Around 60 people protested outside parliament house on July 25 in solidarity with recent democracy protests in Iran. They demanded the release of political prisoners, an end to censorship and the rejection of the recent presidential elections as a fraud.
Melbourne protest organiser Sammi Loni said: "The people of Iran have been oppressed by this bloodthirsty government. We expect all freedom loving people to support us in this difficult and dangerous time."
The rally also heard from Socialist Party Yarra councillor Steve Jolly and a speaker from the Socialist Alliance.
July 25 marked a Global Day of Action for human rights in Iran. Protests were held in more than 105 cities around the world, saidUnited4Iran.org.
United4Iran describes itself as "a non-partisan collaborative of individuals and human rights organizations". The group also opposes foreign interference or military attacks on Iran.
The protests condemned the widespread violations of the Iranian people's human rights. The protests demanded:
• civil and human rights for the people of Iran;
• stop the abuse of power — the imprisonment, torture and killing; and
• solidarity with the Iranian people.