On the eve of the Free Iran 2024 World Summit, Simaye Azadi (Iran NTV), an Iranian dissident satellite network, organized a panel discussion to address the global security threats posed by Tehran and the necessity of supporting the fight against the terrorist regime.

Moderated by Candice Bergen, former leader of the Canadian Conservative Party, the panel featured prominent figures including John Baird, former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs; Struan Stevenson, former Member of the European Parliament; and Tony Clement, former Canadian Minister of the Treasury.

Bergen began by contrasting the democratic processes in Canada and the UK, where free and fair elections enable all citizens, including women and minorities, to run for office, with Iran’s controlled and fraudulent election system. Baird reinforced this, stating, “These aren’t elections. These are sham elections,” highlighting the lack of freedom and legitimacy in Iran’s political process.

Stevenson provided historical context, noting that after Ebrahim Raisi’s death, 80 individuals initially registered for the presidential race, but only four candidates approved by the Supreme Leader remained. He emphasized that one candidate, Mustafa Pourmohammadi, had publicly boasted about executing thousands of MEK supporters, calling the election a “circus” designed to maintain the regime’s grip on power. Clement described the election as “cosplay,” criticizing the regime’s desperate attempts to suppress the Iranian people’s aspirations for peace, justice, and freedom.

The discussion also addressed the West’s role in confronting the Iranian regime. Baird highlighted Canada’s stance, including listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization and severing diplomatic ties with Iran. He underscored the IRGC’s global terrorist activities, including the downing of a Ukrainian airliner, which killed 87 Canadians. Baird called for stronger international condemnation and actions against the IRGC, stressing that Canada had led by example by breaking off diplomatic relations and pushing for more robust measures against the regime’s human rights abuses and support for terrorism.

Clement echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the IRGC’s threat to national security, particularly to Iranian Canadians who live in fear due to the regime’s activities in Canada. He called for more decisive international actions to curb Iran’s influence and support for terrorism globally. The panelists praised the courage and leadership of Iranian women in the Resistance movement. Baird highlighted the significant role of women, from students to retired schoolteachers, in ongoing protests against the regime. Stevenson recounted the brutal crackdown following Mahsa Amini’s death, which led to nationwide protests predominantly led by women.

The broader aspirations of the Iranian people for a secular republic, an end to theocracy, and the restoration of human rights and democracy were also discussed. The panelists emphasized supporting the Iranian people’s right to self-determination and commended the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan for its vision of a democratic Iran. Stevenson stressed the need for moral support from the West, rather than military intervention, to aid the Iranian people in their struggle. The panelists called for the closure of Iranian embassies in the West, accusing them of being used for terrorist activities, citing the 2018 plot to bomb an NCRI rally in Paris.

The panel concluded with a strong message of solidarity with the Iranian people and a clear warning about the dangers of opportunism within the resistance movement. Bergen and the panelists emphasized their unwavering support for the Iranian Resistance led by the NCRI and criticized figures like Reza Pahlavi for attempting to hijack the uprising for personal gain. Stevenson highlighted the Iranian people’s chants of “No to the mullah, no to the Shah” as a testament to their desire for genuine democracy, free from past or present tyrants. The discussion underscored the importance of international awareness and action in supporting the Iranian people’s fight against a repressive regime and preventing the co-optation of their movement by self-serving individuals.

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