Over the past ten days, public and collective protests have taken place in numerous cities and towns across Iran, reflecting a widespread and deepening wave of dissatisfaction throughout the country. While these protests initially began among merchants and shopkeepers, they have rapidly spread nationwide.

For many years, the peoples of Iran have lived under sustained pressure, injustice, and repression. Women, in particular, face severe restrictions, systemic discrimination, and ongoing violations of their fundamental rights. In effect, Iran has become a vast prison for women. Three years ago, Iranian women lead a historic and unprecedented uprising under the slogan “Women, Life, Freedom.” While the immediate triggers of the current protests may be economic and related to livelihoods, this movement embodies the same principles and represents a continuation of the Women, Life, Freedom revolution.

Iran is a country marked by significant ethnic and religious diversity. Yet across these differences, the population is united by shared experiences of oppression and injustice. Political power is highly centralized and grounded in a religious system that allows no dissent and bears no resemblance to democratic governance. Those who challenge the authorities are met with punishment and repression.

Despite Iran’s considerable wealth, chronic mismanagement and systemic corruption have left much of the population in acute poverty, unable to meet even basic needs. Living conditions continue to deteriorate across the country, and responsibility for this escalating humanitarian crisis lies squarely with the Iranian regime.

The people of Iran are resisting injustice and oppression and have clearly articulated their demands. These demands—freedom, equality, democracy, and a dignified life—are fundamental human rights. They constitute both the basis and the purpose of the current protests, which seek meaningful change and improved living conditions. The Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) recognizes these demands as legitimate and fully supports the protests of the peoples of Iranian.

Rather than engaging with the lawful and legitimate demands of its citizens, the Iranian authorities have responded with repression. Police and militia forces (Basij) have been deployed to suppress protests through violence and intimidation. By alleging foreign interference, the government seeks to delegitimize the people’s demands and to justify its actions. To date, more than 30 individuals have been killed, and thousands have been injured or detained as a result of attacks by state forces. Such conduct is unacceptable and cannot be justified.

The peoples of Iran are exercising their rights through peaceful protest and have no alternative avenues to express their grievances. The Iranian authorities must heed the demands of the population, immediately cease all violence, and take concrete steps toward democracy, accountability, and the rule of law.

Instead of listening to the legitimate demands of its dissatisfied citizens, the Iranian government has attempted to suppress the lawful demands of the people by deploying police and Basij forces, using violence and intimidation to halt the protests. By claiming foreign interference in the protests, the government seeks to delegitimize the people’s rightful demands and justify its crimes. So far, more than 30 people have been killed, and thousands have been injured or detained in attacks by regime forces. This conduct is unacceptable and indefensible. The people, through peaceful protests, are demanding their rights and have no other recourse. The Iranian authorities must listen to the demands of the people, refrain from any violence, and move the country toward democracy and the rule of law.

Therefore, once again, we call upon the Iranian authorities to:
– Stop violence and attacks against the people,
– Listen to the demands of the people,
– Provide care for the injured,
– Release those detained,
– Accept and uphold the legitimate demands of the people.

We also call upon the peoples of Iran and all protestors to maintain unity and solidarity, and not to allow any power to restrict or suppress their peaceful demonstrations.

At the same time, we call on the international community, democratic forces, and friends of the peoples of Iran to support these protests and the legitimate demands of the Iranian peoples in their pursuit of fundamental rights.

We pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the course of these protests, extend our condolences to their families, and wish a full and swift recovery to all those who have been injured.

Kurdistan National Congress (KNK)

08.01.2026