We call on democratic governments to prohibit the public glorification of Ali Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in demonstrations and public spaces.

For more than three decades, Khamenei presided over a political system widely accused by human rights organisations of severe repression, including mass arrests, executions, and violent crackdowns on peaceful protesters. Reports from recent protests indicate that thousands of civilians were killed and many more detained during state repression.

For millions of Iranians, Khamenei’s rule represents decades of suffering, imprisonment, censorship, and the loss of loved ones.

Allowing public demonstrations that display his portraits, praise his name, or organise vigils celebrating him causes deep distress to victims and survivors of this repression.

Such displays are not neutral political expression. They celebrate a leader associated with widespread human rights abuses and violence against civilians.

In many democratic countries, there are already legal precedents for restricting the glorification of figures or ideologies responsible for atrocities. For example, several countries ban the public display of Nazi symbols to prevent the promotion of ideologies linked to crimes against humanity.

For the same reasons, democratic societies should not allow public spaces to become platforms for praising authoritarian leaders responsible for large-scale repression.

We therefore urge governments to:

• Prohibit the display of portraits, banners, or symbols glorifying Ali Khamenei in public demonstrations or gatherings.

• Prohibit organised vigils or memorial events honouring Khamenei in public spaces.

• Prevent chants or slogans that praise Khamenei during public protests where such acts may intimidate victims of the regime.

• Recognise the trauma experienced by Iranian victims and diaspora communities who fled persecution under his rule.

Public spaces should not be used to celebrate leaders responsible for repression, violence, and the suffering of millions.

Democratic societies must stand with the victims of authoritarian regimes, not allow their oppressors to be glorified in public.