Executions of Political Prisoners in Iran

By OIAC Events April 22, 2026

When

Saturday, May 16th, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00PM (EST)

Where

Upper Senate Park
Constitution Ave NW & Delaware Ave. NE

Rally at U.S. Capitol Calls for a Free Iran and Condemns Executions of Political Prisoners

Washington, D.C. – A rally will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 starting at 11:00 AM on the grounds of the United States Capitol, bringing together policymakers, advocates, and members of the Iranian American community to call for a free and democratic Iran, condemn the execution of political prisoners, and promote peace, stability, and respect for human rights. Participants are then expected to march in Washington, DC.

Featured speakers will include former U.S. government officials, Iran experts, former political prisoners, and women’s rights activists, offering diverse perspectives on the urgent need for international support of the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations.

The event builds on the sustained advocacy efforts of Organization of Iranian American Communities, including recent large-scale rallies in Washington, D.C., and New York. Most notably, thousands participated in the Unity Rally and March for a Democratic Republic in Iran in Washington, highlighting growing bipartisan support for democratic change.

These mobilizations reflect a broader nationwide and international campaign to raise awareness of ongoing human rights violations in Iran and to advocate for a firm and principled response from the global community.

The May 16th rally also comes amid increasing concern over the human rights situation in Iran, including documented reports by Amnesty International on the use of internet shutdowns to conceal abuses and suppress peaceful dissent. These findings, along with continued reports of executions and arbitrary detentions, underscore the urgency of sustained international attention and coordinated action.

By convening leading voices from government, civil society, and affected communities, the rally aims to amplify calls for accountability, support the Iranian people’s right to self-determination, and advance the cause of freedom, justice, and lasting peace in Iran.

Major Washington Gathering Highlights Surge of Resistance Movement Inside Iran

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, a massive demonstration in Washington, D.C. brought together t housands of Iranian Americans and supporters of a free and democratic Iran to condemn the Iranian regime’s escalating executions and repression. The rally underscored growing international support for the Iranian people’s demand for democratic change and highlighted the expanding activities of Resistance Units inside Iran.

Participants marched through the nation’s capital carrying banners calling for an end to executions of political prisoners and expressing support for a secular, democratic, and non-nuclear republic in Iran. Speakers at the event emphasized that the ruling clerical regime is facing what they described as a “terminal impasse,” marked by deepening economic collapse, social unrest, and growing nationwide resistance.

The event featured remarks from current and former U.S. officials, religious leaders, and human rights advocates who voiced solidarity with the Iranian people and praised the courage of Resistance Units operating inside Iran despite severe crackdowns by the regime. Even’s keynote speaker was Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President Elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).

Several speakers argued that Tehran’s increasing reliance on executions, internet shutdowns, and mass repression demonstrates the regime’s fear of organized dissent.

Speakers included General Wesley Clark (Former Supreme Allied Commander, EUROPE), Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, Ambassador Carla Sands, and leaders of Iran Kurdish minority.

In a special message to the gathering, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani stated that the Iranian regime is collapsing from within and stressed that democratic change in Iran is inevitable. He also pointed to the importance of the Ten-Point Plan presented by Maryam Rajavi as a roadmap for a future democratic republic.

Religious and community leaders speaking at the rally described the struggle in Iran as a humanitarian cause transcending political divisions. They condemned the regime’s use of executions and suppression tactics and called on the international community to hold Tehran accountable for widespread human rights violations.

The rally stressed that the Iranian people reject both dictatorship and foreign intervention, insisting that lasting change must come through the organized resistance and determination of the Iranian people themselves. The rally concluded with renewed calls for stronger international support for the Iranian people’s aspirations for freedom, democracy, and justice.