How to Support Iranian Activists Fighting Against the IRGC

Iranian activists face severe repression from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which systematically suppresses dissent through arrests, torture, surveillance, and executions. Despite these risks, activists, journalists, women’s rights advocates, and students continue to demand freedom, justice, and human rights. Supporting these activists requires global solidarity, practical resources, and strong advocacy efforts to counter the IRGC’s control. This report provides actionable strategies for supporting Iranian activists, both within and outside Iran, and highlights the role of governments, civil society, and individuals in this effort.

1. The Risks Activists Face Under the IRGC

The IRGC targets activists using a combination of violence, surveillance, and propaganda. Common tactics include:

A. Arrests and Imprisonment

 • Activists are frequently arrested without warrants and detained in secret locations.

 • Many face sham trials and long prison sentences for vague charges like “acting against national security”.

B. Torture and Forced Confessions

 • Detainees are subjected to physical and psychological torture, including beatings, rape, and sleep deprivation.

 • Forced confessions are broadcast on state media to discredit activists.

C. Digital Surveillance

 • The IRGC uses cyber espionage to monitor activists’ communications and social media activity.

 • Activists’ accounts are often hacked, and their personal information is leaked to intimidate them.

D. Targeting Families

 • The IRGC harasses or arrests family members of activists to silence dissent.

 • Families of executed protesters are threatened and denied access to burial sites.

2. The Importance of Global Support for Iranian Activists

International support can amplify the voices of activists, expose human rights violations, and pressure the Iranian regime to reform. Activists often rely on global networks for:

 • Visibility to counter the IRGC’s propaganda.

 • Legal and financial support to survive repression.

 • Safe communication tools to bypass censorship and surveillance.

3. How Individuals Can Support Iranian Activists

A. Amplify Their Voices on Social Media

 • Use hashtags like #MahsaAmini, #WomenLifeFreedom, and #StopIRGC to share stories of activists.

 • Share verified news, videos, and updates to counter IRGC disinformation.

B. Sign and Promote Petitions

 • Support petitions calling for sanctions on IRGC officials, release of political prisoners, and international investigations.

 • Encourage others to join advocacy campaigns.

C. Contact Government Representatives

 • Write to elected officials urging them to:

 • Support stronger sanctions against the IRGC.

 • Provide asylum and protection for Iranian dissidents.

 • Advocate for human rights investigations at the United Nations.

D. Donate to Human Rights Organizations

 • Support organizations that provide legal aid, medical care, and safe housing for activists.

 • Examples include:

 • Amnesty International

 • Human Rights Watch

 • Iran Human Rights (IHR)

4. How Civil Society Organizations Can Help

A. Provide Digital Security Tools

 • Offer VPNs, encrypted messaging apps, and cybersecurity training to protect activists from surveillance.

 • Collaborate with tech companies to ensure secure communication platforms remain accessible in Iran.

B. Document Human Rights Violations

 • Work with journalists and legal experts to collect evidence of IRGC abuses.

 • Submit reports to international courts and human rights bodies.

C. Offer Asylum and Safe Haven

 • Advocate for simplified asylum procedures for activists at risk of arrest or execution.

 • Partner with governments to provide temporary visas and relocation programs.

D. Build Advocacy Coalitions

 • Form alliances with women’s rights, labor, and minority rights organizations to strengthen advocacy campaigns.

 • Coordinate with diaspora communities to amplify the voices of Iranian activists.

5. The Role of Governments and International Organizations

A. Impose Targeted Sanctions

 • Sanction IRGC officials responsible for human rights violations.

 • Target IRGC-controlled businesses to limit funding for repression.

B. Demand Accountability

 • Call for UN investigations into the IRGC’s crimes, including torture, mass executions, and attacks on protesters.

 • Push for international tribunals to prosecute IRGC leaders.

C. Support Independent Media

 • Fund Persian-language media outlets that report on human rights violations, such as BBC Persian and Iran International.

 • Protect journalists and provide secure platforms for Iranian whistleblowers.

D. Advocate for Terrorist Designation

 • Follow the U.S. and Canada in designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization, cutting off its access to international resources.

6. Examples of Successful Global Support

A. The Green Movement (2009)

 • Global protests and social media campaigns helped expose IRGC violence during Iran’s post-election protests.

 • International pressure led to sanctions on key IRGC commanders.

B. The Women, Life, Freedom Movement (2022-2023)

 • The global outcry over Mahsa Amini’s death brought unprecedented attention to women’s rights in Iran.

 • Thousands of protests worldwide pressured governments to take a stronger stance against the IRGC.

7. Challenges and Risks of Supporting Activists

A. Censorship and Disinformation

 • The IRGC spreads false narratives to discredit activists and supporters.

 • Social media platforms face challenges in detecting and removing fake accounts linked to the IRGC.

B. Retaliation Against Activists

 • Activists face heightened risks when their identities are publicized.

 • Supporters must prioritize secure communication and digital privacy to protect activists from retaliation.

C. Diplomatic Limitations

 • Some governments may prioritize negotiations with Iran over human rights concerns, limiting their willingness to confront the IRGC.

 • Advocacy efforts must focus on building broad international coalitions to sustain pressure.

8. Moving Forward: Long-Term Strategies

To ensure lasting support for Iranian activists, the global community should:

 1. Institutionalize support programs for human rights defenders in Iran.

 2. Invest in technology that enables secure communication and circumvents censorship.

 3. Strengthen international laws to hold the IRGC accountable for crimes against humanity.

 4. Educate global audiences about Iran’s human rights crisis to sustain public pressure.

 Conclusion

Supporting Iranian activists is crucial to challenging the IRGC’s repression and empowering the Iranian people in their fight for freedom and justice. Through advocacy, financial support, and international pressure, the global community can help protect those risking their lives to resist tyranny.