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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 30 January 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 30 January 2026
San Jose, CA — The Bay Area Iranian-American Democrats (BAIAD) and the Assyrian Democrats of the Bay Area (ADBA) stand in solidarity and grief with the people of Iran. The Islamic Republic is killing its own citizens in staggering numbers. Thousands of peaceful protesters—many of them young—have been killed by Iranian security forces, according to multiple reports and estimates. This is not “crowd control.” This represents a deliberate and organized campaign of state-sponsored violence aimed at silencing a community that is courageously reclaiming its voice. They are standing up for dignity, demanding accountability, and fighting for their freedom.
As organizations representing Iranian and Assyrian Americans, this is not distant news to us. Our members have family, friends, classmates, and colleagues in the region. The extent of the violence has profoundly impacted our communities, creating a climate of uncertainty and helplessness. Many are experiencing the anguish of urgent calls, sparse updates, unanswered messages, and the difficulty of knowing who is safe, who is detained, and who has disappeared.
The regime is not only waging war against its people on the streets; it is also launching a full-scale attack on the truth itself. Prolonged internet and media blackouts, censorship, and intimidation aim to isolate communities, conceal abuses, and undermine the movement by severing connections between people and the outside world.
What We Believe BAIAD and ADBA are chartered Democratic clubs in Northern California. We advocate for human rights and dignity, firmly believing that individuals not dictators—should have the power to shape their own destinies. In that spirit:
We unequivocally condemn the Islamic Republic’s mass killing of protesters, torture, forced disappearances, and the web of fear it uses to maintain power.
We believe the world must pursue credible, UN-based accountability. This involves independent investigations, evidence preservation, and mechanisms that identify perpetrators. Words alone are not enough; we encourage our community and allies to engage with elected officials, support reputable human rights organizations, and raise awareness on social media to demand global accountability.
We believe protecting people matters: those at risk in Iran, and those forced to flee persecution.
We assert that collective punishment—policies that unjustly target ordinary individuals—typically undermines human rights and ultimately bolsters the existing regime.
Why War Is Not the Answer We are deeply alarmed by growing discussions regarding U.S. military intervention. Let’s be blunt: a war with Iran would be catastrophic and it would not bring democracy. We have witnessed this play out in the region. Iraq and Afghanistan were presented as paths to freedom; what followed were prolonged conflicts, massive civilian suffering, and years of instability.
A new conflict with Iran would likely lead to severe repercussions:
Casualties: It would result in significant death and destruction for both Americans and Iranians.
Economic Cost: A prolonged conflict would lead to massive spending, higher deficits, and reduced resources for healthcare, education, housing, and veteran care at home.
Destabilization: It would destabilize the region for a generation. Even “limited” strikes can spiral into retaliation and proxy conflicts—fueling displacement, economic collapse, and chaos.
Strengthening Hardliners: External attacks are a gift to authoritarian regimes; they help consolidate power, justify harsher repression, and smear dissent as “foreign-backed”.
Undermining the Movement: War distracts the world from human rights and accountability, shifting the focus to military conflict while ordinary people bear the consequences.
Fueling Extremism: History shows that instability creates conditions for extremist groups to grow. ISIS emerged from the chaos following the Iraq war—a warning about blowback that can haunt the region and the United States for years.
Our Solidarity Our position is based on a fundamental truth: the future of Iran belongs to the people of Iran. We stand with them in solidarity, demand accountability for crimes, and reject policies that lead to increased death and instability.
To our communities: We stand with you in your sorrow and anger, but we reject the false choice between silence and war. We will continue to speak openly about the regime’s atrocities and will clearly state that a new war in the Middle East is not a solution; it would only lead to further catastrophe.
We stand with the people of Iran. We demand accountability. And we oppose a war that would devastate the very people we proudly embrace in our shared heritage.
About BAIAD Founded in 2004, the Bay Area Iranian-American Democrats (BAIAD) is a 100% volunteer, chartered Democratic club serving Santa Clara and Alameda Counties. We are the only Iranian-American organization in the Bay Area officially chartered by the Democratic Party, dedicated to empowering our community’s political voice and promoting progressive values of social justice, responsibility, and fairness .
About ADBA The Assyrian Democrats of the Bay Area (ADBA) is a grassroots, chartered Democratic club in Santa Clara County. We promote progressive values—such as democracy, equality, and social and racial justice—through education, participation, and advocacy, while working to advance and protect the interests of Assyrian Americans.
This statement is supported by: Congressman Sam Liccardo and State Senator Aisha Wahab
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