On 20 January, Verein Welle held a friends’ meeting in Zurich. This event was a warm reunion for all friends and supporters. Rosmarie and Vida hosted the programme.
The programme began with an exhibition about the association’s activities and the current situation regarding human rights violations in Iran. In addition to Neda’s presentation, the witnesses and plaintiffs who had helped to prevent the President of the Mullah regime, Ebrahim Raisi, from travelling to Geneva with their criminal complaint gave a report.
The Zurich pianist Veronika delighted the audience with her piano composition “Aufbruch”. Maestro Taherzadeh and his accompaniment then delighted the audience with Iranian music. A special musical highlight of the event was a musical improvisation by Veronika on the piano and the two Iranian musicians with their instruments.
Neda:
“I studied history and political science, I am politically active and also active in human rights.
On 20 November 2022, two months after the start of the population protests in Iran, the first independent commission of enquiry for Iran was set up at the UN to document and investigate the atrocities and serious human rights violations committed by the regime against the population in 2022. I think many of you have also seen that we have vigils in the Square of Nations. These are very important because they also draw the media’s attention to this issue.
Another success was that Iran was recently condemned by the UN for the 70th time for its serious human rights violations. This is of great importance because all this documentation can be used for an international trial.
For example, a torturer arrested in Sweden who was involved in the massacre of 30,000 political prisoners in Iran was convicted by a Swedish court.
And then there was another important success in December: the so-called president of the Iranian regime, who had been invited to the international refugee forum in Geneva, cancelled his trip at short notice due to an international campaign. Three Iranian witnesses living in Switzerland were able to file a criminal complaint against Raisi for crimes against humanity with the Attorney General of Switzerland. A major worldwide publicity campaign, in which Verein Welle was actively involved, and in particular the criminal complaint filed by the three witnesses calling for Ebrahim Raisi’s arrest, led to him cancelling his trip to Geneva. This was a great success for us and the Iranian people.”
Maestro Taherzadeh:
“First of all, I am very happy to be back here. My brother was a great musician. He taught music in the basement of his house because teaching music was forbidden when the mullahs came to power. In the meantime, he wrote music scores and compositions and sent them abroad for us to use. When the regime found out about this, he was arrested. He spent many months in prison and was severely tortured and died of his injuries shortly after his release. Now I am very happy that there is a great resistance in Iran, led by women. The Iranian people are about to bring freedom and democracy back to Iran. Thousands are in prison and so many have been killed, but the flame of resistance is very much alive. That is why this regime will not survive. Now we will pay tribute to all these victims, but not with sad music, but by celebrating life. Life is important; it always motivates us to carry on and keep hope for a future worth living. I would like to ask you to continue to support Verein Welle. Thank you very much.”
Organizing such events amid increasing repression and ongoing human rights abuses presents significant challenges. However, the dedication of Verein Welle’s supporters and the international community’s solidarity help overcome these obstacles.
The Friends’ Gathering in Zurich was a powerful demonstration of unity and resilience. It highlighted the importance of continued advocacy and support for human rights in Iran. The event underscored the collective resolve to fight for freedom and democracy.
Support Verein Welle in their mission to advocate for human rights in Iran. Join our activities, donate, or volunteer to help make a difference.
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