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After the much contested presidential elections on June 12th, 2009 in Iran,
violence broke out as young Iranians were protesting on the streets of
Tehran, their natural rights to peaceful assemble were disregarded. The
protesters were harassed, beaten and forcibly ejected by the police and
members of the Basij. Now, weeks after the
elections, riots, brutal murders, torture, and detention of innocent
civilians without due process of law continues to be at play.
The International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) expresses its
solidarity with the Iranian youth and their people in their
right to expresses their grievances towards the establishments of
Iranian society through peaceful and non-violent means. We vehemently condemn
the on-going violence and suppression of independence through infiltration of
communications and the internet by the government.
Taking into account of Iran’s
unique and sensitive situation where elections are farcical and there is no
genuine right of political participation: we view the current riots as the
natural result of built-up frustration by young people within a system that
does not take their voice into account.
IFLRY believes in the freedom of expression and individualism. While we
recognize that religion can be important part of people's lives, a certain
life style cannot and should not be enforced upon a person by state and much
more with the use of coercion. We adhere to the ideal that each generation
needs to define its own paths of life: the young Iranians should have a
chance to decide upon theirs. We are in full support of all Iranian citizens
especially the youth who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil
liberties and rule of law. IFLRY continues to affirm the importance of
democratic and fair elections. No government should rule without a clear and
clean mandate from its people.
We also recognize the invaluable contribution of Iranian women, who bravely
take a lead in the struggle for their native Iran
as shown by Neda Agha Soltan’s sacrifice, she is now Iran’s
iconic symbol for greater freedom and justice.
In conclusion, the International Federation of Liberal Youth calls upon the
Iranian government and its leaders to be magnanimous in accepting the
people’s clamor for a clean, honest and manipulation-free election. We urge
the Iranian government to veer away from their violent and brutal treatment
of young people peaceful protesting to express their view and exercise their
universal human rights.
While it is not for us to determine the fate of Iran and its people, IFLRY
reaffirms its strong conviction that the Iranian people should enjoy the
right to express their views about the future of their country freely,
without intimidation and fear.
The International Federation of Liberal Youth is the worldwide umbrella of
over 100 liberal youth and student organizations, representing more than 2.5
million young people committed to freedom, democracy and human rights. IFLRY
(est. 1947) is headquartered in London,
United Kingdom
and is Full Member of Liberal International. Send an e-mail to janargy@iflry.org or bart@iflry.org for more information.
IFLRY, the International Federation of Liberal Youth, is an
international political umbrella organisation
promoting cooperation among youth and student organisations
to spread liberal values.
Learn more about IFLRY >
Member organizations >
International Federation of Liberal Youth. Contact us.
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