Hundreds of protesters, supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) gathered outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday, voicing opposition to the Iranian government and calling for international support for human rights in Iran.
Emma Vali Beigi, a protester from Montreal, Canada, emphasized the importance of standing against human rights violations in Iran. "There are ongoing violations, torture, and executions happening. It's crucial for everyone, Iranian or not, to be aware and stand as a voice for those searching for their speaker," she said.
The protest featured participants singing the Iranian national anthem and holding banners, including one supporting Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of Iran's Resistance.
Vahideh Khorram-Roudi, a protester, claimed, "We are here in thousands to show our support and solidarity with the Iranian people, who have lost thousands to this dictator," referring to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Protesters voiced their disapproval of the Iranian president's presence at the UN, with Leila Jadidi stating, "He should not be allowed to land on this soil."
Mike Khodadost, a protester from Michigan, expressed his longstanding commitment to opposing the Iranian government. "I've been protesting for almost 40 years. Iranian people are suffering for freedom and democracy," he said.
The demonstrators chanted for freedom and democracy in Iran, urging the international community to help amplify their voices. Khorram-roudi echoed this sentiment, hoping for global support to bring change.
Khodadost shared a personal plea, expressing his wish to return to Iran to visit his parents' graves.
Protesters, wearing caps and vests reading "FREE IRAN," continued chanting throughout the demonstration, drawing attention to their cause.