Prominent Iranian opposition figures have announced the formation of the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy in Iran (ADFI).
In a statement on their website, they explain:
Alliance for Democracy and Freedom in Iran (ADFI) is an alliance of individuals, organizations, political parties and other entities who are committed to the “Mahsa” Charter as a framework for cooperation. The alliance pursues the non-violent overthrow of the Islamic Republic regime and establishment of a secular democracy that serves the will of all Iranian citizens.
The alliance is founded by a number of prominent Iranian opposition activists, including journalist and activist Masih Alinejad, who was recently the target of an assassination plot which US authorities have stated was orchestrated by the Islamic Republic regime.
Describing their purpose, the alliance explains:
We aspire to build the foundations of a secular democracy upon which political parties and civil society can be elected by, and serve the will of the people. This process is our common goal to ensure prosperity, freedom, equality and the well being for every Iranian citizen.
The ADFI is not a shadow government. We are not the leaders of the Iranian people, but we seek to reflect and pursue their demands. We shall continue this endeavor for as long as our people and our homeland suffer under tyranny and oppression, with the aim of establishing a secular and democratic structure in Iran.
The announcement is likely to be welcomed by many Iranians in Iran and abroad who have looked for prominent opposition figures to unite and present a unified front, particularly in dealings with foreign governments and media, as part of attempts to isolate and weaken the Islamic Republic regime and support revolutionary efforts inside Iran.
The alliance’s Mahsa Charter is named for 22-year old Jina Mahsa Amini, whose death at the hands of the Islamic Republic’s morality police triggered the current wave of protests and uprisings. The full charter is available to read on the ADFI’s website.