Brussels, Nov. 20, 2024 – In landmark address at the European Parliament, Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), provided a detailed overview of the Iranian Resistance’s vision for a future democratic Iran, marking her first visit during the new parliamentary term.

Speakers Highlight Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Iran

The event featured a diverse group of speakers, including Javier Zarzalejos from Spain and the EPP Group; Milan Zver from Slovenia and the European People’s Party (EPP); Carlo Ciccioli from Italy and the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR); Rasa Juknevičienė, former Defense Minister of Lithuania and member of the EPP Group; Arkadiusz Mularczik from Poland and the ECR Group; Isabel Benjumea from Spain and the EPP Group; Matej Tonin from Slovenia and the EPP Group; and Estelle Ceulemans from Belgium and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats.

Keynote Speech by Mrs. Rajavi

As the keynote speaker, Mrs. Rajavi shed light on the dire human rights situation in Iran, particularly the alarming rise in executions since the regime’s current president took office. “The war against the Iranian people has resulted in 800 executions since the start of 2024,” Mrs. Rajavi stated. She dismissed the regime’s narrative that chaos would follow its fall, emphasizing the existence of a viable and robust alternative. “Claims that Iran will descend into chaos or be partitioned are scare tactics aimed at maintaining the regime’s grip on power. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), with decades of struggle and an extensive network, stands ready to ensure a smooth transition. Our comprehensive plan has garnered significant international support, showcasing our preparedness to govern.”

A Plan for a Democratic Iran

Mrs. Rajavi detailed the NCRI’s roadmap for transforming Iran post-theocracy. This plan includes establishing a provisional government lasting no longer than six months to oversee elections for a Constituent Assembly. The Assembly’s role will be to draft, approve, and hold a referendum on a new constitution, ultimately transferring sovereignty to the elected representatives of the Iranian people.

Her speech served as both a roadmap for Iran’s democratic future and a call to the international community to support the Iranian people’s struggle against the ruling dictatorship.

Support from European Leaders

In his opening remarks, Mr. Auštrevičius stated, “The NCRI has presented a democratic vision for Iran’s future based on human rights. Resistance units align with the democratic values we hold in Europe. The policy of appeasement has failed. The European Union must stand with the Iranian people who yearn for a democratic, secular republic. Supporting the NCRI and Mrs. Rajavi is the right course of action to ensure Iran’s freedom sooner rather than later.”

Marco Ciccioli highlighted the Iranian regime’s four-decade-long violations of human rights and regional destabilization through aggressive policies. “Today, more than ever, the international community must confront these actions and support the Iranian people in their fight for freedom and democracy,” he said.

Prof. Alejo Vidal-Quadras, former EP Vice President (1999–2014) and President of the International Committee in Search of Justice (ISJ), recounted surviving an assassination attempt by the Iranian regime a year ago. “The attempt on my life was carried out by criminals linked to the Iranian regime because of my unwavering support for the NCRI. The Ten-Point Plan, the PMOI’s extensive network, and the Resistance Units prove the falsity of the claim that there is no viable alternative to the mullahs’ regime.”

Calls for EU Action

Mr. Zarzalejos, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs, praised Mrs. Rajavi’s leadership and the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan as a credible roadmap for democracy in Iran. “The European Union must reject the notion that there is no alternative to the ayatollahs. A crucial step forward is to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.”

Arkadiusz Mularczik welcomed Mrs. Rajavi’s presence and emphasized the need for regime change in Iran. “We must support the Iranian people and blacklist the IRGC,” he urged.

Lithuanian MEP Rasa Juknevičienė highlighted the inspiring struggle of Iranian women, stressing, “An Iran free from this regime is vital. A nuclear-armed Iran is intolerable. The EU must take stronger action, including blacklisting the IRGC.”

Slovenian MEP Matej Tonin dismissed claims suggesting the restoration of monarchy or continued theocracy as alternatives for Iran, saying, “The Iranian people reject both.”

Spanish MEP Isabel Benjumea underscored the need to increase pressure on the Iranian regime. “We stand united for freedom and democracy in Iran and must raise our voices for the youth of Iran,” she said.

Belgian MEP Estelle Ceulemans lauded Mrs. Rajavi’s efforts for democracy and pointed to the regime’s threat not only to Iranians but also to regional stability. Former MEPs Ryszard Czarnecki from Poland, Paulo Casaca from Portugal, and Dorien Rookmaker from the Netherlands echoed support for the NCRI and emphasized the necessity of designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization.