On Monday, December 9, 2024, the Iranian community in Belgium, supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), gathered at Place de Albertine in Brussels to mark International Human Rights Day. The rally resonated with powerful calls for justice and human rights, emphasizing the need to end the escalating wave of executions in Iran. Fank Vandenbrouck, Vooruit, the minister of health of Belgium, joined the gathering to address protesters and condemning the human rights violations in Iran.
A Strong Message of Solidarity
The rally focused on condemning the alarming rate of executions and denouncing the increasing repression faced by Iranian women. The event was marked by chants, banners, and speeches that highlighted the resilience of the Iranian people in the face of oppression. The speakers and participants at the rally brought attention to several critical issues:
- Stopping Executions in Iran
Since August, under Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, Iran has witnessed over 520 executions, including 17 women and 4 public executions. This grim statistic underscores the regime’s use of capital punishment to suppress dissent and instill fear. - Opposition to New Hijab and Chastity Rules
The Iranian regime’s morality police have intensified restrictions on women, enforcing draconian laws around chastity and hijab. Protesters at the rally voiced their opposition to these oppressive measures, emphasizing the rights of women to choose freely. - Regional Implications and Victory for Freedom
The rally also celebrated the symbolic fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, marking it as a victory for freedom and a hopeful sign for the region. Participants drew parallels between the struggles for justice in Iran and across the Middle East, emphasizing the need for solidarity.
