Scottish Greens call for solidarity with Iranian women
We must show support and solidarity with women and human rights campaigners in Iran, according to the Scottish Greens, who have called for the UK government to take action in the aftermath of the murder of Mahsa Amini by the so-called morality police.
Since the killing, which was three weeks ago today, there has been a series of protests, including the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ demonstrations, which are powerful symbols of direct action against an anti-democratic, illiberal, and oppressive regime.
Following engagement with Iraninan protesters in Scotland and beyond, the Scottish Greens human rights spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP has written to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly MP, urging him to take action against regime officials. [1]
Maggie has also written to the Director General of the BBC, Tim Davie, urging him to consider the lack of coverage of the protests on the BBC. [2]
Maggie Chapman MSP said:
“All politicians and governments need to show meaningful solidarity with Iranian women who are protesting against a brutal, repressive and misogynistic regime.
“The lack of coverage of the protests also raises important questions for our national broadcasters, particularly the BBC which has recently announced plans to close its Persian radio broadcasts.
“Human rights are non-negotiable and must be the cornerstone of our foreign policy. The treatment of women by the Iranian state has been consistently appalling.
"When women’s rights are on the line, other rights will be attacked and targeted too. And I extend my solidarity to all those women who are putting their bodies on the line to fight against the oppressive regime in Iran.”
Notes
[1] https://greens.scot/sites/default/files/UK%20Foreign%20Secretary.pdf
[2] https://greens.scot/sites/default/files/Director-General%20BBC.pdf