Guided by the urgent need to defend freedom and promote democracy globally, The Renew Democracy Initiative’s Frontlines of Freedom network, a community of dissidents, human rights advocates and democracy activists, who have personally faced the brutality of dictatorships, join our voices with the brave people of Iran as they stand up to the oppressive Iranian regime.

The murder of Mahsa Amini and the widespread persecution of women that it represents is an affront to justice. We applaud the Iranian people’s bravery in confronting the system of oppression against women. You inspire the world and prove everyday that freedom is an ideal worth pursuing, even at great personal cost.

We condemn the brutal murders, arrests, torture, and intimidation of the people of Iran who peacefully demand a government that respects the rights of all citizens.

We call on the citizens of the world, in both free and unfree nations, to join us in solidarity with the people of Iran as they seek complete political equality and justice. Through the brave actions of the men and women of Iran, we must all understand that a threat to freedom anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere. Dictators watch moments like these and hope that people cower and retreat. Our solidarity must send them a different message.

We call on the democratic nations of our world to condemn the actions of the Iranian government against their people and to demand a stop to the murders, tortures, and arrests of innocent citizens. Democracies must signal their support for people to enjoy the fundamental and universal human rights we all aspire to ensure.

With joined hearts, hands, and voices, WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF IRAN