Prince Reza Pahlavi's call for "International Day of Action" and his invitation to global presence
By calling for a "Global Day of Action," Prince Reza Pahlavi called on Iranians abroad and freedom-loving people around the world to show practical solidarity with the Iranian revolution.
Iran is at one of the most sensitive and decisive moments in its contemporary history. Simultaneous political, economic, social, and legitimacy crises have left the structure of the Islamic Republic in a fragile and worn-out state. The violent suppression of popular protests, the spread of poverty, international isolation, and the government’s inability to respond to the most basic demands of its citizens have created a deep rift between the government and the nation; a rift that can no longer be repaired by violence and censorship.
In such circumstances, popular protests (albeit sporadic and costly) continue, showing that Iranian society has moved beyond the “fear” phase and entered a phase of public demand. Internet shutdowns, widespread arrests, heavy judicial sentences, and the naked use of repressive forces have not only not silenced society, but have deepened public anger.
In this inflamed context, the role of Iranians abroad and organized international pressure seems more decisive than ever.
In this regard, Prince Reza Pahlavi, by issuing an official call, declared February 14 (25 Bahman) as the "International Day of Action" in solidarity with the Iranian Revolution and called on Iranians abroad and freedom-seekers around the world to take to the streets to force governments and international institutions to take practical and immediate action in support of the Iranian nation.
In his message to Iranians around the world, he wrote:
"Honorable Iranians abroad and freedom-loving people around the world,
February 14th is the "Global Day of Action" in solidarity with the Iranian Revolution; a day to take to the streets to urge the international community to take practical and immediate action in support of the Iranian people.
Our six clear demands are as follows:
- Breaking the regime's machine of repression and protecting the Iranian people
- Complete cut-off of the regime's financial resources
- Internet and communication freedom for the people of Iran
- Expelling the regime's diplomats and prosecuting criminals
- Immediate release of all political prisoners
- Readiness to recognize the legitimate transitional government for Iran's transition to democracy
Munich, Los Angeles, and Toronto are the main gathering centers. If you can't travel, take to the streets in your city and be the voice of Iran.
The occupying Islamic Republic of Iran has tried to break the will of our nation through brutal killing and violence, but it has failed. These rootless terrorists, alien to Iran, have killed tens of thousands of brave Iranians in order to survive and have shut down the internet to hide their crimes. Yet, the Iranian people continue to stand in the face of bullets and shout for freedom and patriotism. The era of fear is over, the era of freedom is near. Iranians have risen.
I ask you, who live in freedom, to stand up with the people of Iran on Saturday, February 14. Your solidarity matters. When we stand united, governments are bound to listen. History will remember those who stood with the Iranian people with favor.
Long live freedom! Long live Iran! Long live the glorious revolution of Iran!
This call is an attempt to move beyond the stage of symbolic protests and move toward targeted international pressure that can curb the Islamic Republic's machine of repression and pave the way for a transition to democracy. The emphasis on demands such as the release of political prisoners, cutting off the government's financial resources, and recognizing the transitional government shows that the Iranian freedom movement has entered a more political and structured phase.
As the Iranian government continues to beat the drum of repression, the "Global Day of Action" could become an important test to measure the level of global solidarity with the Iranian people and the will of governments to stand on the side of history.
