Strasbourg, October 22, 2024 – Supporters of the Iranian Resistance, including members of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK/PMOI), gathered outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg to demand the European Union designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The rally coincided with an ongoing debate inside the European Parliament on Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism across Europe.
The demonstrators, composed of members of the Iranian community from various European nations as well as European politicians, voiced their rejection of the EU’s policy of appeasement toward the Iranian regime. They emphasized that without a firm stance against the IRGC and its activities, the regime in Tehran would continue to threaten regional and global security.
During the rally, participants highlighted the need for international recognition of the Iranian Resistance and the right of MEK Resistance Units within Iran to defend themselves against the regime’s oppression. Many speakers called for the release of political prisoners in Iran and for regime leaders to be prosecuted for crimes against humanity.
Several European politicians attended the rally, expressing solidarity with the demonstrators. Addressing the crowd, Jean-Philippe Moret emphasized the urgency of the matter: “The combat is permanent, and we must ensure that the IRGC is added to the list of terrorist organizations. Iran has become a global hub for terrorism, spreading suffering within its own borders and beyond. The EU must stop appeasing the regime. Every act of leniency emboldens them.”
Khalil Nazim praised the Iranian community’s persistence. “For 40 years, you have been fighting for democracy in Iran. And you are not alone. The real enemy is not the citizens but the government that suppresses them. They want to silence you, but your voices are louder and stronger.”
MEP Leoluca Orlando echoed this sentiment, condemning the EU’s history of prioritizing business over human rights. “The EU must not turn a blind eye for the sake of business. We cannot trade away our values. Your resistance is our resistance, and if we ignore it, we risk losing our humanity.”
Hassan Habibi reminded attendees of the long-standing state terrorism practiced by the Iranian regime, particularly in Europe. He recounted several incidents where Iranian agents targeted dissidents abroad, including the attempted bombing of an NCRI rally in France in 2018. “European complacency has allowed this regime to thrive. The bloodshed and terror could have been avoided if there had been no appeasement,” he stated, calling for a stronger, united stance against Tehran.
Hamidreza Taherzadeh issued a scathing critique of EU foreign policy, directly addressing European leaders. “The IRGC is the epicenter of international terrorism. Yet, despite the European Parliament voting to blacklist the IRGC, leaders like Josep Borrell continue to obstruct progress. This appeasement has not only emboldened the regime but funded their proxies across the Middle East, spreading chaos from Gaza to Syria.”
Taherzadeh stressed the importance of international action against the IRGC, noting that the group’s designation as a terrorist organization would limit its economic activities and funding channels. He emphasized, “If not for the billions funneled into the hands of the IRGC, we wouldn’t see this chaos today. Khamenei and his proxies have been fueling conflicts across the region, and it’s time to put an end to it.”
The rally underscored the resilience of the Iranian Resistance and its supporters worldwide. Asghar Adibi spoke passionately about the ongoing struggle. “For over 20 years, I’ve supported this cause. I have seen the horrors inflicted by the regime and the strength of those who resist. This fight is not just about Iran; it’s about freedom and democracy, and we will not stop until we achieve it.”
As the rally concluded, demonstrators reiterated their demands for the European Union to take concrete actions against the Iranian regime, specifically by blacklisting the IRGC and ending all forms of appeasement.
The event highlighted the global dimension of Iran’s political struggle and the growing call for decisive measures against the regime’s terrorist activities. The rally in Strasbourg is a reminder that, even amid complex international relations, the demand for human rights, freedom, and accountability remains a universal call.
Source » ncr-iran