Statement by the PDKI Department of Foreign Relations Concerning Protest in Iran
In the final days of 2025, a new wave of popular protests has erupted in major cities across Iran. These demonstrations are fuelled by deepening economic hardship, soaring inflation, and widespread political discontent. Thus, it is important to consider that these crises are not just economic; they also reflect the political oppression that the peoples of Iran have endured for a long time. This is evident in the slogans of the demonstrators opposing the regime and demanding freedom, liberation, justice, and accountability.
Amid ongoing protests, the regime’s oppressive forces have killed and injured several protesters. These actions raise serious concerns that the regime is escalating its campaign of violence. This was most evident during the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement when the Kurds faced an especially brutal and disproportionate response from the regime’s oppressive forces.
This pattern of oppression is not limited to Iranian Kurdistan. Civilians, journalists and human rights defenders in Iran face surveillance and intrusive policing tactics. A UN report has condemned these tactics for gross violations, some of which may constitute crimes against humanity due to their scale and systematic nature. Moreover, independent monitoring organisations have documented an alarming increase in executions, with over 1,500 recorded in 2025 alone – the highest number in decades. Kurds are disproportionately affected by thesepunitive measures.
In light of the ongoing protests and the increasing concern surrounding the regime’s violent oppression of peaceful demonstrators, we are urgently calling on you to take action by:
1) Publicly support peaceful demonstrations and condemn the excessive use of force by the oppressive forces of the Islamic Republic.
2) Coordinate with other politicians and leaders to invoke and expand targeted sanctions against Iranian officials and entities directly responsible for human rights violations.
3) Advocate for rigorous monitoring and reporting of human rights abuses, ensuring independent access for UN mechanisms and international human rights observers.
Europe and its politicians have long championed universal values such as human dignity, freedom and justice. Your support at this pivotal moment could have an invaluable impact on the lives of the peoples of Iran, who are risking everything to demand basic democratic rights.
The Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI)
The Department of Foreign Relations
2026-01-02
