Hundreds Of Iranian Activists Call For A Free Referendum

Over 400 Iranian civil and political activists say the only "violence-free and democratic" solution for transition from the Islamic Republic is holding a democratic referendum.

In a statement on Saturday, they called the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement a symbol of "opposition to all kinds of discrimination, privilege, and religious and political tyranny" adding that it is the result of "the impasse of the reform movement" in Iran.

The signatories noted that the most important lesson of the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement is the necessity of "organized efforts to demand justice, as well as the abolition of intimidation, privilege and discrimination."

They emphasized that despite the "heavy costs brought about by repression", resistance is the only way to "push back the tyranny step by step".

The activists have warned that although "the uprising seems to have subsided, but if the political and socio-economic crises continue, it has the capacity to quickly break out in different ways and even lead to a nationwide eruption".

Former MPs Alireza Rajaee and Fatemeh Rakeei, senior Member of the Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Organization Abolfazl Qadyani, and former Tehran Mayor Morteza Alviri are among the most salient figures who have signed the statement.

Human rights organizations say over 500 have been killed in the recent Iran protests, which were ignited by the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality patrol. The protests quickly targeted the entire regime, and since then the civil disobedience of Iranian women against the mandatory hijab has intensified.