Key Highlights
- Prince Reza Pahlavi praised protesters in Nurabad Mamasani and vowed to take back Iran.
- US Ambassador Mike Huckabee advised embassy staff to leave Israel immediately due to security concerns.
- UN human rights chief Volker Turk called for a moratorium on the death penalty in Iran.
- A group of Iranian filmmakers condemned the suppression of anti-government protests and called for freedom of expression.
The Protests Continue: Prince Reza Pahlavi’s Support
Prince Reza Pahlavi, a key figure in Iran’s opposition movement, has been vocal in his support of the ongoing protests. On Friday, he praised the “brave presence” of people in Nurabad Mamasani, where residents gathered to reject Iran’s ruling system and raise the pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag.
Despite the “great massacre” since January’s protests, Pahlavi stated that their actions showed firm resolve and marked a path toward victory for the Iranian nation. He emphasized the historical role of Iranians as guardians of their homeland, urging unity in their fight for freedom.
US Embassy Warnings: Security Concerns in Israel
The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has issued a stark warning to embassy staff. In an email sent on Friday at 10:24 a.m., he instructed those who wished to leave the country immediately due to security concerns.
“There is no need to panic,” he said, but advised employees to secure seats on outbound flights from Ben-Gurion Airport without delay. The embassy has shifted to an “authorized departure” status, allowing non-essential personnel and their family members to leave at government expense.
Death Penalty Moratorium Urged by UN
The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, has called for an immediate moratorium on the death penalty in Iran. In a statement to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, he expressed horror over reports that at least eight people, including two children, have been sentenced to death in connection with January’s mass protests.
“I am horrified by these reports,” Turk said, adding that another 30 individuals are at risk of receiving similar sentences. He urged Iranian authorities to halt executions and review the cases in line with international human rights law, emphasizing the need for a fair judicial process.
Filmmakers Stand Against Suppression
A group of Iranian filmmakers have renewed their condemnation of the suppression of anti-government protests. In a statement titled “We stand with the people of Iran,” they joined 83 additional signatories, bringing the total to 266.
They condemned the suppression under any pretext, stating that protest is a natural and civil right of every human being. The filmmakers highlighted the vast natural and human resources of their country, arguing that justice, welfare, and security have not been achieved due to organized corruption, plundering of public wealth, and a “fear-inducing ideology.”
The statement emphasized their commitment to documenting these days and defending freedom of expression while standing alongside the Iranian people.
Among the signatories are Pegah Ahangarani, Mahnaz Afshar, Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, Jafar Panahi, Katayoun Riahi, Saman Salour, Kianoush Ayari, and Asghar Farhadi.
Long live Iran.
You might think this is new, but the struggle for freedom continues in Iran. The people are resilient, and their voices cannot be silenced.
