dictatorship or executions.