On October 15, British MP Sir David Amess was murdered as he held a meeting with his constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. He had been a member of parliament in the House of Commons for 38 years and was an avid supporter and friend to the Iranian Resistance.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) said, “Sir David, stood by the Iranian Opposition for most of his precious political life. When events in the Middle East took a wrong turn and the shadow of doubt cast over the horizon, he wasn’t the kind of man to turn his back to the oppressed and the bewildered.”

He advocated for the right of freedom and democracy for the Iranian people throughout his political career, and domestically he was committed to helping the most vulnerable people in society. In 2015, he was knighted in the New Year Honours for his political and public service.

President-elect of the NCRI, Maryam Rajavi posted her condolences on her Twitter account stating, “Sir #DavidAmess was an admirable symbol of advocating freedom, democracy, and among martyrs to the cause of freedom.”

For those who knew him personally, his death came as a great shock. Many of his former colleagues and friends have reached out and given their condolences and recalled memories of a kind man who loved to serve the people.

Former Scottish MEP, Struan Stevenson said that David will be remembered fondly for his service to his country and his passion for advocating for regime change in Iran.

He said, “This unprovoked act of terror, allegedly by an Islamic fundamentalist, has taken the life, not only of a decent, hard-working, member of parliament but also of a man much loved and admired by his constituents and by politicians from across the political divide.”

John Pritchard, the former Bishop of Jarrow described Sir David Amess as warm and welcoming, and while he’ll be sorely missed, “continuing in the struggle will be one important way we can honor his memory.”

Bob Blackman, the MP for the Harrow East constituency recalled that Amess had previously stated that one of the proudest things from his political career was supporting the NCRI, and throughout his career, he “continued to promote the idea of democracy and freedom in Iran.”

The former Italian Foreign Minister, Giulio Terzi said, “Sir David Amess spent many years claiming freedom for the Iranian people from the regime’s yoke, the international protection for those who hardly opposed the Ayatollahs, and justice for those paid with atrocious suffering and even with death.”

MP for Strangford, Northern Ireland, Jim Shannon quoted a reading from the bible, 2 Timothy, chapter 4, verses 7 and 8, which read, “He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to him on that day and not only to him but also to all who have loved His appearing”.