‘When Will Humans Learn?’ Chichester Council Chairman Condemns Iran Crackdown

“As someone who is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I wonder when humans will ever learn lessons.”

These were the words of the chairman of Chichester District Council as she spoke about Iran’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests, which left thousands dead.

Clare Apel spoke during a meeting of the full council on Tuesday (January 20).

Her words would have struck a chord with many, including those with friends and family in the Middle Eastern country.

Among those impacted was the council’s deputy leader Jonathan Brown.

His wife Shiva Knight, who serves on the City Council and is a pharmacist at St Richard’s Hospital, is desperately waiting to hear news of her family.

After the meeting, Mr Brown said:

“My wife hasn’t been able to reach her family in two weeks and has no idea whether they are alive or dead.

“The pressure on her and others in her situation is truly terrible, although nothing compared to what Iranians are suffering at home.

“I hope people will take a moment to spare a thought for Iranians – and those living through other man-made humanitarian crises.

“Please seek out Iranian voices and share them with your friends, family and colleagues.”

Mrs Apel described the start of 2026 as ‘unsettling’, paraphrasing the old saying ‘May you live in interesting times’.

She added:

“There are an awful lot of terrible things happening in the world and just because there is public focus on one event, does not mean it is inherently more important than another.

“[The council] has no foreign policy influence, so does not normally comment on foreign affairs. [But] we do know that the events in Iran are having an impact on the community, including councillors and members of staff.

“We are aware of what is going on and our thoughts, sympathy and support are with the brave Iranians suffering so much, and their friends and family in the UK.”