Fifteen years of my life, career, and professional reputation have been built on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Ironically, these very platforms, developed for the purpose of sharing and building connections, have barred me and countless others for simply speaking out against war, aggression, and the wrongful treatment of innocent people. These accounts were not just social media profiles; they were archives of professional achievements, investments of time, money, and hard work. Now they are gone, erased without a trace, without any concrete violation of policy.

The shutdowns are a direct hit on freedom of speech. While Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, espouses the values of democratic dialogue and free speech, these principles seem suspended for those whose voices rise in defense of Iran against the miseries of war, or for those advocating peace and human rights in Palestine. The censorship encountered is not only disheartening but directly contrasts with the ideals of freedom and democracy that these platforms claim to uphold.

The community of Iranians and others who stand united against war must not be silenced. Voices that strive to protect their nation, to stand against the genocide and starvation tactics suffered in regions like Palestine, deserve a rightful place on platforms dedicated to open dialogue. Hence, I implore Meta to reinstate all accounts banned for these reasons.

It's glaringly evident that true democracy cannot be realized when only a select group is permitted access to free speech. It is a fundamental human right meant for everyone. No entity, driven by algorithmic decisions or biased policies, should have the power to trample these rights, especially those surrounding the narratives of war, peace, and human rights.

To rectify this, I am calling for Meta to take immediate steps to review and reinstate accounts that were unfairly shut down during their purported enforcement of community standards. By doing so, they can restore transparency, trust, and fairness within their platforms.

This petition is not just about us who have been directly affected—it is a plea to uphold the universal rights of expression. By signing this petition, you stand with all who believe that censorship must not prevail over truth, compassion, and justice. Together, let us urge Meta to honor its commitment to freedom of speech for all.