July 25th, 2009 marked the first “Global Day of Action.” Thousands of people across a hundred cities around the world came together to show solidarity with the people of Iran in the aftermath of the disputed presidential election and government crackdown. Activists came together to demand, among several things, the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience, an end to state-sponsored violence, accountability for crimes committed, and freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and freedom of press.
Watch a short video looking back on the day (below) and scroll down further to see some of the day’s most watched videos.
Global Day of Action promotional video produced by Agit Pop, music by Sussan Deyhim, featuring DJ Spooky.
Promotional video done by the team in the Netherlands.
U4I received messages and the day garnered support from hundreds of prominent activists, academics, and artists, including Nobel Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jody Williams, and Shirin Ebadi.
Among the day’s highlights was the premiere of U2’s new video, to coincide with the global day, before 80,000 people in Dublin’s Croke Park.
CNN did a full report of the day, noting that rallies took place on every continent except Antarctica.
This first global day of support for the Iranian people had amazing momentum behind it, as emotions ran high and the images of students being chased by Basiji remained fresh in the world’s consciousness. A year after the largest global day in support of the Iranian people, we must continue forward with the same compassion and solidarity demonstrated by thousands of concerned citizens a year ago today.
Take action today. Click here to see how you can continue to support the people of Iran.