The London Assembly has today
welcomed the removal of Ayatollah Khamenei from power in Iran,
describing it as a pivotal moment for the people of Iran after
months of devastating bloodshed. It believes Iranian citizens now
have their strongest opportunity to break free from decades of
repression.
In a motion agreed today the Assembly pointed
out its proud record of standing in solidarity with Iranian
protestors. It also hopes that recent events mark the start of a
new chapter for Iran.
AM,
who proposed the motion, said:
“The London Assembly has always stood with the Iranian people
in the face of brutality meted out against them by their
oppressive Government”.
“We welcome that Iran is no longer under the rule of
Ayatollah Khamenei and hope that the people of Iran will be
empowered to fully grasp the opportunities for their nation which
lie ahead.“
“Iran is a beautiful country where hope can now reign as a
better future beckons without repressive violence and state
abuse.”
“This is the hope of the London Assembly and we will stand
shoulder to shoulder with Iranians both here and around the World
as we move forward"
The full text of the motion is:
“This Assembly notes that since anti-Government protests began in
late December 2025 it is estimated that upwards of 36,500
civilian protestors may have been killed by the Iranian
authorities.
This Assembly strongly welcomes that Iran is no longer under
the rule of Ayatollah Khamenei. Under Ayatollah Khamenei's regime
Iran has funded international terrorism, attacked British
nationals, brutally repressed its own citizens calling for
freedom, and has tried to develop nuclear weapons. Iranian
citizens now have their strongest chance in decades to escape
from the yoke of the Ayatollah's brutal regime.
This Assembly has a proud history of backing Iranian protestors.
On 9 February 2023, this Assembly unanimously passed a motion
noting that “This Assembly is deeply concerned about the Iranian
regime's violent treatment of women and men who are protesting
against the violation of their basic human rights, following the
killing of 22 year old Mahsa (Zhina) Amini on 16
September 2022.”
The motion, which was proposed by Assembly Member and seconded by Assembly
Member , noted that “Iran's security
forces have since killed hundreds of citizens, including at least
44 children. Amnesty International found that most of these
children were killed due to security forces unlawfully firing
live ammunition at their head, heart or other vital
organs. More than 18,000 demonstrators have also been arrested
since mid-September.”
The motion also noted that “This Assembly recognises the distress
that must be felt by our friends and neighbours in London's
Iranian communities, including the approximate 45,000 Londoners
who were born in Iran, as a result of these actions.”
This Assembly warmly welcomes the celebrations amongst London's
Iranian communities and strongly hopes that recent events mark
the start of a new chapter for Iran.”
Notes to editors:
- The Motion was agreed by 18 for and 3 against
