Home News Commemorating June 20: The Turning Point in Iran’s Struggle for Freedom

Commemorating June 20: The Turning Point in Iran’s Struggle for Freedom

On June 20, 1981, amid the tightening grip of Ruhollah Khomeini’s nascent regime, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) launched a demonstration to remind the regime of its responsibility to uphold the fundamental freedoms fought for in the 1979 revolution.
On June 20, 1981, amid the tightening grip of Ruhollah Khomeini’s nascent regime, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) launched a demonstration to remind the regime of its responsibility to uphold the fundamental freedoms fought for in the 1979 revolution.

On June 20, 1981, amid the tightening grip of Ruhollah Khomeini’s nascent regime, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) launched a demonstration to remind the regime of its responsibility to uphold the fundamental freedoms fought for in the 1979 revolution.

 

In response, Khomeini ordered the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to open fire on the unarmed, peaceful protesters. The following day, the regime initiated a brutal crackdown on all opposition forces, with particular ferocity directed at PMOI supporters. Many were executed in the streets, while thousands were imprisoned, subjected to inhuman torture, and later executed. No one, including women, children, and the elderly, was spared.


June 20 marked a pivotal moment in Iranian history, heralding the beginning of an all-out resistance against the mullahs’ regime. It became evident that the regime was irreplaceable and that freedom could only be achieved through regime change. Shortly after June 20, the PMOI and other resistance groups established the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), the longest-standing coalition dedicated to overthrowing the regime and establishing a free, democratic republic.

 

Over 500,000 people in Tehran participated in this unannounced demonstration, signaling widespread discontent.
Over 500,000 people in Tehran participated in this unannounced demonstration, signaling widespread discontent.

 

Annually, the Iranian Resistance commemorates the June 20 demonstration and honors the tens of thousands of PMOI members and supporters who sacrificed their lives for freedom. This year, PMOI Resistance Units carried out activities across Iran to honor the day and reaffirm their commitment to the cause of 120,000 martyrs.

In Amol, Resistance Units held placards with messages such as “June 20 is the turning point in the historical resistance for freedom.” In Tehran, large posters featuring Iranian Resistance leaders Massoud Rajavi and Maryam Rajavi were installed, proclaiming the day as a historic resistance against fundamentalism and dictatorship. Similar activities took place in Kerman, Ghaemshahr, Tabriz, Shiraz, Karaj, Hamedan, Ramsar, Gorgan, Sari, Zanjan, Rasht, Lahijan, and Babol.

 

 

Despite increased regime efforts to suppress support for the PMOI through propaganda, court cases, and pressure on supporters, the actions of the Resistance Units demonstrate the enduring righteousness and resilience of their struggle. The fight for freedom in Iran continues with unwavering determination.

 


MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her siteTwitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu