World patience with Lebanon ‘wasted by lack of reform’ – – DeathInTown

LONDON: Protesters facing a brutal crackdown by the Iranian government need the same level of support from the West as Ukrainians in their conflict with Russia, a group of prominent deported Iranians said.

In an open letter signed by 77 people, including human rights activists and family members of dual-national political prisoners, the EU, US and UK urged them to do more to support the demands of Iranians for their freedom. was given.

Protests erupted last month following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in Iran’s morality police custody after being detained for not wearing the hijab correctly.

Signatories to the letter include the daughter of released British prisoner Anoushee Asholi, released Australian scholar Kylie Moore Gilbert, and German Green Party spokesperson on Iran Kazem Mousavi.

The letter accused the West of imposing “largely symbolic” travel bans and asset freezes on a handful of Iranian security force members responsible for the crackdown that claimed the lives of hundreds of Iranians. , criticizing the ongoing dialogue with Tehran over the revival. of the 2015 nuclear deal.

“These young Iranians are bold and brave and are no longer willing to yield to the ruthlessness of the regime. They are fighting for their lives and they are fighting for their lives.

“Meanwhile, the Iranian regime antagonizes its own people by imprisoning, torturing, and killing them. It has a policy of taking hostages to use as pawns.

“They held them in solitary confinement, tortured them, denied their basic human rights, and destroyed the lives of them and their families.

“Democracies have a responsibility to speak up and a choice to make. Will we side with the oppressors or those who cry for freedom and justice?

“While Ukrainians are fighting outside aggressors, Iranians are fighting an internal enemy – the regime. The ‘Free World’ has proven that it can help Ukraine fight for freedom. Sanctions were decided within days and clear action was taken.

“Now is the time to take action and support the Iranian people in their fight against the dictatorship.”