Iranian women and men are once again protesting nationwide against the Islamist mullah regime, which has been terrorizing the population for more than 40 years. "Only the pressure of Western governments can protect them now," states an appeal signed by, among others, Mina Ahadi, Seyran Ateş, and Güner Balci. The "Appell der Frauen 2026" (Appeal of the Women 2026) is also supported by the Giordano Bruno Foundation.

A terror regime takes "only consequences seriously, not words," states the "Appell der Frauen 2026" (Appeal of the Women 2026). To remain credible, the Federal Government must pursue a foreign policy committed to the universal principles of human rights. In doing so, it is necessary "to confront the regime with the choice of either fulfilling demands or facing countermeasures." The letter to the Federal Government states (translated from German):

"Dear Chancellor Merz,
dear Foreign Minister Wadephul,
demand from the regime: 

• The assurance not to take action against the protesters.
• The release of all women and men who were convicted for demanding equal rights.
• The release of all political prisoners as well as a halt to all executions in Iran.
• The abolition of compulsory hijab.
• The release of all Europeans with and without dual citizenship who are being held hostage by the regime.

If the regime takes action against the population, the Federal Government should close the Iranian embassies and downgrade diplomatic relations to a chargé d'affaires level."

Furthermore, the appeal demands that the "Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), the actual rulers in Iran and masterminds of terrorism in the Middle East and in Europe, be placed on the EU terrorist list." The German Federal Government should advocate in the Council of the European Union for the listing until this is achieved. In addition, the protection of Iranian opposition members living in Germany must be guaranteed, and "all institutions connected to the regime" must be closed.

At the end of the letter, it states: "We appeal to the Federal Government to confront the Iranian regime with consistent sanctions and to isolate it as long as gender apartheid prevails in Iran. Gender apartheid, antisemitism, and homophobia must be internationally condemned, and those forces that advocate for democracy, equal rights, and freedom must be strengthened."