On 20th March 2025, in the wake of Persian New Year celebrations, Winchester, became a powerful hub of solidarity and activism as citizens gathered at a street exhibition in the city center. Organised by Iranian academics and supported by local human rights advocates and members of the Iranian diaspora, the event served as a vital platform to expose the ongoing atrocities committed by the Iranian regime—specifically the execution and torture of political prisoners.
A core objective of the exhibition was to mobilise support to stop the execution of brave Iranian women, girls, and youths unjustly imprisoned for standing up against repression. Organisers highlighted the systematic targeting of women and young people, who continue to face severe punishments, including the death penalty, for daring to speak out for freedom and equality.
The response from Winchester’s community was remarkable. Hundreds of residents, students, and activists visited the exhibition throughout the day, engaging in powerful discussions with campaigners and expressing deep concern about the worsening human rights situation in Iran. Exhibition materials, including visual displays and written testimonies from political prisoners and their families, struck a chord with many attendees.
A key highlight of the day was a petition calling on the UK government to take immediate action, including the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. The IRGC is widely seen as one of the primary enforcers of the Iranian regime’s crackdown on dissent, responsible for brutal acts of repression inside Iran and beyond.
“We were humbled by the public’s strong show of empathy and support,” said one of the Iranian academic organisers. “So many people expressed outrage at the situation and stood with us to demand an end to the executions and torture. The courage of the women and young people in Iran resonated deeply with everyone.”
The timing of the event, held immediately after Nowruz—the Persian New Year—was also symbolic. Traditionally a celebration of renewal and hope, this year’s Nowruz held added significance, as it became a call for justice and freedom for those suffering under authoritarian rule.
The petition gathered widespread backing from the public and is now part of a broader campaign to increase pressure on the UK government to take a stronger stance against Iran’s human rights violations. Campaigners stressed that sanctioning and proscribing the IRGC would be a decisive step towards showing solidarity with Iranian citizens resisting oppression.
As the event came to a close, the organisers emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum. The success of the Winchester street exhibition has already inspired discussions about replicating the initiative in other UK towns and cities, aiming to build a national movement of awareness and advocacy.
Next Steps:
- Deliver the petition to Parliament.
- Expand outreach activities in other cities.
- Strengthen alliances with UK-based human rights organisations.
- Continue to campaign until decisive action is taken against the IRGC.
