Iranian Opposition Marks First Anniversary of November Protests
By: Masoud Dalvand
Tags: Freedom, uprising, Iran, Iran Protests, Human Rights

Iranian youths affiliated to the Iranian opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran mark the first anniversary of the November 2019 protests.

In an online conference hosted by the Iranian opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran ( NCRI), thousands of Iranians attended the event, marking the first anniversary of the November 2019 uprising. In mid-November 2019, nationwide protests rapidly swept nearly 200 cities across Iran.

Hundreds of thousands of outrage protesters came into the streets, showing their complaint against the sudden rise of gasoline prices. However, the regime’s security forces responded to defenseless demonstrators with live ammunition, killing at least 1,500 protesters.

During two days, the Revolutionary Guard Corps and other oppressive forces did whatever they could to stifle protests, according to the supreme leader Ali Khamenei ‘s decree. They arbitrary detained over 12,000 demonstrators, targeted protesters and bystanders by heavy machineguns, snipers, and helicopters. However, they merely fueled the people’s wrath against the entire regime.

At the time, supporters of the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK/PMOI) played crucial role in organizing and leading protests. MEK supporters who are known as the Resistance Units show unbelievable bravery versus the regime’s cruelty, which prompted many citizens to join the struggle for freedom and justice.

On the first anniversary of the November uprising, many distinguished guests from different countries joined the NCRI webinar, commemorating the Iranian people’s desire for a free Iran. As the event’s keynote speaker, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the NCRI President-elect, highlighted the continuation of Iranians’ protests for freedom.

NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi

“The uprising in November 2019 was neither indiscriminate nor spontaneous… It had no ties with any of the regime’s factions and no connections to any world power or government,” said NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi in her speech.

“On the contrary, the November uprising emanated from the Iranian people’s independent and liberating resolve. It was a genuine example of a revolt and a struggle to overthrow the regime. Its driving force were the deprived but aware youths inspired by Resistance Units. It was an example which implemented the strategy of the PMOI/MEK, the strategy of Resistance Units and Rebellious Cities.

“In November 2019, the regime began killing protesters from the onset. The slaughter took on a much greater scale on November 17, upon Khamenei’s order. He told his suppressive agencies to ‘fulfill their duties’ with regard to the protesters. This was an order for a ruthless massacre,” she said.

“It was a crime against humanity. [The regime’s Supreme Leader Ali] Khamenei, [mullahs’ President Hassan] Rouhani, [secretary of the regime’s Supreme Security Council, Ali] Shamkhani, Revolutionary Guards ( IRGC) and Bassij commanders, and State Security Forces commanders must face justice for this massacre,” she added.

“[The November 2019 uprising] was a manifestation of the burning determination that will continue to carry on until the mullahs’ religious dictatorship is overthrown… This uprising will carry on until the regime is overthrown in its entirety,” the NCRI President-elect continued.

More read: Iranian Opposition Marks First Anniversary of November Protests