On November 20, the European Parliament in Brussels convened a landmark conference spotlighting the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
The event, dedicated to charting a path toward a free and secular Iran, drew participation from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), their staff, and the Iranian-European community. Speakers emphasized the necessity of international solidarity in opposing Iran’s religious dictatorship.
Prominent speakers included Dr. Alejo Vidal-Quadras, former Vice President of the European Parliament; MEP Arkadiusz Mularczyk of Poland, former Deputy Foreign Minister; Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, MEP Carlo Ciccioli of Italy; MEP Isabel Benjumea of Spain; MEP Javier Zarzalejos of Spain, Chair of the LIBE Committee; MEP Matej Tonin of Slovenia; MEP Milan Zver of Slovenia, Co-chair of Friends of Free Iran; MEP Petras Auštrevičius of Lithuania; MEP Rasa Juknevičienė of Lithuania, former Defense Minister; and former MEP Ryszard Czarnecki of Poland.
Key Speakers and Messages
Dr. Alejo Vidal-Quadras, former Vice President of the European Parliament, declared that the Iranian Resistance offers a legitimate democratic alternative. He underscored Tehran’s disinformation campaigns against the People’s Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and praised the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan for a secular, democratic, and non-nuclear Iran.
MEP Petras Auštrevičius, host of the conference, criticized the failures of appeasement policies and called for the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization. He affirmed the importance of standing with the Iranian Resistance, describing Iran’s regime as a threat to global peace.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, outlined the NCRI’s Five Key Elements for democratic change, emphasizing its coalition’s dedication to secularism, equality, and human rights. She called the Ten-Point Plan a blueprint for stability and peace.
MEP Milan Zver lauded the NCRI’s leadership, resilience, and readiness to lead Iran toward democracy. He called for European institutions to show greater courage in confronting Tehran.
MEP Javier Zarzalejos condemned Iran’s destabilizing actions and nuclear ambitions, reiterating the European Parliament’s consistent advocacy for designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
MEP Carlo Ciccioli praised Maryam Rajavi as an inspirational leader, highlighting her Ten-Point Plan as a roadmap to ensure justice, freedom, and equality for all Iranians.
Urgent Calls for Action
Speakers united in urging the EU to adopt stronger measures against Tehran, emphasizing the following:
- Support for the Iranian Resistance: The NCRI’s democratic vision and Resistance Units were repeatedly recognized as crucial to Iran’s future.
- Human Rights Advocacy: Alarming human rights violations, including an unprecedented rise in executions, were highlighted as evidence of the regime’s brutality.
- Designating the IRGC: Many called for the IRGC to be listed as a terrorist organization to curb Tehran’s malign influence domestically and internationally.
Former MEP Dorien Rookmaker criticized the EU’s appeasement policies, stating that democracy in Iran is essential for global peace.
Former MEP Ryszard Czarnecki expressed confidence in the Iranian Resistance’s ultimate success, praising Maryam Rajavi’s leadership and vision.
MEP Isabel Benjumea delivered a moving tribute to Iran’s youth, particularly women, affirming Europe’s unwavering support for their fight for freedom.
Conclusion
The conference underscored the urgency of a unified European stance against Iran’s regime and reaffirmed the critical role of the NCRI in shaping Iran’s democratic future. Speakers expressed hope that with the support of the EU and the international community, the Iranian people will soon achieve freedom, democracy, and equality.