The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) successfully held a series of panels and a major rally in Paris from June 30 to July 3, despite early attempts to halt the event.
The summit aimed to illustrate how the removal of Iran’s current regime could lead to a more harmonious global society. The events drew attention amidst a backdrop of international tension, with Iran bearing significant stakes.
Prior to the summit, on June 19, Paris police had announced a decision to ban the event due to potential disturbances to public order, referencing the volatile geopolitical context. Analysts have connected this decision to a 90-minute call between French President Emanuel Macron and Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi on June 10.
It was later revealed that negotiations involving French, Danish, and Iranian-Austrian prisoners in Iran touched upon controlling the activities of the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK), the main constituent group of the NCRI.
Despite the ban, the NCRI responded with a statement vowing to challenge the decision in court. They attributed the French government’s action to pressure from Iran, which they believe indicates the regime’s paranoia regarding the rising popularity of the MEK.
Analysts have connected this decision to a 90-minute call between French President Emanuel Macron and Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi on June 10.
The Iranian regime’s reactions ranged from joyous enthusiasm to public declarations of success in persuading the West to reject and potentially extradite MEK members back to Iran. This narrative, however, contrasted starkly with the events that eventually unfolded, prompting speculation from international observers.
As it turned out, the NCRI managed to overcome the odds, merging domestic resistance with international backing, whilst maintaining its independence. The Free Iran Summit unfolded as a testament to this resilience, offering a defiant spectacle that opposed Iran’s efforts to suppress it.
Part 7- Some photos of the Grand Rally of Iranians in central Paris in support of @Maryam_Rajavi and a democratic secular republic #MEK #FreeIran2023 #OurChoiceMaryamRajavi pic.twitter.com/07jePgv72Q
— Firouz Mahvi (@FirouzMahvi) July 4, 2023
Contrary to the regime’s claims of foreign influence, the NCRI demonstrated its strength in standing against the odds. They conveyed that an appeasement with Tehran is destined to fail and that the people of Iran are bound for victory. The NCRI’s independence distinguishes it from many other opposition groups who’ve sacrificed autonomy for power.
President-elect of the NCRI, Maryam Rajavi, during her speech on July 1, reiterated this sentiment, stating, “We neither desire nor have ever asked foreign governments to help our people and our Resistance to topple the regime. Instead, we urge them to cease supporting the mullahs.” She also emphasized the NCRI’s refusal to compromise on the autonomy of the Resistance and Iran’s sovereignty.
The NCRI’s Paris summit turned out to be a stark affirmation of a grassroots resistance movement’s ability to maintain independence and to challenge the status quo, displaying the resilience and defiance that could change the face of Iran’s political landscape.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu