Below is an article published by gamoh.biz:

On February 22, 2013 South Azerbaijani Turks gathered in front of the Department of State, located in the U.S capital Washington, D.C. They commemorated the Mother Language Day, and protested the inhumane and undemocratic policies of the Iranian regime.

Iran has a total estimated population of 78 million, of which more than 30 million is South Azerbaijani. Despite being the most populous ethnic group living in its homeland, South Azerbaijani Turks are not allowed to receive education in their mother tongue. The Iranian regime even prohibits the people from naming their new born in their national-mother language.

During the protest event which lasted about an hour, the protesters shouted the following slogans while holding posters which showed the South Azerbaijani human rights activists and journalists who are in the prisons of the Iranian regime for charges such as separatism and treason:

“Iran is not just Persian!”

“Persian Supremacy is not the answer!”

“Freedom for South Azerbaijani human rights activists!”

“Free all political prisoners!”

“Freedom for South Azerbaijan!”

Vice President of SANAM and other members of the Southern Azerbaijan National Awakening Movement (SANAM) were present during the meeting. Below are some images and media coverage from the protest event: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewH6VmiOXdo (VOA Azerbaijani)