Thousands gather for 'Free Iran' rally calling on regime to stop killing political prisoners

The event, organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran, was held near the U.S. Capitol building.

Published: May 16, 2026 11:05am

Updated: May 16, 2026 8:46pm

Thousands of people gathered for the "Free Iran" rally calling on the Iranian regime to stop executions of political prisoners, organizers said on Saturday.

The event, organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran, is being held near the U.S. Capitol building.

According to several reports, about 30 political prisoners have been killed since the start of the Iran war. So far this year, about 50,000 have been arrested.

Speakers at the rally included:

Maryam Rajavi, NCRI President-elect, who is addressed the rally live online from the NCRI headquarters in Paris
General Wesley K. Clark, the 12th Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR)
Honorable Carla Sands, United States Ambassador to Denmark from 2017 to 2021
Honorable Patrick Kennedy, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives