RESOLUTION NO. 220960

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Sponsor:  Mayor Quinton Lucas

RESOLUTION - Condemning the human rights violations of Iranian citizens perpetrated by the Islamic Republic Security Forces and expressing the Council’s support for the people of Iran.

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WHEREAS, Iran is the second-largest country by area in the Middle East and with a population of 83 million, the third-most populous country in the Middle East; and

                     WHEREAS, since 1979, Iran has been a theocratic republic governed by an authoritarian regime, otherwise known as the Islamic Republic of Iran or IRI; and

                     WHEREAS, on September 16, 2022, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died after being arrested and beaten while in the hands of the Islamic Republic’s Morality Police for allegedly wearing an “improper” hijab while on vacation with her family in Tehran; and

                     WHEREAS, since September 16, 2022, the people of Iran have been involved in nationwide protests, in many cases led by students and women, in opposition to the discriminatory laws and human rights violations perpetrated by the IRI; and

                     WHEREAS, since September 16, 2022, it has been reported that over 200 peaceful protesters have been killed, with hundreds and thousands more injured and arrested as they demand equal rights and basic human dignity; and

                     WHEREAS, the activism of the citizens of Iran and the violent crackdown they have faced have inspired international protests, including in Kansas City, as people across the world seek to stand in solidarity with Iranian women and all people of Iran; and

                     WHEREAS, the United States, European Union, and other nations around the world have united to condemn the reported actions of the IRI and have levied sanctions against IRI officials involved in the crackdown; and

                     WHEREAS, despite being faced with fatal attacks, torture, and imprisonment, the people of Iran have demonstrated incredible courage, bravery, and resilience; and

                     WHEREAS, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, wishes to show its support for Iranian women and all citizens of Iran who continue to demand equal rights and basic human dignity; NOW, THEREFORE,

                     BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

                     Section 1.  That the Mayor and Council hereby condemn the human rights violations of Iranian citizens perpetrated by the Islamic Republic Security Forces.

                     Section 2.  That the Council stands in solidarity with the people of Iran as they continue to demand equal rights and basic human dignity.

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