Taghi Rahmani: Iranians Abroad Should Continue to Be the Voice of the People Inside

Taghi Rahmani, a political and social activist, told Voice of America: "Iranians abroad have strongly echoed the voices of internal protesters, but they must continue to be a powerful voice for the people of Iran." This political activist, who traveled to the U.S. capital to receive the 'Freedom of Writing' award given to his wife, Narges Mohammadi, a journalist and vice president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran, emphasized in an exclusive interview with Voice of America: "The protests and the support of Iranians abroad for internal protesters have compelled Western celebrities, artists, politicians, and social activists to take clearer stances in favor of the Iranian people." He stressed that the support from Iranians abroad must continue and even strengthen, adding: "Currently, activists abroad should advocate for the voices of prisoners who are at risk of execution with new policies." Taghi Rahmani pointed out the need for special attention to human rights and urged Western officials to take a clear stance on this issue in Iran, stating: "Iranians in free countries should provide the names of individuals who are imprisoned for political reasons or at risk of execution to global media, and by creating news flows, prevent the Islamic Republic from taking actions against these prisoners, making executions costly for the regime; otherwise, creating media noise after executions will not be very beneficial for the people." This political activist described the recent movement of the people in Iran as a civil movement and added: "The Islamic Republic is not only a repressive regime but also a cunning regime that easily sows discord among opponents and then manages this division to prevent the unity of its opponents." The 'Freedom of Writing' award is being presented by the American PEN Association to Narges Mohammadi, who is currently imprisoned.