In a dramatic session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held in Geneva on March 17, 2025, Iranian representatives attempted to silence Swedish MP Alireza Akhondi after he denounced the Iranian regime as “brutal tyrants”. Akhondi spoke at the invitation of UN Watch, labelling the regime as lacking legitimacy due to its brutal treatment of the Iranian populace, urging the council to take decisive action.
Despite the established protocol mandating responses at the end of debates, the Iranian delegate interrupted Akhondi with unfounded claims that his choice of language violated council decorum. This interruption raised eyebrows as it contrasted with the inflammatory rhetoric often used by representatives from authoritarian regimes against Western countries.
The UN debate chair, Ambassador Paul Efambe, appeared to side with Iran’s position, implying that Akhondi’s comments lacked the dignity appropriate for human rights discussions. Undaunted, Akhondi reiterated that this behaviour exemplified the Iranian regime’s fears. He articulated, “The Ayatollahs are afraid of the truth,” highlighting the plight of 90 million Iranians they oppress.
In his powerful address, Akhondi presented testimonies of violence and oppression in Iran, questioning the regime’s claim to legitimacy. He challenged Iranian officials to acknowledge they represent only their oppressors, not the true voice of the Iranian people. Akhondi concluded with a rallying cry to the Iranian people, pledging support until they could express their voices freely and without fear.
During a UN Human Rights Council session, Iranian representatives attempted to silence Swedish MP Alireza Akhondi after he labelled their regime as “brutal tyrants”. Akhondi’s speech, delivered under UN Watch, outlined severe human rights abuses. Despite interruptions from Iranian officials claiming procedural breaches, he maintained that the regime’s fear of truth would not silence the call for justice and freedom for Iranians.
The attempt by Iranian delegates to stifle MP Alireza Akhondi’s speech at the UN highlights ongoing tensions regarding human rights issues in Iran. Despite efforts to silence dissent, Akhondi’s powerful statements underscored the regime’s failures and the determination of activists to advocate for Iranian voices. This episode serves as a reminder of the stark realities faced by many under authoritarian regimes and the importance of global advocacy for human rights.
Original Source: unwatch.org
