Sepideh Gholian: International Communities Must Be the Voice of Civil Society; the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' Movement Will Not Sleep

Sepideh Gholian, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, wrote in a letter addressed to participants of the Munich Security Conference, "Democratic countries and international organizations must be the voice of civil society, human rights, and democratic institutions in Iran under current conditions." In this letter, which was read by human rights activist Masih Alinejad, she stated, "In a situation where civil society and the Iranian opposition are imprisoned and under the pressure of executions and repression, it is essential for democratic forces in Iran to unite." This political prisoner emphasized, "The Woman, Life, Freedom movement is not one that will sleep anytime soon. A generation has risen during this revolution that questions not only the Islamic Republic but also authoritarian thinking; the revolution has momentum, and democratic countries and international organizations must be the voice of civil society, human rights, and democratic institutions in Iran in such circumstances." At the end of her letter to the participants of the Munich Security Conference, Gholian added, "Look at the statistics of executions in Iran; each of these numbers represented a life. We are facing harsher repression due to our increased resistance. Increase international pressure on the bloodthirsty regime of the Islamic Republic." The Munich Security Conference this year, like last year, was held without inviting representatives of the Islamic Republic. The conference concluded with the presence of opponents of the Islamic Republic; Masih Alinejad stated, "I tried to be the voice of the real revolutionaries." The ongoing wave of widespread arrests in Iran; Hassan Nayeb Hashem: It indicates the government's fear. Sepideh Gholian from prison: I have been "denied my hometown" by order of the Ministry of Intelligence; my family's life is in danger. European Parliament: The Islamic Republic must end "discrimination against women and girls" and "hostage diplomacy." Gholian's reaction to the 15-month prison sentence: "It was worth it, and I sacrifice for our nation."