On Sunday, January 6th, Hassan Mahmoudi penned a piece for tsarism exploring the leaders of the Iranian protest movement. The piece, entitled ‘Who is Leading and Organizing the Iranian Strikes’, looked at the escalating protest movement in Iran and the driving forces behind the expanding opposition movement.

Mahmoudi began, “over the past 12 months, a single week hasn’t passed where some sort of protest and demonstration has not taken place somewhere in the country.”

#Iranian Retirees of Planning & Budget Organization in Yasouj held a protest gathering in front of D governorate of D regime in D city protesting against withholding bonuses 2 D deprived neighborhoods #FireFest #IranProtests #4ShanbeSourihttps://t.co/BcjcLXi9mi pic.twitter.com/o4hOtR8cyi

— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 13, 2018

He describes how dissent and public fury has seeped across Iranian industries, bringing truckers, market stall owners, teachers, sugar workers, steelworkers, and farmers into the streets in protest. “Virtually every Iranian group and community has expressed its discontent with the current political structure,” Mahmoudi says.

#Iran
The farmers of Varzaneh, Isfahan, continued their protests on Friday, chanting slogans against Rouhani and other regime officials for continuously reneging on their promises to solve the province's water shortage problems.#IranProtests https://t.co/wbV93cuUjk

— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 4, 2019

Their grievances have been wide-ranging, but several themes have reared their heads in the Iranian workforce time and time again; corruption, economic mismanagement, unpaid wages, inflation, and reduced Iranian purchasing power.

In typical regime fashion, the mullahs have responded to the growing protests with violence and repression. Most recently, Esmail Bakshi, one of the labor activists arrested in Shush during the strikes carried out by the Haft Tappeh sugarcane workforce, endured extensive physical and psychological torture in regime custody. His injuries were so severe he had to be transferred to hospital.

Esmail Bakhshi, a spokesperson of the protesting employees at the Haft Tapeh Sugarcane Agro Industrial Company in Khuzestan province, issues an open letter describing his horrible incarceration conditions.#Iran#HumanRightshttps://t.co/y1q8td1Txp

— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 5, 2019

At a protest among farmers in Isfahan on January 2^nd, regime agents used tear gas and fired live rounds in the air in an attempt to disperse the crowds, and earlier in the year, when Iran’s truck drivers were striking, the regime threatened them with imprisonment and even execution.

The Organizing Force Behind Iran’s Protest Movement

While many regime officials still dismiss the protest organizers as “opportunists and anti-revolutionaries who want to take advantage of political turmoil inside the country,” there has been an increasing acceptance among the regime’s leadership of the reality that the Iranian opposition is a well-organized political force.

Today, the regime’s existence is in danger more than any other time. #Iran’s society is more prepared than ever. But it is your will that is going to determine how the present volatile situation will evolve into the overthrow of the mullahs’ dictatorship#FreeIran pic.twitter.com/adc7pOssWj

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) January 7, 2019

Members of Parliament like Naser Mousavi Larijani are beginning to point the finger at the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI / MEK), and the group is increasingly receiving coverage from the Iranian state-run media outlets.

The MEK has been relentless in their organization of protests. They publish details of protests through their social media outlets and have been putting up posters across the country.

MEK Resistance Units Are Organizing a Revolution

The group has an abundance of resistance units, from Tehran to Mashhad, Kermanshah, and Ahvaz. Many draw attention to the opulence that the regime leadership enjoys while much of the Iranian population struggles to put food on the table.

Mahmoudi quoted the prominent Iranian political scientist Dr. Behrouz Puyan in his article. Puyan said, “with conditions inside Iran and abroad changing dramatically, the MEK implemented its new strategy of launching resistance units,” he added, “by organizing and leading the Iranian uprising in an effective manner, resistance units are injecting a new life in the society and protestors on the streets.”

Staff Writer

 

On Saturday, December 15th, the Iranian Communities, supporters of the MEK, held a joint video conference in 42 cities across Europe, North America, and Australia. The purpose of the conference was to discuss the ongoing popular protests in Iran and the regime’s terrorist actions against the MEK and the Iranian opposition.

Mrs. Maryam Rajavi gave the keynote address. Speaking to the Iranian communities, she said:

“The regime’s recourse to terrorism is not a transient or tactical reaction, but a strategic outlet for it to confront the uprisings and its overthrow. Today, the regime makes use of terrorism to confronting the Iranian people’s uprisings. The arrests and expulsions of the regime’s diplomat-terrorists and terrorists with ties to their embassies show that the regime’s Supreme National Security Council, the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the terrorist Quds Force, the Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS), the Foreign Ministry, and the regime’s embassies are all parts of the clerical regime’s terrorist network.”

https://twitter.com/AlArabiya_Eng/status/1074046440949862401

Mrs. Rajavi called for the international community to adopt a firm approach toward the Iranian regime. She said:

“The IRGC, the MOIS, and the regime’s state propaganda machine must be placed on the U.S. List of Foreign Terrorist Organizations and the terror list of the European Union. The regime’s financial lifelines which fund Khamenei’s apparatus, the IRGC and the terrorist Quds Force must be blocked. And the dossier of the regime’s continuing crimes against humanity must be referred to the UN Security Council, and Khamenei, Rouhani and other regime leaders must face justice.”

https://twitter.com/iran_policy/status/1074225349062475776

Rajavi then urged the international community to end the policy of appeasement toward the Iranian regime.

“If you don’t want to stand by the people of Iran, at least do not victimize your own citizens’ security. Why do you aid a regime that poses threats to European capitals? This is our word: Respect the Iranian people’s desire to overthrow the regime and establish freedom and democracy. Let the hands of this criminal regime be cut off from Iran’s oil revenues which is our national asset. Every barrel of oil the regime sells is a lash on the back of the people of Iran and a bullet piercing the heart of the people of the region. The regime’s successive missile tests aim at nothing but blackmailing and threatening regional and global peace,”.

Mrs. Rajavi directly addressed the MEK resistance units who have organized and led the protest movement in her speech, saying:

“Today, the regime’s existence is more than ever in danger. Iran’s society is also more prepared than any other time and simmering. The establishment of a free Iran is on the shoulders of the Iranian people and Resistance. It is your willpower that is going to determine how the present volatile conditions will evolve into the overthrow of the mullahs’ dictatorship. The secret to victory is the united struggle of the people of Iran and the evolution of uprisings pioneered by resistance units and councils.”

.@PJK4brainhealth: Former member of US House of Representatives.
The EU responded firmly by expelling the Iran regime’s intel personnel & cutting of diplomatic relations.But today the response has been very weak & inappropriate to the emerging threat.#BlackListMOIS@eu_eeas pic.twitter.com/D0FuLZVPZN

— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) December 16, 2018

Mr. Patrick Kennedy has been a longtime supporter of the MEK and the Iranian Resistance. In his speech, he spoke about the bipartisan support for the Iranian Resistance within the United States. He said:

“Contrary to the Iranian regime’s propaganda, both Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. are united in supporting a firm policy on Iran and to stand with the Iranian people in their desire for change and to have a republic based on free election, separation of religion and state and gender equality. It is within this context that we support Maryam Rajavi and her ten-point declaration for a free Iran. The regime’s propaganda against the MEK, echoed sometimes in the Western media, is the best sign of regime’s fear of the MEK’s popularity in Iran and its role in the anti-regime protests. It is time for Europe to also stand up to regime’s growing terrorism in Europe and its malign activities in the region.”

Former Colombian Presidential Candidate, Ingrid Betancourt spoke about the need for European governments to adopt a firm approach toward the Iranian regime in light of its terrorist activities, saying: “Over the past year the Iranian regime has increased its terrorist activities in Europe and simultaneously, intensified its propaganda against the MEK. This clearly shows the fear of the regime from the MEK and its decisive role in the continued anti-regime protests in Iran and their desire for regime change.  It is time the European governments adopt a firm policy against the regime and side with no ambiguity with the Iranian people. Finally, free Western media has to be alert in order to avoid spreading the dictator’s propaganda against democratic opposition.”

Victory against #Iranian regime is a humanitarian victory- #Colombian politician
.#Iran #Tehran #Forsan_News pic.twitter.com/G17JWsWlWR

— Forsan News EN (@Fnews_english) December 15, 2018

Representatives from over 300 Iranian associations across the world also spoke at the conference in order to reaffirm their support for the NCRI, the MEK, and Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-point Plan for re-establishing democracy in Iran after the fall of the mullahs’ regime.

Fershteh Riazi Doust, The Netherlands – This resistance has stood against the hardest campaign of slanter, like Mosadeq did. But the MEK, as Mrs. Rajavi said wants nothing for itself.This resistance only wants a #FreeIran#BlackLikstMOIS @StateDept @Heritage @bySamStevenson pic.twitter.com/kKYhQJJoXr

— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) December 16, 2018

In declaring their support for the MEK and its goal of restoring democratic rule to Iran, they said: “The Iranian Resistance, led by Mr. Massoud Rajavi, enjoys a broad social base of support in Iran, has a strong organization, offers a clear platform and has adopted progressive and democratic plans for future Iran. It is able to bring about regime change and is capable of transferring the sovereignty to people. They have unique capacities and potentials for rebuilding future Iran, offer social justice, and returning hope and trust to a nation which has suffered numerous treasons over the past 100 years and has been viciously suppressed and discriminated against under the dictatorships of the shahs and the mullahs.”

Amineh Gharaee, Norway – the families who are still looking for the graves of their lost ones say they will not forgive or forget those who committed these atrocities.#BlackLikstMOIS #FreeIran#Iran#IranRegimeChange pic.twitter.com/7bkdMP4mPa

— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) December 15, 2018

They went on to say: “It is because of these capacities that the clerical regime considers this Resistance as its only existential threat, and in addition to brutal suppression inside Iran it is resorting to terrorism and carrying out extensive demonization and misinformation campaigns against the Iranian Resistance to justify and prepare the grounds for domestic suppression and terrorism abroad.”

Speakers and participants at the conference included President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) Mrs. Maryam Rajavi; former member of the U.S. House of Representatives Patrick Kennedy; Minister of State for Diaspora and former Prime Minister of Albania Pandeli Majko; Republican Party Leader and former Albanian Defense Minister Fatmir Mediu; former Algerian Prime Minister Syed Ahmad Ghozali,; former Colombian Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt; Deputy Leader of the U.K. Liberal Democratic Party Lord Navnit Dholakia; French Governor and former Director of DST Yves Bonnet; Chair of the Committee on Equality of Men and Women in the Parliament of Romania Christina Luristina; Deputy Chair of the Financial Committee in the Senate of South Ireland Gerry Horkan; Member of Italian Parliament Antonio Tasso; and Member of the Norwegian Parliamentary Judiciary Committee Peter Eide. A number of other politicians, legal, and religious figures also attended the conference, as well as members of the Iranian communities.

.@FatmirMediu: Republican Party of Albania
We should support the voice of the Iranian people to enjoy their freedom.#IranProtests#BlackListMOIS#IranRegimeChange pic.twitter.com/NzFbrLQx64

— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) December 16, 2018

The conference was held in 42 cities including Ashraf 3, the MEK camp in Albania; Brussels, Belgium; Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Winnipeg, Canada; Copenhagen and Arhus, Denmark;  London, Liverpool, Bristol, Sheffield and Birmingham, U.K.; Helsinki and Turku, Finland; Paris, France, Berlin, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt, Germany; Rome, Italy; Luxembourg, Luxembourg; The Hague, Zwolle, and Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Oslo and Kristiansand, Norway; Bucharest, Romania, Zurich, Switzerland; Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo, Boras, and Solleftea, Sweden; Washington, D.C., Berkeley, Orange County, Atlanta, and Dallas, U.S.; Vienna, Austria; and Sydney, Australia.

Staff Writer

 

This week a bipartisan coalition of American congressmen announced an initiative to support anti-regime protests in Iran. The Congressional event, which was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the ongoing nationwide protests in Iran, was an opportunity for congressmen from both sides of the aisle to both express their support for the protests and condemn Iran’s corrupt and brutal regime.

At OIAC event, Bipartisan lawmakers voice support for Iran uprising, condemn Tehran’s terrorism against dissidents https://t.co/u2evcV4OKi

— EIN News (@EIN_News) December 13, 2018

Judy Chu (D-CA) remarked that she was proud to co-sponsor the Congressional resolution that both condemns the Iranian regime for its sponsorship of terrorism and supports the people of Iran and their fight for a “free, democratic, and secular future.”

I’m proud to stand with the people of Iran who are courageously striving for a free and democratic future. pic.twitter.com/EWtVgZDi0l

— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) December 11, 2018

Thank you @RepMcClintock for expressing solidarity with #Iran ppl, supporting #FreeIran and introducing H.Res.1034 in the House condemning Iran #terrorism pic.twitter.com/iYuz9tdNzf

— OIAC (@OrgIAC) December 12, 2018

Tom McClintock (R-CA) specifically mentioned the MEK in his words of support for the resolution. McClintock said: “As the journey of the mullahs has become more extreme, the international resistance to them has become more resolute. We’ve seen this in the liberation of the MEK freedom fighters trapped in Iraq. [We’ve also] seen it with the 105 of my colleagues, here in the House of Representatives who co-sponsored my bill, House Resolution 1034 that we affirmed our committed support of the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear republic of Iran.”

The bipartisan group of congressmen noted that the outcome of the recent midterm elections in the U.S., which shifted the balance of power to the Democratic Party, would not change the United States’ commitment to the Iranian people and their fight for freedom from the oppressive Iranian regime.

 

Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX) said: “The change of Congress will not stop us from fighting for victory. A new majority is in power [in the House of Representatives]. Please know that democracy will not be far from our heart, our mind and our lips.”

For the children of #Iran we want to ensure them free, democratic, secular non nuclear republic #FreeIran Thank you for being a champion of freedom, Happy Holidays to everyone! @JacksonLeeTX18 pic.twitter.com/CPdvmuUYOv

— OIAC (@OrgIAC) December 12, 2018

Steve Cohen (D-TN), Co-chair of the Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus, also vowed to continue to condemn the

Iranian regime for its human rights violations and its support for terrorism.

Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO) noted that “It’s so important for the United States to not lose its focus [on Iran].”

Many of the congressmen present also used the occasion to note the influence of the Iranian Resistance in organizing the protests and how fearful the regime has become in the face of an uprising that could signal the end of the Islamic Republic.

"The next time I see you, we will all be in the streets of #FreeIran, do not give up, freedom is worth fighting for" #Iran will be a free society with the role of the daughters of democracy taking the lead in the streets" @JudgeTedPoe senior member of @HouseForeign speaking pic.twitter.com/LqiOMSt5xj

— OIAC (@OrgIAC) December 11, 2018

Ted Poe (R-TX) directly addressed the Iranian Americans in the audience, lauding them for their work on behalf of the Iranian people and for “keeping [the mullahs] awake at night.”

Thanks to Congressman @BradSherman for his support for a #FreeIran. @VOAIran @USAdarFarsi. This Holiday Season, we again work towards a #FreeIran – with and by the #Iranian people. No Foreign war, no appeasement of #Iran regime. pic.twitter.com/454pmBt81P

— OIAC (@OrgIAC) December 12, 2018

Brad Sherman (D-CA) specifically commended Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, leader of the Iranian Opposition, for her work on behalf of women’s and minorities’ rights in Iran, while Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) addressed every member of the Iranian Resistance. He said: “The love of liberty burns in your heart. All the way from the time of Camp Ashraf where innocent people, unarmed people were being slaughtered by the mullahs’ regime…and yes, right now…all freedom loving people, in supporting those people who are now in the streets in Iran demanding that the mullahs leave.”

Staff Writer

From November 30th until December 2^nd, Simaye Azadi, Iran’s National TV (INTV) the satellite TV that is known as the voice of Free Iran is running a telethon to give voice to Iran’s suppressed and silenced population. Much like previous telethons, Simaye Azadi will host the event.

#Telethon #FreeIran for #SimayAzadi (INTV)
Support The Voice Of The #Iranian People In Face Of Tyranny
Paypal: support@fzhonline.net

Time: November 30 to December 2, 2018 @4FreedomInIran English FB: 4FreedominIran@simayazaditv Farsi FB: SimayAzadi pic.twitter.com/q5XK47q9Ar

— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) December 1, 2018

IranNTV uses its telethons to broadcast the realities of the Iranian regime’s atrocities to the world. MEK and the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) supporters also take the opportunity to offer donations and messages of support for the main Iranian opposition, the MEK.

MEK’s former Secretary-General, special guest of the 1st day of the Telethon

The special guest of the 1st day of the telethon, was Mrs. Zohreh Akhyani, MEK’s former Secretary General, and one of MEK’s distinguished leaders. In her speech, with regards to Simaye Azadi and its role in distributing information, she said: It’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by its vital role. Today’s telethon is like a “popular
parade of financial support” for the one that is reflecting the voices of the Workers, Haft Tapeh sugar cane workers, and Ahwaz workers, the voice of all truckers and all the people of Iran.”

Ms. Akhyani: Today’s #Telethon is like a “popular
parade of financial support” for #SimayAzadi that is reflecting the voices
of the Workers, #Haft_Tappeh sugar cane workers & #Ahwaz workers,
the voice of all truckers &all the people of #Iran. #MEK #FreeIran pic.twitter.com/y8TiKyS0Ow

— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) November 30, 2018

For example, an early message read, “I’m Bahareh from Mashhad. I declare my support and help out with a little donation”.

Another, from Mohammad, said “I hope with our aid, this voice will always stay on”.

Past telethons have been a major success

In the past, the amount of donations received has been a strong indication of the MEK’s popularity. In 2013, the group had 22 phone lines set up to receive donations and the generous MEK supporters from within Iran and around the world gave $4.1 million.

Many of these donations were small figures, whatever people could spare, but when added together, they make a huge difference and provide the opposition with the resources to challenge the Iranian regime wherever it can.

Some, like Firoozeh in Mashhad, gave $54. Others, like Shahryar from Karaj, gave more than $200. Many donors give as little as one dollar. But every single one of them goes towards the MEK’s fight for democracy in Iran.

Batool,a donar living in Luxumburgh:
I like to read a message from one of #MEK resistance units (Yasser Hajian)in #Iran: We are those who will make tomorrow” We donate 3000000 tomans for #SimayAzadi, the voice of Freedom. This is our national duty to take part in this #Telethon" pic.twitter.com/Qlq5T3fLyp

— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) December 1, 2018

Several of the MEK’s high-profile political supporters also participate in the group’s telethons. Political figures from across Europe and the US often make an appearance and urge supporters to keep making donations.

Telethons Keep Hope Alive for the Youth of Iran

It is young Iranians who overwhelmingly turn to telethons to voice their opinions. For Iran’s youth, living in a world where simply voicing anti-regime sentiment could be enough to get you arrested or worse, the telethons offer an outlet and a way to connect with like-minded individuals.

One, named Amineh Gharaei said, “Iran is like a prison for us- Simaye Azadi gives us hope”.

The telethons show the Iranian youth that they are not alone in their disappointment and dissatisfaction towards the regime. They let them know that the MEK is with them.

Gharaei captured the feeling in a panel show on a telethon in 2015. The young Iranian said, “Even though we are far, we are beside you. We feel your pain. Be strong”

 

After weeks of strikes by the Ahvaz Steelworkers and Haft Tappeh Sugar Factory workers, the regime has resorted to desperate measures to end the strikes and prevent the protests from spreading further. On November 26th, Sadegh Larijani, the head of the regime’s judiciary, addressed the protesting workers in comments that were broadcast by the state-run ILNA news agency. Larijani threatened the striking workers, saying, “We must deal with those who want to disrupt the order of the country, under the pretext of pursuing the demands of workers.”

Larijani also referred to the strikes as sedition. He said, “Workers should not allow their demands to be an excuse for the use of enemies and to create disorder.” He then added: “Workers will never meet their demands with turmoil, crisis and actions countering the public order.”

Despite these threats from the head of the regime’s judiciary, Ahvaz steelworkers continued their strike for the third week. The striking steelworkers also faced a large security presence, including state security forces, anti-riot guards and plainclothes officers, but they refused to allow the regime’s suppressive forces to intimidate them. The workers gathered once again in front of the regime’s governorate in Ahvaz, broke through a blockade made by suppressive forces and rallied in the streets of Ahvaz. The workers were joined by Ahvazi youth in their rally. They chanted, “We stand, we die, we get our rights!”

“The worker dies; he does not accept humiliation!”

“Our enemy is here, they claim falsely that it is the United States!”

“Government, Mafia, happy marriage!”

Meanwhile, the Haft Tappeh Sugar Mill factory workers continued their strike for the 22nd consecutive day. The tireless workers rallied again in the city of Shush, chanting, “The worker dies; he does not accept humiliation!”

November 27
Ahvaz, southwest #Iran
National Steel Group workers protesting delayed paychecks.

Chants:
"Each worker says down with oppressors"#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/kNhhQK23xH

— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 27, 2018

“Death to the oppressor, greetings to the worker!”

“Imprisoned worker must be freed!”

Steel, Haft Tappeh, unity, unity!”

The MEK and the Iranian Resistance support the striking workers. Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the Iranian Resistance, has voiced her support of the striking workers and urged others to join them in solidarity.

Staff Writer

The workers at the Haft Tappeh sugar mill have maintained their display of resistance against the Iranian regime’s repressive policies. The workers went on strike two weeks ago over unpaid wages and the imminent privatization of the company and are still refusing to return to work. The workers then invoked the ire of the regime and have endured a slew of threats and oppressive policies, reports from the MEK network indicate.

The enemy tries in vain to silence the voice of the deprived workers of Haft Tappeh through arrests and suppression. The cries of “we are hungry” of the children of Shush awaken the conscience of every human being, provoking them to rise up against the oppressive mullahs. #Iran pic.twitter.com/PVom5G4KX3

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) November 18, 2018

Haft Tappeh: A Story of Mismanagement

The Iranian regime’s destructive and poorly-executed policies caused the demise of the Haft Tappeh mill. What was once the largest sugar cane factory in Iran is now on the verge of becoming little more than a tool to line the mullahs’ pockets.

The company is on the verge of a privatization process that would see the regime assume total control of the company’s assets. It follows a similar pattern of embezzlement and corruption that is spreading across Iran’s major companies and industries.

A Reluctance to Engage

Instead of collaborating and working with the striking workers to bring a swift end to the protests, the regime refused to acknowledge or address the problem.

Regime officials have ignored the protest’s existence, despite the country’s workers’ syndicates, trade unions, and working groups coming out to pledge their support for the workers of Haft Tappeh.

Teachers, students, truck drivers, and merchants have expressed their support for the striking sugar mill workers. The leader of the Iranian opposition, president-elect Maryam Rajavi has issued a statement expressing her deep support of the heroic protests.

 

Hail to the workers of Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Factory who have risen against oppression with chants of, “Threats, jail, are no longer effective.” Crying out, “We are hungry,” they call on every free human being to rise up against the mullahs’ corrupt regime.#IranProtests #Iran

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) November 15, 2018

Ms. Rajavi took to Twitter to offer words of encouragement to the protestors on behalf of the MEK. She said, “hail to Shush, the city of revolt and protest, risen up with the protests of sugarcane workers and the solidarity and strike of the bazaar merchants and youths”.

She also sent a message to inspire Iran’s public and youth into supporting the Haft Tappeh workers. “I call on youths to support the uprising in Shush and the strike of workers of Haft Tappeh”, she Tweeted.

International Support

The brave workers of Haft Tappeh have also garnered support from the international community. As the news of the workers protest spread across the globe, the Iranian diaspora and international workers groups send words of encouragement and solidarity with the workers of Haft Tappeh.

As the workers at Haft Tappeh are showing, the only way to confront the Iranian regime and its systematic abuse and corruption of Iran’s industries is through sustained protests. The Iranian people must show their determination and resolve to throw off the shackles of the regime and let the Iranian economy flourish under a democratic Iran.

Staff Writer

On Monday, 150 Members or European Parliament released a joint statement condemning the Iranian regime for its domestic human rights violations and its international terrorist plots. Gérard Deprez, Chair of Friends of a Free Iran in European Parliament, wrote the statement, and it was signed by MEPs from all six major political groups in European Parliament, representing 27 Member States. Signatories include 4 Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament and 14 Committee and Delegation Chairs.

The statement called attention to the regime’s disturbing use of the death penalty. “The country has maintained the highest number of executions in the world per capita during the presidency of the so-called ‘moderate’ Hassan Rouhani,” the statement read. “According to Amnesty International’s Global Report on the Death Penalty, more than half of all recorded executions in 2017 took place in Iran. It is also the leading executioner of underage offenders.”

The statement also expressed concern for the treatment of women in Iran, saying, “Women are frequently harassed by morality police for the way they dress, and hundreds of women are arrested every day for improper veiling or ‘bad hijab.’”

The MEPS noted that major uprisings and anti-regime protests have taken place in Iran over the past year and continue to occur. The people are demanding fundamental change. According to the statement, “The regime’s officials have acknowledged the role of ‘resistance units’ of the opposition PMOI [MEK] in organizing protests and nationwide strikes.

Foiled Terror Plot Underscores The Need For Maximum Pressure On Iran, says former Italian Foreign Minister @GiulioTerzi https://t.co/nQev3SLZCh… #terrorism #ExpelIranDiplomatTerrorist @GlobalCRL @NCRIUS

— Giulio Terzi (@GiulioTerzi) November 19, 2018

Gérard Deprez

“Unable to defeat the protesters at home, the regime launched a new wave of terrorism against the democratic opposition activists in Europe and in the United States.”

The statement goes on to describe the various terrorist plots attempted by the Iranian regime over the past year. “In March 2018, a car-bomb plot targeting the Persian New Year gathering of Iranian dissidents in Tirana was foiled, and two men were arrested by the police,” the statement reads.

The statement follows with a summary of the regime’s terrorist plots against the MEK in France, the United States, and Denmark:

“On 1 July 2018, German police arrested an Iranian diplomat from the embassy in Vienna and charged him with terrorist offenses. He was later extradited to Belgium, and he is on trial accused of handing over a highly-explosive device to an Iranian-Belgian couple who were planning to bomb the opposition NCRI’s Free Iran gathering in Paris in June.

Giuliani Issues Statement in Wake of Failed Terrorist Attack on NCRI Gathering

In August 2018, two Iranian agents were arrested by the FBI and charged with spying on the PMOI [MEK]  in the US and preparing assassination plots.

“In October, the French government officially sanctioned Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and accused it of being behind the Paris bomb plot. French ministers stressed: ‘This extremely serious act, which was intended to take place on our soil, cannot go without a response.’

The French Government Confirms “Without any Doubt” the Iranian Regime was Behind the Foiled Terror Attack

“Denmark foiled a new Iranian terror plot on its soil in October. The E.U.’s silence in the face of brutal human rights violations in Iran and lack of any response to the serious terror plots in Europe is unacceptable.”

The MEPs conclude the statement with a call to hold the regime accountable for its terrorist plots and to expel all regime intelligence agents from Europe. They also state that all relations with Iran should be conditioned upon “an improvement of human rights and women’s rights, and a halt to executions.”

Gérard Deprez, Chair of Friends of a Free Iran, emphasized this in regard to Iran: “Human rights in Iran cannot be compromised or marginalized on the excuse of political considerations, trade or the nuclear deal. Any expansion of political and economic relations with Iran must be conditional to a clear progress on human rights, women’s rights and a halt to executions.”

Staff Writer

This week, the Iranian regime sentenced several protestors arrested in August protests. Iran Human Rights Monitor (HRM) reported on October 22^nd reported that five young women arrested during the protests had received prison sentences of between 6 and 12 months.

#Iran: What advocates of the mullah 'moderation myth' want to sweep off the rug: "At least 50 #Iranians were killed and 8,000 arrested during the nationwide protests in Dec 2017 & Jan 2018 https://t.co/lb8NyOv5jr

— NCRIWomen'sCommittee (@womenncri) October 23, 2018

Yasamin Ariani, aged 23, and 19-year-old Saba Kordafshani, will both serve one year behind bars at Tehran’s infamous Evin Prison. Azer Heydari will also serve one year in prison. The other two, Mozhdeh Rajabi and Niloufar Homafar, both received six-month sentences from the Iranian regime Judiciary.

The circumstances under which Yasamin Ariani was arrested prompted outrage from the Iranian public and drew condemnation from the People’s Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK) and other Iranian opposition groups.

Yasamin was arrested and taken to Quarchak Prison after helping an elderly woman who was pushed to the ground by the regime’s anti-riot police.

Harsh Sentences

The sentences appear to be part of a coordinated effort from the clerical regime to administer particularly harsh sentences on those involved in protests. Last week, the regime sentenced six supporters of MEK to between 8 and 18 years in prison. They were charged for burning the images of the regime Supreme Leader Khamenei during last year’s protests.

Heavy sentences for protesters arrested during #Iran uprising @IranHRM https://t.co/IPhIqZpMkV

— IRAN HRM (@IranHrm) October 24, 2018

Iran Human Rights Monitor released a list of 18 protestors that had been arrested and sentenced for participating in the December and January protests. The protestors, all of whom are serving their prison sentences at the Great Tehran Penitentiary, were administered exceptionally harsh sentences and subject to cruel and immoral punishments.

Alireza Shir Mohammad Ali was charged with three “crimes”, “spreading propaganda against the establishment”, “insulting Ali Khamenei” and “disrupting public opinion”. He received a five-year sentence and 200 lashes.

Barzan Mohammadi, a Kurdish prisoner, is serving a six-year sentence for similar crimes. He was also lashed a total of 100 times.

The full extent of the regime’s crimes against its population becomes clear when confronted with the figures of those arrested. Agents of the clerical regime arrested more than 8,000 protestors during the December and January uprisings.

Of these 8,000, at least 14 have died in custody, likely due to extensive torture and beatings at the hands of guards. Further reports emerged this month of guards using electric cattle prods, sticks, and batons to beat inmates into submission.

Several inmates have reported fractured bones and concussion.

Condemnation from International Human Rights Organisations

Amnesty International called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested during the protests. They also urged the international community to call for an “impartial and independent” investigation into the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of 26-year-old Reza Otadi, who died during a protest in Karaj.

So far, the international community has remained silent and Amnesty International’s pleas have not been heard. These young women, as well as the thousands of more Iranians sitting behind bars, and their families in Iran need the international community to be their voice. How many more innocent people have to be flogged, beaten and imprisoned before Europe and the West say enough is enough?

Staff Writer

The mullahs are staring down the barrel of a revolution, a similar barrel the Shah faced in 1979. A wave of protests, which began with a nationwide uprising in December 2017 and January 2018, has shown no sign of abating.

The most recent truck driver’s protest has run for more than 18 consecutive days, despite vicious threats against the strikers from the regime.

Iranian protesters in #Sweden gathered in support of Iran's uprisings & strikes.
Following the call by @Maryam_Rajavi in support of the nationwide strikes, teachers and truck drivers in #Iran#IranianTruckersOnStrike #IranianNationwideStrike #IranProtestshttps://t.co/UO2BqXywi1 pic.twitter.com/HJ36l0U6tv

— Iran Freedom-En (@4freedominiran2) October 18, 2018

The strike demonstrated the full extent of the regime’s weakened position in power. Not only did the mullahs’ repressive and violent strategies for dealing with the protests fail to curb the dissent, but the truck drivers drew support from the Iranian people, both at home and abroad.

Even Regime Insiders Acknowledge Their Position is Weakening

“The severe downfall in the national currency value and skyrocketing prices for basic necessities indicate that the country is not being governed properly”, said Golamreza Heydari a member of the Iranian regime’s parliament.

Heydari added, “the way the country is running is that all the power is in one place and others are held accountable”.

The international press is reporting water shortages, corruption, a media crackdown, executions, the arrest of political opponents and extensive economic mismanagement from the clerical regime.

Concern from within the regime, a breakdown of effective governance and rising determination to change the status quo from the Iranian people all suggest that the regime’s end is near.

What Comes Next?

The answer to the question of what comes after the fall of the regime lies in the viable alternative to the mullahs. The People’s Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK) and the President-elect of the Iranian resistance, Maryam Rajavi, have a cohesive ten-point plan to bring democracy and tolerance to Iran.

#FreeIran #IranianTruckersOnStrike #IranProtests
Danish Drivers' Union, with 50,000 members, express solidarity with the striking truck drivers in Ir

An impressive scene… https://t.co/gXNnIsTMhZ

— سال سرنگونی (@IranvRajavi) October 17, 2018

The MEK grew out of the Iranian people’s resistance to the regime’s human rights violations. It refused to legitimize a ruthless dictatorship shrouded in religious rule.

This steadfast refusal to live under a religious dictatorship made the MEK a beacon for Iran’s youth. The group rapidly expanded and has drawn support from politicians and journalists from across the globe.

For nearly 40 years, the MEK has worked to establish itself as a viable and organized alternative to the arbitrary rule of the clerical regime. It has embraced democratic values of religious tolerance and an independent judiciary, drawing support from human rights groups and supporters of freedom.

Maryam Rajavi saluted the noble teachers who have staged sit-ins against..https://t.co/rmNndTTdX1#Iran #IranRegimeChange #MEK#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/opYmJYqFtM

— Arash Iranpor (@arashiranpor44) October 18, 2018

One of the strongest indicators that the MEK and Maryam Rajavi represent a very real alternative to the regime is that the regime itself feels threatened by the opposition group.

Former Mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani recently asked, “Who has the best conditions of seeking to overthrow [the regime] and the ability to turn this potential into a reality?” The answer, he said, is “the MEK and this is something that the Iranian regime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has stressed upon repeatedly. So, it is necessary that we identify them, raise awareness about them”.

Furthering the MEK’s Political Goals

The regime perpetuates the idea that in Iran there are only two possible choices. One is to accept their clerical regime at face value, acknowledging its existence and tolerating its violence and dangerous behavior.

The other option, it argues, is a full-scale military conflict (likely involving the assistance or presence of a foreign military in Iran), whereby if the opposition groups win, they can usher in a new period of democracy.

But this is not the reality. The MEK and Maryam Rajavi do not stand for a war with the regime. They do not want to see a further conflict in Iran.

I urge the world’s governments to stop their political and economic relations with the Iranian regime unless the regime ends torture and executions of prisoners and abandons its involvement in terrorism.
#NoToExecution #Iran pic.twitter.com/gkU72qBjyp

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) October 10, 2018

Instead, the MEK has worked tirelessly to explore other ways to further their political goals. Over the last 20 years, Maryam Rajavi and the MEK have spread their message across the world, drawing support from the international community including MPs, former ministers, and military commanders.

Initially, the group worked on reversing the unjustified labeling of the MEK as terrorists, a regime-concocted lie disseminated through its official mouthpieces and backchannels.

The MEK secured its removal from several countries’ blacklists between 2008 and 2012. It is now working with the international community to fight the regime’s support of international terrorism.

It is also one of the loudest voices calling for justice for the families of victims who were executed in the 1988 massacre. In the summer of 1988, the regime executed more than 30,000 political prisoners, mainly MEK activists. Those responsible have never been brought to justice, and several hold senior positions in the regime leadership today.

Despite what the regime touts, there are not merely two options for Iran. A third option exists and is increasingly looking like the most likely outcome.

The third option sees the Iranian people rise up against their oppressors in a wave of protests. This wave of discontent combined with international economic and political sanctions erodes the mullahs’ positions of power and sees their ultimate overthrow.

Then Iran can be free. The MEK will oversee the implementation of democracy and free and fair elections. Only then, when a democratically elected government sits in the office in Tehran, can Iran make strides towards its brighter, better future.

Staff Writer

 

Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI),  know that the regime will not be able to maintain the political status-quo in Iran for much longer.

That is why Ms. Rajavi has put together a detailed plan following the fall of the clerical regime. Her plan is designed to guide Iran through a transitional period and usher in a new era of Iranian democracy.

The End of an Era

First, the Iranian people must free themselves from the shackles of the clerical regime. This is already underway as ordinary Iranians have taken to the streets to protest the mullahs’ corruption and economic mismanagement.

What began as a concentrated uprising in December and January, has gathered momentum and has become a clamorous call for regime change.

The Iranian people have defied the repressive and violent responses of the mullahs and continue to risk their freedom and their lives to exercise their right to protest.

Peace, democracy, security and stability in the Middle East necessarily depend on ending the rule of religious dictatorship and fascism in Iran#IranProtests #IranRegimeChange #FreeIran2018 pic.twitter.com/TIY4JJq56Z

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) September 28, 2018

MEK-A Well-Coordinated Iranian Opposition

What makes the latest protests so dangerous to the mullahs’ rule is that this time, the Iranian opposition is well-organized. The MEK has rallied supporters to its cause on social media, using it as a platform to organize protests in areas where the regime’s security units rarely patrol.

Maryam Rajavi has occupied a central role in mobilizing and uniting the Iranian population against the mullahs. She is in a strong position to lead Iran as it enters a transitory phase after the fall of the mullahs.

Striving Towards Democracy

Maryam Rajavi leads the NCRI, the only opposition groups with a plan to create a viable government. The NCRI currently has a government-in-exile in France and would be well-placed to oversee a transition to democracy.

As part of Maryam Rajavi’s ten-point plan, the NCRI would work to institute a constitution and free and fair elections in Iran at the earliest possible opportunity after the collapse of the clerical regime.

The NCRI and its main member, the MEK, would ensure no foreign powers hijack Iran’s transition to democracy. It would also provide a constitution to protect the Iranian people from a dictatorship much like the one they escaped.

The constitution would be founded on democratic values. It would promote equality, religious tolerance, and freedom. It would abolish the death penalty and cruel and violent punishments, and separate religion from government.

This, Rajavi argues, is what remains “engraved in the hearts of each and every Iranian”.

Once the free and fair elections have been held and Iran has a new, democratically elected government, Maryam Rajavi and the NCRI and MEK will have completed their mission and resign, having been a part of realizing Iran’s new democratic dawn.

Staff Writer