Martin Patzelt, Member of the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag), Member of Human Rights Committee joined the Online Free Iran Global Summit. In his remarks, Mr. Patzelt said, “There is an alternative within reach that is not built around violence. President-elect Maryam Rajavi represents this alternative through her ten-Point Plan.”

The Iranian opposition coalition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) managed to hold this year’s annual gathering virtually on July 17. Given the novel coronavirus pandemic and its restriction, many dignitaries commended the NCRI’s ability and determination for connecting 30,000 locations to Ashraf-3, home to members of the Iranian opposition People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).

Here is the speech of Mr. Patzelt:

The Iranian regime’s officials are warning about the coming of a great uprising; a tornado of public anger. The regime is responsible for this tornado because of 40 years of crimes and corruption.

Today’s summit is a testament to the Iranian people’s resolute determination to bring change to Iran. They seek democracy, human rights, and economic prosperity. The people’s will is much stronger than any suppressive act committed by the regime. … The Iranian people do not want the clerical regime.

For this inhumane situation to end, the mullahs must go. For the past two years, one name has been constantly repeated more than any other: the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK).

The regime has been trying to ignore the MEK for 40 years so that the Iranian people forget about it and, along with it, any hope for change. But, the presence of young supporters of the MEK during the uprisings forced the regime to confess.

Martin Patzelt

To Germany and the EU, I say that we must side with all democratic forces inside and outside the country to support change in Iran. There is an alternative within reach that is not built around violence. President-elect Maryam Rajavi represents this alternative through her ten-Point Plan.

To the people of Iran and especially the young generation that is organizing the resistance movement for freedom, I want to say that I salute your courage and sacrifices. Your peaceful resistance will not be in vain.

Your resistance serves the people and God, the God of freedom and humanity. We stand with you.