A significant assembly of European former and current Members of Parliament (MEPs) and experts convened at the European Parliament in Brussels yesterday to unveil a critical document spotlighting the Iranian regime’s clandestine efforts to manipulate European policy and malign the Iranian opposition.

The gathering, hosted by the Friends of a Free Iran (FOFI) Intergroup, highlighted the pressing issue of foreign interference in European institutions.

The revealing document, titled “Iran Experts Initiative: A Covert Operation to Manipulate European Policy and Demonize the Iranian Opposition,” outlines a systematic approach by the Iranian regime to employ a network of so-called “Iran experts.” These experts are accused of disseminating misinformation aimed at discrediting the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its key member, the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK).

According to Javier Zarzalejos, MEP from Spain, this interference is a “matter of grave concern,” necessitating a shift away from the existing policy of appeasement towards the Iranian regime. His sentiments were echoed by Struan Stevenson, former MEP and co-chair of the In Search of Justice (ISJ) Committee, who described the regime’s disinformation campaign as a crucial element of its survival strategy.

The document delves into the Iranian regime’s use of the Experts Network to infiltrate governments, think tanks, and advisory groups, aiming to propagate its narrative in Western media. Farzin Hashemi, a senior member of the NCRI’s Foreign Affairs Committee, underscored that this interference is merely “the tip of the iceberg” in the regime’s broader tactics to stifle the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations.

In an impassioned plea, the speakers urged the European Union to comprehensively blacklist the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and stand in solidarity with the Iranian democratic opposition. They emphasized the need for global support for a free and democratic Iran, stressing the importance of aligning with fundamental human rights and democratic principles.

The event, chaired by Javier Zarzalejos and attended by MEPs, journalists, and independent experts, concluded with a question-and-answer session. It underscored the urgency of addressing the Iranian regime’s covert influence in shaping European policies and public opinion, especially as the EU prepares for its upcoming elections in June.

This landmark revelation raises critical questions about the integrity of policy-making processes within European institutions and highlights the necessity of vigilance against foreign interference in democratic systems.

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