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On January 17, 2025, Simay-e Azadi (Iran National TV) launched its 29th telethon, a monumental four-day event that highlighted the unyielding determination of Iranians across the globe in their struggle against an oppressive regime. Supporters from diverse backgrounds rallied to showcase their commitment, sharing heartfelt contributions and messages of solidarity. With over $7 million raised in financial support and pledges, this telethon once again underscored Simay-e Azadi’s pivotal role as the independent voice of freedom and the Iranian opposition. A Phenomenal Start: Overwhelming Support and High Demand From the first moments of the telethon, Simay-e Azadi’s phone lines were flooded with calls from supporters eager to contribute. Volunteers worked tirelessly to manage the unprecedented volume, yet many faced long wait times to share their stories and pledges. This overwhelming demand highlighted the network’s extensive reach and its critical role as an independent platform amplifying the voice of the Iranian people. Despite widespread economic hardships, participants made extraordinary sacrifices to ensure the survival of this vital platform. Dr. Sina Dashti from Sweden captured the essence of Simay Azadi’s mission, stating, “The greatest responsibility of Simay Azadi is in its affirmative role: showing people where their sun shines and which system, movement, and organization can serve as the historical alternative to this dark, anti-human regime.” Voices of Unity from Across the Globe Supporters from various countries shared their emotional messages, demonstrating the global solidarity that Simay Azadi inspires. Ramesh Sepehrad, a university lecturer in the U.S., explained the importance of financial support: “Religious fascism has reached the edge of the cliff, awaiting a strong push. Our role as professors and specialists is to strengthen and preserve the sacred independence of this movement.” Her words resonated deeply with viewers, emphasizing the critical juncture Iran faces today. Siamak Tahouni from the Netherlands, contributing €25,000, declared: “I swear to God and the memory of the martyrs of the Resistance that this contribution to Simay Azadi represents our own needs. It’s about being beside you during these dark times of the regime.” Similarly, Jahanshah and Shirin from the UK pledged £31,140, describing the telethon as a reflection of the “social base of our crimson Resistance.” From Sweden, Sharif reiterated his commitment, pledging to “keep Simay Azadi as the bright beacon of Iranian homes during their darkest hours.” Soheila Dashti, also from Sweden, likened the telethon’s impact to the architectural splendor of Iran’s cultural heritage, from the mosques of Isfahan to the grandeur of Persepolis. Prof. Hossein Saeedian, representing collective support from the U.S., pledged €30,000, calling Simay Azadi “a bright star, a genuine, independent, and popular media outlet that reflects the true voice of the Iranian people.” Sacrifices Amid Hardship Inside Iran, the regime’s oppressive grip continues to create immense economic and social challenges, yet many contributors defied these hardships to support Simay Azadi. Hassan from Tabriz, despite financial struggles, donated 50 million rials, stating: “When I see supporters of the Resistance facing execution and political prisoners standing firm with their lives, I cannot stay silent. This is a national and humanitarian duty.” Sepideh from Mashhad, a mother of two with an unemployed husband, contributed 80 million rials. As a member of the Resistance Units, she declared: “Simay Azadi is the light of our home. No matter how hard the regime tries to maintain power, it has been exposed and called out by the Iranian people.” Her message echoed the sentiments of countless others who view Simay Azadi as a lifeline in their fight for justice. Samira from Iran’s Kurdistan demonstrated immense personal sacrifice by donating her monthly medication expenses of 20 million rials. Moved by her story, Amir Seifi from Ireland responded with compassion, pledging 8,000 GBP on her behalf and urging her not to jeopardize her health. Roya, a kidney dialysis patient from Germany working as a house painter, donated €7,000, stating, “I know the value of health and want to support this vital channel on your behalf.” Sahar Sanaie showed remarkable generosity by pledging €24,580 in collective support, including 12,000 euros from herself. Her message was clear: “We are the ones who need to fund Simay Azadi.” Similarly, Aras from Norway contributed 28,000 NOK, expressing pride in the Resistance Units and their fight for freedom. Stories of Inspiration and Determination The telethon was marked by powerful stories of resilience and hope. Fakhri Lakzian from the Netherlands, after waiting two days to contribute, announced a collective support of €8,400 in memory of her daughter, Roya Daroodian, a MEK member who passed away in 2013. From Tehran, Setareh contributed 10 million tomans, expressing her hope for a day when Iranians can celebrate freedom in their homeland. Even from Evin Prison, female political prisoners sent a message of defiance and encouragement: “Though we can’t join the telethon or donate, we urge our compatriots to support this national and independent TV. The people’s uprising is underway, and it will triumph.” Rebecca Malihi emphasized the resilience of the Iranian Resistance, stating: “What sets the Iranian Resistance apart is its readiness to pay the ultimate price. Simay Azadi stands out among TVs for the same reason.” Meanwhile, Alayla Johnson, whose mother was a political prisoner, contributed $5,000, remarking: “Simay Azadi keeps the hope of freedom alive for Iranians.” Mother Fatemeh from Tehran encapsulated the spirit of the telethon with her heartfelt letter: “The tyrants’ night has come to an end; the bright dawn is on its way. At this pivotal moment in history, we must rise in support of this resistance—a movement built on the sacrifices of over 120,000 martyrs.” Her generous contribution of 5.1 billion rials reflected her unwavering belief in the cause. International Endorsements During Telethon The telethon also received strong endorsements from international figures who recognized Simay Azadi’s critical role. The Rt. Hon. David Jones praised the event’s timing, stating, “Simay Azadi amplifies the voice of the Iranian people. The regime is in a very bad situation.” Former Welsh MP William Powell commended Simay Azadi’s dedication to exposing the regime’s actions, while Craydon’s councilor Robert

On Wednesday, January 8, a group of political prisoners, supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), in the notorious Evin Prison, issued a statement condemning the confirmation of death sentences for Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, both PMOI supporters and part of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign. Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani were arrested in November 2022 during a nationwide crackdown following the eruption of anti-regime protests in Iran. They were accused of “spreading corruption on Earth” and “waging war against God” (moharebeh), charges commonly used by the Iranian judiciary to suppress dissent. These charges were based on their alleged involvement in organizing Resistance Units and participating in activities opposing the regime’s policies. Both individuals were held in solitary confinement for months, denied access to proper legal representation, and subjected to severe physical and psychological torture to extract forced confessions. Their trials were carried out behind closed doors with no adherence to international standards of justice. Despite the lack of evidence and the arbitrary nature of their charges, their death sentences were upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court, signaling the regime’s intent to suppress dissent through fear and executions. The statement issued by their fellow political prisoners condemned these sentences as baseless and politically motivated. It declared that such actions by the regime would only strengthen the resolve of Resistance Units and inspire greater unity among those fighting for freedom and justice in Iran. The statement reads: “What false hopes does this regime’s judiciary cling to by confirming the death sentences of our brothers Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani?” The issuance of such sentences, or the execution of any prisoner, will only fuel the flames of the “No to Execution” campaign and strengthen the call for uprising and regime change. This fight will not end. We, the PMOI supporters imprisoned here, stand alongside the courageous men, women, and youth of our nation. We will continue until the victory of Iran’s democratic revolution and the establishment of a free republic. We are ready to give our lives for the liberation of our people. Long live freedom!Down with this execution-driven regime! PMOI SupportersEvin Prison – Ward 4, Ward 8, and Women’s Ward

In a heart-wrenching letter from the notorious Ghezelhesar prison, Iranian political prisoner Saeed Masouri appealed to the world conscious to hold the Iranian regime accountable. Now in his 25th year of incarceration, Masouri shares the incessant suffering and the rising trend of executions under the Iranian regime. The letter, wrote on the occasion of Christmas, shares the soul-stirring memories of perished prisoners and cellmates of Saeed, and the burden of living under the ongoing threat of death. Masouri highlights who the genocidal regime executes one person every four hours on average. It is worth noting that this letter is addressed to international human rights authorities, including the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Secretary General, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Iran. In his letter, Masouri calls for immediate and effective action. He calls on the global leaders to go beyond expressing concerns on releasing statements and impose necessary conditions on diplomatic and political interactions with the Iranian regime to halt this “killing machine.” He also calls for case of Iran’s human rights violations to be referred to the UN Security Council, stressing that every moment of inaction enables more bloodshed. Below is the full text of his letter: This is the 25th Christmas that I am spending in prison. I do not know what more my eyes must see or what further burdens and heartaches this heart must endure. From the time I was sentenced to death and held in solitary confinement, considering every meeting to be my last and every “opening and closing” sound of the door as a death knell (even after 25 years, every such sound due to psychological conditioning still triggers the same feeling), to witnessing the executions of dear friends and comrades up close—I no longer know how much more I must see and endure. From the absence and taking away of cellmates—Hojjat Zamani, Majid Kavousi, Farzad Kamangar, Ali Saremi, Abdolreza Rajabi, Afshin Osanlou, Mansour Radpour, Shahrokh Zamani, Loqman and Zaniar Moradi, Ali Heydarian, and others…—to dear and loving cellmates like Mohsen Dokmehchi, Jafar Kazemi, Mohammad Haj Aghaei, Gholamreza Khosravi, Hamed Ahmadi, Shahram Ahmadi, Ghasem Abesteh, Aso, Ayub, Farhad Salimi, Anvar, Khosrow, Mohsen Shekari, and Mohammad Ghobadlou—to hearing the screams and wails of their families… I truly do not know… I still cannot understand how, after seeing the childish drawing of Mahna, a 6-year-old girl, who drew herself and her mother next to her father’s gallows at the gates of Gohardasht Prison while waiting for her last meeting and kissing her father’s face (upon receiving his body), my heart has not yet stopped from these piercing and agonizing beats…!!? Currently, we witness an execution every four hours on average. During this Christmas period alone, nearly 25 innocent people were executed, equating to almost one execution every 2.5 hours! This letter is not addressed to my fellow compatriots this time (who are doing whatever is within their power) but to all awakened consciences in international human rights institutions, especially the UN Human Rights Council (High Commissioner), rapporteurs, particularly the Special Rapporteur Ms. Mai Sato, and all influential figures: UN Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres, European Commission President Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, and European Parliament President Ms. Roberta Metsola. I urgently ask them not just to express concern or condemn the executions but to take more serious measures to prevent these executions. Do not perceive the number of executions merely as figures; these are human lives being lost daily. The least that can be done in this regard is to bind this “execution government” to humane and human rights standards by conditioning diplomatic and political interactions on halting this killing machine in hopes that the massacres will cease. If necessary, even referring this human rights violation case to the Security Council! Every hour and day of delay in this matter results in more and more executions and, of course, the shedding of blood from the bodies of the Iranian people. Perhaps if effective actions had been taken earlier, even Italian journalist Ms. Cecilia Sala would not have fallen victim to hostage-taking policies (and during Christmas, no less!).