The passing of former U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman at the age of 82 marks a significant loss for the cause of freedom and democracy in Iran. Lieberman, who served Connecticut in the Senate for nearly a quarter of a century, was a principled leader and a tireless advocate for the Iranian resistance movement.
Throughout his political career, Lieberman’s perspective on the struggle of freedom in Iran made him a great friend of the Iranian people and an enemy of the dictatorial regime ruling the country. He was a staunch supporter of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), recognizing them as a viable alternative to the repressive Iranian government.
Lieberman’s advocacy for the Iranian resistance went beyond mere rhetoric. He was a vocal proponent of NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point plan for the future of Iran, which envisions a secular, democratic, and non-nuclear republic. Lieberman praised Rajavi’s leadership, describing it as “brilliant, strong, principled, and patriotic,” and instrumental in making “every difference for the people of Iran.”
One of the key aspects of Lieberman’s support for the Iranian resistance was his defense of the rights of PMOI members in Camps Ashraf and Liberty, the group’s former bases in Iraq. While PMOI members were under constant attacks by the proxies of the Iranian regime in Iraq, Senator Lieberman was a vocal supporter of their rights and made sure that their voices were heard across the globe.
Senator Joseph Lieberman was not only a champion of the Iranian resistance but also a staunch advocate for women’s rights in Iran. Lieberman recognized the pivotal role that Iranian women played in the fight for freedom and democracy, acknowledging their courage in challenging oppressive regimes. He stood in solidarity with the women of Iran, emphasizing their bravery in confronting absolute power and advocating for their fundamental rights to be upheld.
In a Senate briefing on March 16, 2023 he said, “It strikes me that there was a role model for this uprising in Iran today led by women. It was a unique model over the years and that was the leadership of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, a woman of principle and effectiveness.”
He called for a historical and moral responsibility to “pay tribute to all who have held this hope of a free Iran alive for decades,” recognizing the sacrifices and perseverance of the PMOI in their struggle against both the Shah and the Ayatollahs.
Lieberman’s unwavering commitment to the Iranian resistance was rooted in his belief that the people of Iran deserved a better future, free from the oppression and human rights abuses of the current regime. He celebrated the NCRI and MEK for keeping the flames of hope alive, even in the face of adversity. As Lieberman stated, “Their efforts have not only persisted but have grown stronger, more organized, and more determined to achieve their goal of a free, democratic, and non-nuclear Iran.”
Lieberman’s unwavering commitment to the Iranian resistance was further demonstrated by his support for the Resistance Units, the network of activists and dissidents within Iran who have been at the forefront of the ongoing protests against the regime. He acknowledged the bravery and determination of these grassroots activists, who have risked their lives to challenge the authoritarian government.
During an Iranian Resistance rally in September 2023, Senator Lieberman said, “Inside Iran, the MEK resistance fighters are at the fighting heart of this movement and that’s why the mullahs attacked the MEK so viciously.”
The former senator’s support for the Iranian resistance was not limited to rhetoric; he actively worked to raise awareness and garner international support for the cause. Lieberman’s bipartisan approach to foreign policy allowed him to collaborate with lawmakers from across the aisle, building a coalition of support for the Iranian resistance movement.
Lieberman’s passing is a significant loss for the Iranian resistance, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who share his vision of a free and democratic Iran.