#Iranian #resistance-Full report of Grand #Gathering of #FreeIran2018 –The #Alternative in Paris Jun 30

INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY WITH THE IRANIAN PEOPLE’S RESISTANCE

A number of personalities and dignitaries from around the world attended an event at the residential quarters of Maryam Rajavi, held after the Grand Gathering of Iranians on June 30, 2018. They declared solidarity with the Iranian Resistance, condemned the crimes of the repressive clerical regime, and expressed support for the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom.
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PMOI/MEK networks in Iran voice support for opposition gathering in Paris

PMOI/MEK supporters and activists inside Iran are expressing their solidarity with thousands of their compatriots who will be attending the Free Iran Gathering by writing slogans and posting posters on walls in different Iranian cities Scheduled for June 30, the Free Iran Gathering will be focused on introducing the alternative to the tyrannical rule of the Iranian regime and a vision for a free and democratic Iran.
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FREE IRAN” WITH HUNDREDS OF TOP PERSONALITIES, LAWMAKERS AND ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES FROM FIVE CONTINENTS

The magnificent annual grand gathering of Iranians and supporters of the Iranian Resistance was held in Paris on Friday, June 30, 2018. “Free Iran” featured Maryam Rajavi, and hundreds of top politicians and statesmen from five continents.
Five video reports on the extensive campaigns in various parts of Tehran and cities across the country waged by Iranian youth and supporters of the PMOI and the Iranian Resistance, declaring support for the Free Iran gathering, were among the most inspiring aspects of the rally, enthusiastically applauded by the audience.
The prominent personalities who addressed the grand rally included Rudy Giuliani, U.S. presidential hopeful and the former Mayor of New York; Newt Gingrich, U.S. presidential candidate and former Speaker of the House of Representatives; Governor Bill Richardson; Michael Mukasey, former Attorney General; Louis Freeh, former Director of the FBI; and Gen. George Casey, former U.S. Army Chief of Staff, from the United States; Stephen Harper and John Baird, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Canada; Bernard Kouchner and Philippe Douste-Blazy, former Foreign Ministers and RamaYade former Minister of Human Rights of France; Ambassador Giulio Terzi, former Foreign Minister of Italy; Eduard Lintner, former German Deputy Interior Minister; Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; Michele de Vaucouleurs and Philippe Gosselin, French parliamentarians; Senator Roberto Rampi, representing the Italian delegation; Anna Fotyga, former Foreign Minister of Poland and Member of the European Parliament; Pandeli Majko, Minister of State and former Prime Minister of Albania; Ben-Oni Ardelean, Vice-chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania; Saleh al-Qalab, former Publicity Minister of Jordan; and Nazir Hakim, General Director of the Syrian opposition coalition.
Delegation from United Kingdom Presented a plaque to Mrs. Rajavi bearing, expressing their support for the Iranian Resistance under her leadership and her ten-point plan for a free Iran.
Dozens of declarations of support by prominent personalities and politicians, European parliamentary delegations, and senior religious leaders from various countries were presented to Mrs. Rajavi, in support of the Iran uprising and the organized resistance, and the democratic alternative, the National Council of Resistance of Iran.
In addition to the American dignitaries attending the gathering, a bipartisan statement was signed by 33 prominent American personalities, including Senator Joseph Lieberman, former candidate for Vice President; General James Jones, National Security Advisor to President Obama and former Commander of NATO; Edward Rendell, former DNC chairman and Governor of Pennsylvania; and Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security and former Governor of Pennsylvania. The statement reads in part, “We believe that democratic change in Iran would do more than any other single event to enable stability and calm the fires of extremism in the region... The resistance movement has demonstrated its widespread roots within Iranian society, its resilience in the face of unimaginably difficult circumstances, its impressive organizational prowess, and its ability to expose secrets that Tehran is determined to keep from the Iranian people and the world at large.”
Over 50 bishops in England, Scotland and Wales, including two-thirds of the religious leaders in the British House of Lords that oversees thousands of churches across the U.K., and 78 Church leaders in the U.S., joined the Right Reverend and Right Honorable Dr. Rowan Williams, the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, in his declaration condemning the flagrant abuses of human rights in Iran, especially the rights of religious minorities and their painful situation. The signatories urged the international community to base any improvement of relations with Iran on a cessation of oppression of minorities and on a halt to executions in Iran.
Jean-Francois Legaret, Mayor of 1st district of Paris, was accompanied by 100 French mayors and elected representatives, in the Free Iran gathering where they announced the support of thousands of their colleagues in solidarity with the Iranian people’s resistance and uprising against the mullahs’ dictatorship.
The secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
June 30, 2018

Speech by Maryam Rajavi, At the Resistance’s Grand Gathering in Paris, June 30, 2018

Rudy Giuliani Issued a Statement on the Iranian Regime Terrorist Plot Against #FreeIran2018

Trump Ally Giuliani Says End is Near for Iran's Rulers

 Speech by Newt Gingrich

Sen. Robert Menendez: I Share Your Vision For A Brighter Future For Iran

Speech by Michael Mukasey

 Speech By Louis Freeh

Former Canadian Prime Minister Condemns Regime in Speech at Free Iran Rally

Canadian Officials Support The Iranian People’s Fight For Regime Change

Speech by Roger Godsiff, UK parliament MP

Speech by Ingrid Betancourt, former Colombian Senator and Presidential Candidate

Speech By Ben-Oni Ardelean

Speech By Pandeli Majko

Speech By General George Casey

Speech By Lars Rise

Speech By Roger Godsiff, Member Of UK Parliament

Speech By Matthew Offord

Speech By Ad Melkert


A short report of Grand Gathering of the Iranian opposition in Paris, 2018

General Updates - FreeIran 2018 Grand Gathering - June 30, 2018-Paris

Partial Of The Speeches Of The Personalize At The Free Iran Rally In Paris

2018 Iranian opposition convention in the media

dailycaller -07/17/2018
Bob Blackman | Conservative Member, U.K. House of 
‘FREE IRAN’ 2018 GATHERING SHOULD SPUR NEXT ASSERTIVE STEPS BY TRUMP WHITE HOUSE

Since taking office last year, President Trump has taken a series of positive steps toward changing the status quo with regard to U.S. Iran policy.
He has, for instance, shown more political courage than all of his predecessors by designating the entirety of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a global terrorist entity, instead of just its foreign expeditionary wing, the Quds Force.
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The Iranian Diaspora’s massive rally yesterday in Paris on Saturday is receiving widespread media coverage from outlets across the globe
here is some of it:

Fox News: Eric Shawn: Calls for freedom for Iran

Fox News: change will be coming to Iran

THE HERALD REPORT-Maryam Rajavi And The Resistance’s Grand Gathering In Paris, June 30, 2018

 By L. Todd Wood - The Washington Times 
Free Iran Gathering highlights alleged Iranian corruption of European officials

 The Washington Times  PARIS GATHERING SHOWS GROWING CLOUT OF ANTI-IRAN DISSIDENT GROUP

Iranian opposition convention represents a nation’s hope

Free Iran Gathering highlights alleged Iranian corruption of European officials

By L. Todd Wood - The Washington Times - Friday, June 29, 2018


Iran Focus-Iran Mullahs See MEK as Threat to Their Rule
What do we know about free Iran rally?
By Jubin Katiraie

Free Iran Rally In Arab’s Media

Elaph: Rajavi: We’re seeing the first sparks of the flames that will topple the Iranian regime

Al Arabiya reporting from inside Saturday’s ‘Free Iran’ conference in Paris

Al Arabiya-ANALYSIS: As countdown to Paris protest begins, is ‘Free Iran’ the only alternative

Al Arabiya English-Maryam Rajavi: Regime overthrow is certain, Iran will be free

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All voices confirm Iranian regime’s alternative
Looking at the news and various pieces wrote about Iran, we come to this conclusion that all reports, remarks and positions taken by senior Iranian regime officials, discussions around Iran and talks published in international media regarding the Iranian opposition confirm the fact that the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and its pivotal member, the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), comprise the alternative to Tehran’s mullahs.
This goes against the Iranian regime’s claims of the PMOI/MEK being nothing but a small group and only proves how Tehran is very worried about their potential.
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Iranian officials express fear over mass protes

Iran-the Iranian Resistance Free Iran Rally

MARYAM RAJAVI AND RUDY GIULIANI MEET AT THE NCRI HEADQUARTERS IN FRANCE- GIULIANI: THE IRANIAN RESISTANCE IS A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE CLERIC REGIME

Maryam Rajavi, met Mayor Rudy Giuliani on Friday, June 30, at the NCRI headquarters in Auvers-sur-Oise, northwest of Paris.
Mayor Giuliani pointed to the Iranian regime’s malign activities in the region, stressing that the mullahs are the source instability and crisis in the region, and have kept their grip on power in the past 38 years through widespread repression and blatant disregard for human rights at home and the export of extremism and terrorism abroad.
The former New York City Mayor emphasized that the Iranian regime has been the most active state sponsor of terrorism and Islamic extremism in the past three decades, and that Hassan Rouhani has been a key player in pursuing the regime’s ominous objectives, including in the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. He said despite all the concessions unduly provided to the Tehran, the clerical regime is at a complete impasse and is extremely vulnerable in view of the economic crisis, domestic isolation and a growing power struggle.
There is a growing consensus in the United States that the West’s policy of appeasing the Iranian regime has been a total failure, Mayor Giuliani said. He added that the imperative of formulating a firm policy on Iran, namely standing with the Iranian people and the resistance to bring about change, is becoming more pervasive.
Rajavi appreciated Mr. Giuliani’s endeavors in the campaign that led to the safe transfer of members of the Iranian resistance from Iraq to other countries, including Albania. She elaborated on the expanding and continuing activities of the Iranian resistance, particularly in Iran, especially during the shame elections and afterwards.
Mr. Giuliani expressed his support for Maryam Rajavi’s efforts to establish democracy and human rights in Iran, noting that the Iranian Resistance is a viable alternative to the medieval regime ruling Iran.

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Massive Campaign of Youths and Supporters of PMOI and Iranian Resistance Throughout Iran in Support of the Resistance Grand Gathering in Paris

As we approach the grand gathering of Resistance in Paris, widespread activities by PMOI/MEK supporters and Iranian Resistance, such as writing slogans, installing photographs and posters, distributing leaflets and brochures in support of the gathering, are conducted in various districts of Tehran and major cities such as Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Karaj, Tabriz, Ahwaz and dozens of cities like Urmia, Qom, Gorgan, Hamedan, Sari, Kerman, Sanandaj, Arak, Shahrekord, Yazd , Qazvin Bushehr, Zahedan, Bandar Abbas, Khorramabad, Ilam, Babolsar, Amol, Ghaemshahr, Kashan, Neyshabur, Sabzeva, Golpayegan, Babol, Yasouj, Masjed Soleiman, Iranshahr, Mahallat, Darab, Rey, Behshahr, Genaveh, Lar, Behbahan, Rafsanjan, Saveh, Marand, Dezful, Daghaz, Islam City, Hadi, Torbat Heydariyeh, Neyshabour, Maku ... Photographs of the Iranian Resistance Leader, Mr. Massoud Rajavi, and President-elect of the Iranian Resistance, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, as well as Mrs. Rajavi's 10-point plan for the future of Iran have been widely installed and distributed in the campaign.
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Political Prisoners From All Over Iran Call Iranians to Participate in the Grand Gathering in Paris

NCRI - While taking grave risks, political prisoners from all over the country, in various messages declared their solidarity with the grand gathering of Iranians in Paris on the first of July, calling on the Iranian diaspora to take part in it.
A group of political prisoners of Gohardasht, Evin, and Tehran Central Prisons, in a letter, announced their support to the grand gathering of the Iranian Resistance

The following is their statement:
"A small Iran in Paris -Villepinte"

Mr. Ali Moezzi, one of the political prisoners of 80's wrote from Great Tehran prison, “The Iranian people’s historic demands to reach a free and democratic Iran will not be forgone. Demands such as a pluralist society with fundamental freedoms, separation of church and state, the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, gender equality …

Political prisoners and Balouch prisoners in the central prison of Zahedan, including a number of Sunni clerics, wrote in solidarity with the Paris gathering, " From all activists inside the country and abroad who have always made your efforts and stood with us, the voiceless prisoners behind bars, we are seriously requesting to take part in this rally as the defenders of our rights, and be our voice to the world …

Ebrahim Firoozi, a Christian political prisoner, send his message from Gohardasht prison:" The gathering of fellow citizens in France is a sign of the flaming spirit of liberation.......

The political prisoner, Arjang Davoodi, wrote from exile in the central prison of Zabol: "In the current battle against oppression and injustice, it can be argued firmly that the National Council of Resistance and the PMOI, with the dedication of thousands of martyrs and prisoners, can be the precursor of the just struggle of Iranians ...

Political prisoner Mehdi Farahi Shandiz sent a message from Qazvin Prison: "After the decisive transfer of the PMOI members and combatants of NLA to Albania and after the fake election that put Khamenei and the his whole regime in a dead end, it was proved that the choice of our nation is to get rid of religious despotism and fascism, and separation of religion from the state and Iran without compulsion, discrimination, censorship, repression, torture and execution ....

Nevertheless, the gathering of Iranian Resistance is a striking lightening in the sky of inactivity, despair, and stagnancy. Our hopes, wishes, and alternatives do not only encourage the decent Iranians outside and Inside of Iran but they also arouse the clear consciences of the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. as well as the miserable people. Moreover, what could be more promising for an imprisoned and deprived person than witnessing those whose hearts beat for Iran and its aspiration?
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Youth Supporters of MEK: Responsibility to Attend Iranian Opposition Convention

ByDonya Jam -
On July 1st thousands of Iranians will gather in Paris to support the movement to obtain freedom and democracy for their homeland. The convention is organized each year by the Iranian opposition movement (PMOI/MEK). Iranian youth especially look forward to this event as it’s a time to come together and support human rights.
Too often we hear about the arrests, ill-treatment, and executions of Iran’s youth population.
Reports indicate 10 inmates were executed merely a few days after the 2017 Iranian elections, including 30-year-old Abdulkarim Shahnavazi. Reports also emerged that 24-year-old Diyako Hashemi was killed under torture by Iranian intelligence agents. Two men in their 30s were sentenced to have their fingers amputated and 90 children were also arrested in Sepidan, central Iran. The Iranian regime has a history of raiding gatherings and parties, and imprisoning the attendees, which has heightened during the past few years.
Political prisoner Ms. Atena Daemi was recently on hunger strike for 54 days protesting against the arrest of her sisters. Political prisoner Arash Sadeghi was previously on hunger strike for 71 days protesting against the imprisonment of his wife, Golrokh Iraee.
- See more at: http://newsblaze.com/world/middle-east/youth-supporters-of-mek-responsibility-to-attend-iranian-opposition-convention_81579/#sthash.muyzYntg.dpuf
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Mr. James Bezan, the Canadian MP, stated that he would support the grand assembly of the Iranian Resistance. In a letter dated June 2017.
 Link of the text  message 

Message of Support From Italian Senator,Senator Paolo Corsini and Giampiero  Leo vice president of the Human Rights Committee of  Piedmont province to Iranian Opposition Grand Gathering
Regime Change in Iran Appears Increasingly Attainable                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Mr. Petri Sarvamaa, the European Parliament's representative from Finland, in a message, announced his support for the grand gathering of Iranian resistance in June 2017.
Link of the text  message 

Mr. Jozo Rados, European Parliament member and the former Croatian Defense Minister, announced his support, in a message for the Grand Gathering of the Iranian Resistance in June 2017.
Link of the text and vido of the  message 

Grand Gathering of the Iranian Resistance in Paris on July 1, 2017 and the Role of Muslims in Fight Against Terrorism

NCRI - Following two recent terrorists attacks in the United Kingdom, people are on edge and other countries in Europe are nervous. There has been a huge outpouring of solidarity, but it must be remembered that the people of Britain and the rest of Europe must be vigilant. Wrote Antonio Stango is President of the Italian League of Human Rights in ‘ Vocaleurope’ on June 16, 2017, the following are excerpts from this article.
Thankfully, most of Western society is receptive to counterterrorism efforts but there are still those who fight out against them.
Unfortunately there is a part of society that has demonised Muslims because of attacks carried out by extremists. It must be remembered by these people that the moderate Muslims are the people that are able to help the most in stopping vulnerable ones from turning to fundamentalism. They are the ones that can prove to the vulnerable people that modern Islam is in fact compatible with modern democracy.
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Prominent German Politician Calls for Participation in the Iranian Resistance Grand Gathering
NCRI - Otto Bernhardt, President of the German Solidarity Committee for a Free Iran and member of the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation Board of Directors, sent a message of support for the upcoming Iranian opposition grand gathering scheduled for July 1st. He referred to the increasing number of executions under Hassan Rouhani’s presidency and emphasized, “There is a democratic opposition facing this regime.”
The National Council of Resistance of Iran has a clear agenda to realize human rights and credible democratic values… Iranians from across the globe will once again gather in Paris on July 1st. This is Iran’s true opposition, he said.
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British Lords Send Solidarity Messages for Upcoming Grand Gathering of Iranian Opposition
NCRI - Lord Carlyle and Lord Clark, two prominent members of the British House of Lords, sent messages of support for the upcoming Iranian opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran grand gathering in Paris scheduled for July 1st.
This is a very important gathering… and I will join in line and with the aim of establishing a new government in Iran that I hope will be governed by responsible individuals, such as Mrs. Rajavi, , said Lord Carlyle.
For years I have supported your movement and Mrs. Rajavi in your objectives to making Iran a free country. The recent elections in Iran have inflicted major wounds in this regime, he added.
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Italian Senator Expresses Support for Major Iranian Gathering
NCRI - Senator Luigi Compagna, a member of the Italian Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a message expressing his support for an upcoming major Iranian grand gathering in Paris.
“We will be taking part in this major rally to express our support for those who struggle for freedom in Iran… This rally, is in support of people who are united for democracy,” he said.
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Video:Iran’s Impasse and the “Sanctions Black Hole”
An Aticle by Shahriar Kia
The current plan for sanctions against Iran leaves the regime between a proverbial rock and hard place, since its choices are comply or die.
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Petri Sarvamaa MEP From Finland Supports Free Iran Gathering

Free Iran Rally & the Role of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) 
By Jubin Katiraie

A major gathering is being held at the Villepinte Exhibition Center outside of Paris, France. The gathering is focused on Iran policy and at the center of the case is the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran. The People’s Mojahedin is also known by its Persian name, Mojahedin-e Khalq or MEK and it is the main constituent group in the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the leading coalition advocating for the cause of regime change driven by the Iranian people and their expatriate allies.
The Free Iran rally has been growing every year. The 2017 gathering is expected to keep pace with the previous few years, with upwards of 100,000 supporters of the MEK traveling to France from throughout the world. Naturally, the participants will mostly represent Iranian expatriate communities, but each year’s event also draws hundreds of politicians and foreign policy experts who recognize the global value of the MEK and the 10-point plan that NCRI President Maryam Rajavi has laid out for the future of Iran.
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Trump is right to focus on Iran's support of terrorism
By:Ivan Sascha Sheehan

Despite the criticism directed at the Trump White House, the administration is to be commended for important changes in U.S. policy toward Iran since taking office.
The Trump administration has made great strides in shifting from the conciliatory gestures of the Obama years to a much firmer stance that acknowledges American intolerance for violent extremism, human rights violations and the support of terrorism. Leading administration figures have repeatedly taken to the airwaves to broadcast this message and carried it with them on official trips abroad. Today the messaging is resonating with officials from both parties and in elite policy circles.
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Senate targets Iran in sweeping measures
By: Keyvan Salami

Despite its nature of acting mostly in a polarized manner, the US Senate witnessed Republicans and Democrats joining force to pass a bill of sweeping sanctions inflicting strong punishments against Iran involving a long slate of financial penalties.
The overwhelming 98-2 vote for the “The Countering Iran’s Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017” came on Thursday June 15, sending a clearly strong message to Tehran signaling the bipartisan alliance on taking measures against the mullahs’ belligerence inside and abroad. Iran’s ballistic missile program, support for terrorist groups and human rights violations are in the crosshairs of this sanctions package.
This bipartisan vote will be demanding major action from the Trump administration, especially after lawmakers in a recent hearing called on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization.
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Grand gathering of Iranian Resistance on International Women's Day Pledge for Parity: full report on:Women United Against Islamic Fundamentalism – conference in Paris – February 27, 2016

Text of Speech of Maryam Rajavi on International Women's Day Paris -February 27, 2016

IRAN: Maryam Rajavi addresses Paris Conference on the eve of International Women’s Day 2016 Sunday, 28 February 2016 01:18Maryam Rajavi: With women’s active and equal participation in political leadership, we will turn this century into the era of women's emancipation

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi arrives at the conference titled "Pledge for Parity: Women United Against Islamic Fundamentalism." The event is just starting now. Mrs. Rajavi receives a standing ovation as she enters the hall to take her seat on the stage. She greets her supporters and the international women's rights champions who have joined her.

After the distinguished guests are welcomed, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, takes to the stage. She is greeted with thunderous applause. She called fundamentalism a “proliferating cancer” that is spreading across the world. She stresses the importance of getting to the epicentre and finding a way to uproot it. As Mrs. Kumari said, Mrs. Rajavi confirms that women should play a part in this

Mrs. Rajavi ended her speech by talking of what she hopes to achieve in the future. She plans to abolish the death penalty, separate religion and state, create a democracy based on freedom and equality, and achieve equal rights for women in “all areas”. She wants to see women participate in politics so that they have equal participation in political leadership. She highlights that the PMOI practice this already – it is full of women who work alongside men in the struggle for equality in freedom.

Mrs. Rajavi talks of Khomeini’s role in the terrible persecution of women. She condemns the horrific violence that women are subject to under Khomeini’s rule. Not only is a woman’s testimony dismissed, he allows minor female children to be married against their will, he justifies sexual abuse of minors and rape of women, to name but a few of the human rights abuses that are permitted under Khomeini.

Ranjana Kumari, Director of the Centre for Social Research in India and a leading figure in Indian politics, welcomes the audience and states the purpose of the gathering held today. She says that women are here to fight for female rights and to keep up the momentum in saying “no” to injustice. She thanks Mrs. Rajavi for standing up for women’s rights and her efforts in protecting women.

Despite global efforts, women are forced to flee Iran, Ranjana Kumari emphasises. She asks: “Which sacred text allows you to degrade humanity?” She commends those women who work towards a peaceful world for women and highlights that women are absolutely essential to developing our nations. Women need to be part of the peace talks, women need to contribute to helping our countries develop and women need to be encouraged to be at the forefront, she reminds us.

Linda Chavez, former Director of Public Liaisons for the White House, spoke of the “so-called elections” taking in place in Iran yesterday in which women were denied the vote. She said that although we do not know the outcome of the election, the result does not matter – nothing will change in Iran until there is regime change.Ms. Chavez deplored the fact that half of the population of Iran is denied the most fundamental rights. She says that this speaks volume about the men of the country – they are “weak” and have “no self-control”.

Rita Sussmuth, German politician and former President of the German Federal Parliament applauded the women and men who are risking their lives every day for the freedom of Iran. In particular, she mentions the bravery of the Camp Liberty residents who have undergone appalling persecution. Ms. Sussmuth emphasised that “we cannot have freedom without peace”. The role of women is essential – they should be included in the move towards peace instead of being excluded. If we stay silent to what is going on, we are saying “it’s ok” to what is being done to women. Ms. Sussmuth said that the energy in the room – from both women and men – is remarkable and will go a long way in helping women finally gain the equality they deserve

Rama Yade, Former Secretary of State for Human Rights of France, speaks about the systematic discrimination against women which starts very young in Iran. Females are denied the right to study what they wish and they have to gain permission from their husbands for the most mundane of activities such as travelling. She applauds Mrs. Rajavi who has worked relentlessly for years and calls for her to keep working to change the position of women.

Ingrid Betancourt, Colombian politician and presidential candidate, said that we have a duty to ensure that we all have the same rights – all despite our very different cultures and backgrounds. “Parity is the cornerstone of all freedom, democracy and human rights”, she highlights. It is “not a cultural issue”, rather it is something that every human being is entitled to.

Ms. Betancourt said that Khomeini is a “supreme dictator” and Mrs. Rajavi is presenting a new model that can be the change that is needed in Iran.

The fight of Mrs. Rajavi is our fight, “my fight”, she said. We need Mrs. Rajavi to succeed. It is the duty of the women on the stage and in the audience to get involved

Nagham Ghadri, Vice president of the Syrian National Coalition, spoke of what is happening in Syria. She said that Syrians are fighting for freedom and have been for many years. She talked about women who committed suicide after being released from prison after suffering abuse and rape at the hand of barbarians. She calls for support for her and the Syrians who need it so much and said that although their schools and hospitals are being destroyed, nothing can destroy their resistance or their resolve for freedom.

Christine Ockrent, journalist, writer and renowned TV presenter, said that despite the progress in the world, we still have a long way to go. She called upon Mrs. Rajavi to support the organisations around the world that are fighting similar battles.

Anissa Boumediene, former first lady of Algeria, lawyer and specialist of Islam, firstly thanked Mrs. Rajavi for her support of women’s rights. She then expressed her anger at the poor treatment of women who are denied equal rights. She condemns the men, and even the women, who are justifying persecution of women in the name of Islam. As a specialist who has studied Islam in detail, she is appalled that this religion can be used to condone the violence against women.

Najima Thay Thay, the former Minister of Education and Youth from Morocco, said that the purpose of the gathering today was to support all women across the world. She said that the children who suffer are the flame that keeps us going in our fight.She said that Mrs. Rajavi is due praise for supporting refugees and those who are discriminated against. Mrs. Rajavi is a success for freedom, for the Quran and for women. She pledges the support of Morocco in their fight for freedom, despite the country having its own problems. Education is the key – if we educate our own countries we can start to see change.

Rashida Manjoo, former UN Rapporteur on Violence against Women from 2009 to 2015 said that “for evil to flourish, all it takes is good people to remain silent”. Silence, she affirms, perpetuates the evil that is affecting so many people around the world.

She describes the United Nations as “a government of governments”, and for this reason we must realise and remember that political persuasion and economic policies come into play. Nevertheless, violence against women is view as one of the most serious violations of human rights.

Although there has been much progression in human rights, there are many gaps that need to be properly addressed. She believes that states are not being held accountable for upholding the rights of women. The lack of punitive action for violations of human rights is the main factor in the violations being allowed to continue.
Yakin Ertuk, former UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women from 2003 to 2006, spoke of her visit to Iran at the invitation of the Iranian government over a decade ago. She was shocked by what she saw and claims she will never forget her trip, but is happy that her report was able to help the Resistance in their continuing efforts.

Yakin Ertuk, former UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women from 2003 to 2006, spoke of her visit to Iran at the invitation of the Iranian government over a decade ago. She was shocked by what she saw and claims she will never forget her trip, but is happy that her report was able to help the Resistance in their continuing efforts.

She said that fundamental human rights, the law and extremists are on course for a head-on collision. She wants to know who will win. She said she cannot answer that, but she will do everything she can to uphold human rights.

Malian lawyer and judge, Fatoumata Dembele Diarra, questioned why the international communities do not feel concerned about the situation of women in Iran. She asked that isn’t it obvious that letting nine year old girls marry in Iran is against the UN charter?







Gisoo Shakeri, exile, protest singer, women's activist, poet and writer performed for the audience. She said that International Woman’s Day is not recognised in her county and women are fighting, as they have been for many years, for even the most basic of fundamental human rights. She pays tribute to the women who have lost their voices – women who has been executed, woman who have been imprisoned and women who have had their voices silenced.

Kirsty Brimelow, Queen’s Counsel Chairwoman of Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales, first pointed out that the Bar of Human Rights stands with the Resistance in their fight for freedom and women’s rights in Iran. She said it is obvious what needs to be done. She said the constitution needs changing - you can’t have a constitution that is rooted in medieval times.

Restricting females as judges needs to be changed for obvious reasons. And with regards to Camp Liberty –something needs to be done by the UN. They need to recognise it as a refugee camp, not a detention centre. She said that this is not even a big step because the UN already recognises the residents as persons of concern.

Maria Candida Almeida, Attorney General Deputy in the Supreme Court, attended to voice her concern at the senselessness of the struggle that women face in 2016. She also attended to voice and show her solidarity for the struggle. She wants everyone to keep fighting for the voice of reason.

She thanked Mrs. Rajavi for her example of great strength and determination.