Shah's Son Praises 'Revolution' of Iranian Women, Calls for Establishment of Democratic System

Iran's Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a press conference. (AFP)
Iran's Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a press conference. (AFP)
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Shah's Son Praises 'Revolution' of Iranian Women, Calls for Establishment of Democratic System

Iran's Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a press conference. (AFP)
Iran's Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a press conference. (AFP)

Iran's Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi praised the latest wave of protests led by women, calling for a regime change in Iran and a transitional government to establish a "democratic system."

During a press conference in Washington, Pahlavi addressed the Iranian women leading the country's first women's revolution, supported by their husbands, fathers, and children.

"They wanted women to be slaves to men, but you, Iran's women, with the support of your husbands, brothers, fathers, and sons, have started the first women's revolution in history," he said.

Pahlavi called for forming an interim government acceptable to all to establish an alternative democratic political system.

He said that he does not "see any role for myself. Our only goal is to reach the day people go to the polls freely."

"I have never sought power and will not be a defender of any form of government in future elections. I respect all forms of democratic government."

He indicated that the reason for the citizens' trust in him is not to engage in partisan political games and competitions, asserting that Iranians do not want an autocracy.

Pahlavi called on jurists to prepare a draft of the Iranian constitution, saying the shape of the political system is not a priority.

He reiterated that the plan must include establishing a "pluralistic transitional government" after the fall of the Islamic Republic, where the parliament will be the highest decision-making authority in the country.

He concluded that regime change is a demand of the Iranian people, and has nothing to do with the will of other countries, calling for international support, reported BBC Farsi.

Pahlavi accused the authorities of trying to "intimidate" Iranians of division and accusing Kurds and Baluchis of separatism, noting that protesters responded with slogans against the rules.

Pahlavi called on the UN to form a special committee to investigate the killing of children and the repression of students, describing the incidents in Ardabil as a "crime against humanity and systematic harm to children."



Israeli Former Soldier Leaves Brazil over Investigation into Alleged War Crimes in Gaza

 An Israeli soldier walks by the ceasefire line with Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, as seen from the Golan Heights, January 5, 2025. (Reuters)
An Israeli soldier walks by the ceasefire line with Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, as seen from the Golan Heights, January 5, 2025. (Reuters)
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Israeli Former Soldier Leaves Brazil over Investigation into Alleged War Crimes in Gaza

 An Israeli soldier walks by the ceasefire line with Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, as seen from the Golan Heights, January 5, 2025. (Reuters)
An Israeli soldier walks by the ceasefire line with Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, as seen from the Golan Heights, January 5, 2025. (Reuters)

Israel has helped a former soldier leave Brazil after legal action was initiated against him by a group accusing Israelis of war crimes in the Gaza Strip based in part on their own social media posts.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying it had helped the former soldier safely depart from Brazil after what it described as “anti-Israel elements” tried to bring about an investigation last week. It warned Israelis against posting on social media about their military service.

The Hind Rajab Foundation, named for a 5-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, said Brazilian authorities had launched an investigation into the soldier after it filed a complaint based on video footage, geolocation data and photographs showing him taking part in the demolition of civilian homes.

It described the move as a “pivotal step toward accountability for crimes committed in Gaza.”

There was no immediate comment from Brazilian authorities. Brazilian media reported Saturday that the investigation was ordered by an on-call federal judge in Brazil’s Federal District. The decision was issued on Dec. 30 but first reported by local media over the weekend.

Israel has faced heavy international criticism over its war against Hamas in Gaza, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. The International Court of Justice is separately investigating genocide allegations.

The Brazil case raised the prospect that rank-and-file Israeli troops could also face possible prosecution while traveling abroad.

Israel adamantly rejects the international allegations, saying its forces in Gaza are acting in accordance with international law and that any violations are punished within its own judicial systems. It says Hamas conceals tunnels and other militant infrastructure in residential buildings, necessitating their demolition.

Throughout the nearly 15-month war, Israeli soldiers have posted numerous videos from Gaza that appear to show them rummaging through private homes and blowing up or burning residential buildings. In some, they chant racist slogans or boast about destroying the Palestinian territory.

The military has pledged to take disciplinary action in what it says are a handful of isolated cases.

The war began when Hamas-led fighters stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.

Israel’s offensive has killed over 45,800 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health officials. They say women and children make up over half the fatalities but do not distinguish between civilians and fighters in their tally. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

The war has caused widespread destruction in Gaza and displaced around 90% of the population of 2.3 million people, with many forced to flee multiple times.