Remembering Governor Bill Richardson: A Fierce Defender of Iranian Democracy

Bill Richardson speeks at the Free Iran Gathering in Paris June 2018
Written by
Shahriar Kia

On the 1st of September 2023, we bid farewell to Governor Bill Richardson, a dedicated champion and friend of the Iranian Resistance in the United States, as he passed peacefully at age 75.

Born in California in 1947 and of Hispanic heritage, William Blaine Richardson III embarked on a remarkable journey. Serving as New Mexico’s governor for eight years, he left an indelible mark by abolishing the death penalty in the state in March 2009. Moreover, he stood as a powerful representative for New Mexico in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 years.

Governor Richardson played significant roles during the Clinton administration, first as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and later as the U.S. Secretary of Energy. In 2008, he pursued the presidency, remaining a prominent figure in American politics and earning respect across party lines.

I'm at the Iranian Grand Gathering in Paris today. We must stand up for human rights in Iran & support the Iranian people. #FreeIran

— Bill Richardson (@GovRichardson) July 9, 2016

In a poignant interview with CNN in 2017, Governor Richardson acknowledged a grave misstep in America’s history. He voiced, “One of the biggest mistakes we’ve ever made is supporting the Shah of Iran. We’re still paying for it because we didn’t ally with the more democratic forces at that time.”

Governor Bill Richardson was not only a stalwart American politician but also a fervent supporter of the Iranian Resistance. At various gatherings, he passionately defended the rights of the Resistance fighters against the oppressive Iranian regime and its proxies.

During the harrowing years when the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) faced grave threats in Iraq, Governor Richardson remained steadfast, defending the rights of the MEK members in Ashraf City and Camp Liberty against the regime’s incursions.

Gov. Bill Richardson Praises NCRI’s President-elect Maryam Rajavi at the 2018 Free Iran World Summit
The quest for independence and freedom of the Iranian people profoundly impacted Governor Bill Richardson who was a seasoned statesman and had met face-to-face with numerous figures, even those his nation would call adversaries. In his address, he emphasized, “I believe the discussion has taken place that this is a movement that doesn’t want money. It’s a movement that doesn’t want weapons. It simply wants to be allowed to move and to engage in democratic work. Have you ever heard of a movement that didn’t ask for money? I haven’t. You are the first.”

Governor Bill Richardson consistently voiced his support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran as a credible alternative to the oppressive rule of the mullahs and endorsed the ten-point plan of its President-elect, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi.

In the annual gathering of the Iranian Resistance held in Villepinte near Paris in 2018, Governor Bill Richardson said, “You are the source of change in Iran. The young generation, women, resistance, and the youth are present here. I want to tell you that many people wonder if there is an alternative to the clerical dictatorship, and the answer is yes. This alternative is this Resistance, the Mujahedin-e Khalq, Mrs. Rajavi, and you.”

Governor Richardson stood as a beacon of support, a true friend, echoing that the power for change rests in the hands of the courageous, the determined—those who say no to tyranny and appeasement.

The United States has lost a distinguished political figure, while the Iranian Resistance has been deprived of a stalwart ally. The unexpected passing of Ambassador Bill Richardson, a steadfast advocate for the #MEK in Ashraf, Iraq, during trying times, and a consistent supporter… pic.twitter.com/B5HmwjOYHP

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) September 2, 2023