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After the Ayatollah’s envoy told lies at the United Nations, Dutch Member of Parliament Ulysse Ellian delivered a powerful speech exposing the Islamic Republic of Iran’s assassination campaign against dissidents in Europe.
Ellian, two of whose family members were executed by the regime, calls on the UN to hold Tehran accountable for its global human rights abuses and terror operations - from 975 executions last year, to the murders of exiled activists in the Netherlands, France, and Spain.
Speech Transcript:
Madam Chair,
My name is Ulysse Ellian, and I am a Member of the Dutch Parliament.
I commend the Rapporteur for his workshop, described on page 21 in his report, to restrict use of the death penalty by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Moments ago, the UN reported here that last year there were at least 975 executions in Iran, including children.
I know all about this. Two of my family members in Iran were executed.
And in my country, the Netherlands, we witnessed the killings of Iranian dissidents: Ali Motamed in 2015, and two years later, Ahmad Mola Nissi. Recently, in Spain Alejo Vidal was shot, and Siamak Tahmasbi nearly killed in the Netherlands.
Mr. Rapporteur, in your talks with Iranian officials, have you raised their use of the death penalty against dissidents worldwide?
Given that Dutch, Swedish, French and UK Intelligence have all confirmed that Iran is hiring criminal gangs to carry out violent attacks here in Europe, will you confront Iran over their use of terror against dissidents and Jews?
I urge this Council: if you truly value the right to life, then you must expose Iran’s strategy of hiring assassins to strike fear into anyone who dares to oppose them.
I urge the United Nations: You must refute the blatant lies that were just told here, hold Tehran accountable, and cut off its long arm of terrorism.
And to the brave, innocent people of Iran, I say: You have the right to be free from tyranny and oppression. We stand with you.
Thank you.
