On June 29, 2024, the Free Iran 2024 World Summit took place at the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) headquarters in Paris. Simultaneously, the grand rally of Free Iran 2024 was held in Berlin. Former German Parliament Speaker Prof. Rita Süssmuth sent a heartfelt message to the thousands of Iranians gathered in support of a free and democratic Iran.
A translated version of Prof. Rita Süssmuth’s message follows:
Dear friends, fellow campaigners, and supporters, thank you all for coming, from Europe, including Germany, and beyond. Persecuted Iranians have been engaged in a passionate struggle for years to save those who are oppressed, persecuted, and murdered in their country. They are tormented and killed because they stand up for the human rights and dignity of all those affected.
And they do not give up; they live by their convictions, and their commitment often speaks more through their body language than through spoken words. Look into their eyes if you have the chance; they radiate strength and tell us what people can achieve: the will to be free, endurance in the storm of persecution, solidarity, and many other sources of motivation.
From a central place in Berlin, we shout to you, we are with you, we stand by you, and we are strengthened by your example. We remember loudly and in silence what has brought us to this point of solidarity.
My answer: the forces of resistance, a deeply rooted belief in freedom and peace. You do not give up, and neither do we. Bound freedom is our goal; oppression and persecution must end for both people and nature. We want to live in a way that brings people to live in peace, freedom, and unity.
We know that the distribution of human dignity can achieve a great deal. We do not give up; we remain united in the fight for freedom and peace, mutual respect, and empowerment.
Dear friends, what has been achieved so far has been made possible by courageous individuals at the forefront.
President Rajavi, who, despite all the suffering, continues to fight for democratic togetherness and freedom, and for the breakthrough to peace and liberty. Today will strengthen the resistance, not weaken it. It will show what people can achieve when they unite and hold on to their goals. I thank you all very much and urge you: we do not give up.
Thank you.
