Iranians in London protest, call for sanctions
London Iranians gathered outside Downing Street today to protest the West’s perceived appeasement of Iran’s dictatorial regime. Waving flags and chanting slogans, the 50-odd protesters called for severe sanctions against the government of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The protest was organised by the foreign affairs committee for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). Saeed Abed, the council’s chair, argued that the diplomatic route chosen by the UK, EU, and America are not sufficient to help the many Iranian citizens who suffer under the regime.
“Words are weak, we need to take action,” said Saeed Abed, the chair of international relations for the NCRI.
Abed compared the West’s appeasement of Iran to Chamberlain’s pre-WWII appeasement of Adolf Hitler, calling this route “absolutely foolish” given the historic precedent. Instead, he argued governments need to take further steps in order to effect change.
“It is essential to impose a comprehensive sanction on the regime,” Abed said, stating that countries the world over should sever all ties with the Middle Eastern country.
One protester, Zohrah Moalemi, who has been in the UK for 21 years, has experienced the regime’s brutality herself.
“I was imprisoned for two years as a student. Iranian prisons are especially cruel for women, who are raped, tortured, and executed. I always felt I needed to support those who are still suffering under these conditions,” she said.
Moalemi stated that women and students have been key to leading uprisings within Iran.
Political unrest has been reported in Iran since the presidential elections in June that many have said were a sham.
Watch live-streamed footage from the protest:


Very good choice.
Thanks for informing us on this issue. it is good to see democratic Iranians are making strong representation in support of the Iranian uprising.
Thanks and follow it up if you can.
[...] activist group that stages protests multiple times per month in front of Downing Street. I caught up with them last week to chat about their mandate and how they push for social change from a country—the [...]
Leave your response!
London's Best Bites »
Mexican munchies in London: a look at the city’s beef burritos
The First Pint goes binge eating on beef burritos – and tells where you can bag the best one in town!
Things to Do »
Canada Day in Mother England
Celebrate Canada Day in London! With a raft of festivities going on in Trafalgar Square, you can’t go wrong.
Pint Sized: The First Pint Podcast
Who We Are
Our tagline says it all: The first stop and last call for students abroad in London. The First Pint is dedicated to bringing you the best of the city, from reviews and travel tips to those oh-so-necessary translations of local news and life.
If you're living on the cheap, looking for weekend plans, curious about a neighbourhood, rearing to get on the sporting pitch, itching to skip town, or in need of some straight talk on the city, you've come to the right place.
Have ideas, comments, or questions? Fill out our contact form or send us an e-mail at editor@thefirstpint.co.uk.
Interested in advertising with The First Pint? Send us an e-mail and we'll get right on it.
The First Pint hangs out elsewhere too:
Follow us on Twitter
Become a fan on Facebook
Subscribe to our RSS Feed
Ask the Audience
Archives
London Links
Our Articles, On the Map
View The First Pint in a larger map
The Loud Cloud