In the arduous journey towards the liberation of Iran and the pursuit of democracy, the National Iranian Congress (NIC) stands resolute, guided by the beacon of freedom and the aspiration for sustainable peace in the Middle East. As we navigate through the challenges, we recognize and cherish the invaluable support extended to us by individuals who share our vision of a liberated Iran and a world where democracy thrives.

Central to our mission is the acknowledgment of the unwavering loyalty and steadfast support of those who stand beside us in our quest for freedom and democracy for the people of Iran. Their commitment fuels our determination and strengthens our resolve, reminding us that the pursuit of justice knows no bounds.

In recognition of this spirit of solidarity and cooperation, the National Iranian Congress established the Appreciation Award in 2017. This prestigious accolade serves as a symbol of our profound gratitude to those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the cause of freedom and democracy in Iran.

The NIC bestows this honor upon individuals whose unwavering support and advocacy have significantly contributed to our collective efforts. Through their actions, they exemplify the ideals of friendship, collaboration, and mutual understanding that transcend borders and unite humanity in the pursuit of a better world.

Moreover, as we embrace the dawn of a new era, it is imperative to emphasize the pivotal role of the new generation of Iranians. Empowered by the principles of inclusivity and harmony, they embody the spirit of friendship and cooperation with the global community. Their vision extends beyond national boundaries, embracing diversity and fostering dialogue to build a world where peace and prosperity flourish.

In honoring the commitment of our supporters and celebrating the aspirations of the new generation, the National Iranian Congress reaffirms its dedication to the noble cause of freedom, democracy, and peace. Together, let us continue to march forward, guided by the principles of justice, equality, and solidarity, towards a future where the dreams of liberty and human dignity are realized for all.

Past Recipients of the “Freedom and Democracy” Award

2017:

John Sidney McCain III (August 29, 1936 – August 25, 2018) was an American politician and United States Navy officer who served as a United States senator from Arizona from 1987 until his death in 2018. He previously served two terms in the United States House of Representatives and was the Republican nominee for president of the United States in the 2008 election, which he lost to Barack Obama.

McCain was a son of Admiral John S. McCain Jr. and grandson of Admiral John S. McCain Sr. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1958 and received a commission in the United States Navy. McCain became a naval aviator and flew ground-attack aircraft from aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, he almost died in the 1967 USS Forrestal fire. While on a bombing mission during Operation Rolling Thunder over Hanoi in October 1967, McCain was shot down, seriously injured, and captured by the North Vietnamese. He was a prisoner of war until 1973. McCain experienced episodes of torture and refused an out-of-sequence early release. During the war, he sustained wounds that left him with lifelong physical disabilities. McCain retired from the Navy as a captain in 1981 and moved to Arizona.

Harold Trent Franks (born June 19, 1957) is an American businessman and former politician who served as the U.S. representative for Arizona’s 8th congressional district from 2003 to 2017 (numbered as the 2nd district from 2003 to 2013). He is a member of the Republican Party. During his tenure, Franks served as vice chairman of the United States House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and chairman of the United States House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

Yadollah Shahbazi is a distinguished statesman and successful businessman. Mr. Shahbazi served as Deputy Prime Minister of Iran under Prime Minister Amir Abbas Hoveyda from 1967 to 1973. In 1974, he established the Star Lines, an independent shipping company in Iran. Under his leadership, Star Lines grew quickly to become one of the largest shipping corporations in Iran, second only to Ayra, a state-owned company. After the 1979 revolution in Iran, he moved to the United Kingdom where he served as a legal consultant to and then director of the British corporation Yarco Development.

Currently, Mr. Shahbazi leads his own law practice in London which he founded in 1981. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Law, Tehran University and an alumnus of the Harvard Business School.

2018:

Rezazade has been a vocal critic of both the Iranian regime’s domestic repression and external military aggression. He emphasizes the importance of effective deterrence and strategic pressure in responses to state violence, not only in rhetoric but through concrete mechanisms such as sanctions and coordinated defense policies among Western allies.

On the Ukraine front, Rezazade has framed Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure as forms of psychological and asymmetric warfare, and has repeatedly called on the U.S. Congress and NATO partners to strengthen sanctions and security assistance to Kyiv. He and his team have also supported Ukraine’s defense efforts by delivering equipment — including vehicles, drones, and humanitarian aid — to the front lines and negotiating with world leaders for accelerated military support.

In his public commentary, Rezazade connects political advocacy with strategic security issues, arguing that preserving democratic societies and civilian safety requires robust alliances, clear deterrence policies, and accountability for violations of international law. 

Fariborz Abbasi is an Iranian‑born media professional whose career spans several countries and sectors of international broadcasting. Originally active in Australian media, he later moved to the United States, where he worked in the Persian service of the Voice of America. In the early 2000s he partnered with international investors to acquire Ten Broadcasting Company in Canada and helped launch Hustler TV. Fariborz also played a key role in the founding of Manoto TV in London around 2010, a Persian‑language satellite channel that gained wide viewership among Iranian audiences. His work in diaspora media has connected him with a broad network of journalists and media entrepreneurs focused on independent Persian‑language broadcasting. 

2019:

Daniel Reed Crenshaw is an American politician and former United States Navy SEAL officer serving as the United States representative for Texas’s 2nd congressional district since 2019. He is a member of the Republican Party.Crenshaw was commissioned in the United States Navy, and served on SEAL Team 3 in the War in Afghanistan, reaching the rank of lieutenant commander. He was wounded in action during his third deployment, losing his right eye to an improvised explosive device. He served as a legislative assistant to Representative Pete Sessions and was elected to Congress in the 2018 midterm election to succeed the retiring Ted Poe.

Dr. Nahid Kalhori was born in Qom in a traditional religious family. In 2006, when she was still a high school student, she started her blog entitled “Freedom is not Free” about her opinion about what’s going on in Iran. She was one of the first, and youngest student activists, and bloggers. In 2008, After blogging for two years, She got arrested by the regime’s Intelligence Ministry in Qom. When She was in solitary confinement, Amir Fakhravar the leader of the Iranian independent student movement, and his friends in Europe started a campaign in her support. Amnesty International released an exclusive statement in her support and urged the Mullahs’ regime to release her. She was immediately released from solitary confinement but her case was under review by the Ministry of Intelligence. In November 2008, she got arrested for the second time. This time they stormed into her house and handcuffed her in front of her family. She was 19 years old then, a girl from a traditional family in the most religious city of Iran. You can imagine what was her situation then.2020:

Dr. Manouchehr Ganji was born in Tehran, Iran, pursued an extensive academic career, earning degrees in political science, international relations, and international law. He held various positions in academia and government, including serving as Iran’s Minister of Education. Throughout his life, Ganji has been a prominent advocate for human rights, working with international organizations and publishing extensively on the topic. He played a crucial role in inviting the International Committee of the Red Cross to Iran during the Shah’s era and has continued to expose human rights violations in Iran since the revolution. Despite facing numerous threats to his life, he has remained dedicated to promoting freedom and democracy in Iran through organizations like the Flag of Freedom Organization and the Organization for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms for Iran. Ganji’s work spans multiple languages and includes significant contributions to understanding international law and human rights issues.