New York, NY, September 30, 2022 ... In light of the widespread protests across Iran, ADL’s Task Force on Middle East Minorities called on the international community to make clear to the Islamic Republic that it must guarantee women’s rights, human rights, and rights of all ethnic, religious, gender and sexual minorities in Iran.
The protests, sparked in response to the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested and imprisoned by the so-called "modesty police" for allegedly violating the regime’s mandatory dress code, has featured unprecedented demonstrations across the country led by women, Kurds, and others, making clear the deep suppression of the Iranian people.
At this critical moment, the Task Force further calls on the United States and other world leaders to ensure that the suppression, persecution, and human rights violations of the Iranian regime be addressed when engaging directly or indirectly with the Islamic Republic.
ADL’s Task Force on Middle East Minorities Co-chair Rev. Johnnie Moore added: “The international community must unequivocally support the brave people in Iran, especially Iranian women, who march for their rights and freedoms. We stand with them and add our voices demanding that leaders in capitals all around the world do everything possible to stop the killing of those seeking to exercise their basic human rights and amplify the voices of the Iranian people. Every wasted minute is another lost life.”
ADL’s Task Force on Middle East Minorities member Farahnaz Ispahani stated: “It is admirable that the protests are being led by Iranian women, who have borne the brunt of the Islamic Republic’s repressive policies for years. It is time for the United States and the rest of the international community to stop normalizing the oppressive rulers of Iran."