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Addressing Human Rights Violations: Conference in The Netherlands Supports NCRI Against Iran’s Regime

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On December 9, 2023, in commemoration of Human Rights Day and the establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) convened a conference in The Hague, Netherlands. The event brought together Dutch politicians, Iranian activists, and supporters of the Iranian Resistance to engage in discussions about the egregious actions of the Iranian regime both domestically and internationally.
The NCRI Conference in The Netherlands on December 9, 2023

On December 9, 2023, in commemoration of Human Rights Day and the establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) convened a conference in The Hague, Netherlands. The event brought together Dutch politicians, Iranian activists, and supporters of the Iranian Resistance to engage in discussions about the egregious actions of the Iranian regime both domestically and internationally.

During the conference, participants delved into the atrocities committed by the Iranian government, both within its borders and abroad. They collectively urged the Dutch government and the European Union to adopt a resolute stance towards Tehran, emphasizing the need for a firm policy to address the Iranian regime’s malicious activities on European soil and in the wider Middle East.

As the keynote speaker at the conference, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, drew attention to the alarming increase in executions in Iran. She revealed that in November alone, at least 120 prisoners were executed nationwide, averaging one execution every six hours. Mrs. Rajavi highlighted the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s (NCRI) disclosure of over 5,000 individuals on death row in prisons controlled by Supreme Leader Khamenei.

Mrs. Rajavi called on the international community for the terrorist designation of the IRGC, the activation of the snapback mechanism in Security Council Resolution 2231, placing the regime under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, and recognizing the Iranian people’s struggle to overthrow the regime, along with the courageous fight of the rebellious Iranian youth against the terrorist IRGC.

Read the full speech of Maryam Rajavi here.

Various speakers, condemned the Iranian regime for human rights violations, interference in Europe, and terrorism. They called for international condemnation, accountability, and comprehensive sanctions against the regime and the IRGC. The speakers supported the Iranian Resistance’s quest for justice and a democratic Iran.

MEP Dorien Rookmaker strongly condemned the theocratic regime for repeated genocides, citing the 1988 massacre, 2019 and 2020 uprisings, and a high number of 2023 executions. Expressing deep concern over President Raisi‘s UNHCR invitation in Geneva, she called for international condemnation. Rookmaker criticized the ongoing impunity for the 1988 massacre and commended the Iranian Resistance’s determination for justice. She highlighted a planned sham court in Tehran, blaming the West’s inaction for emboldening the regime. Rookmaker emphasized the need for European leaders to express the true sentiments of their people against the Iranian dictatorship.
She added, “The reality is that the Iranian regime can no longer deceive the international community. People demand justice in Iran, especially today. We stand with the men and women, the young girls and boys of Iran who have clearly said in Iran protests, down with the oppressor, be it the Shah or Khamenei. They have denounced any form of dictatorship.”

Ad Melkert, former UN Special Representative, condemned ongoing human rights violations by the Iranian regime. He highlighted the regime’s removal from the UN Group on Women’s Rights and a recent European Parliament resolution against violations. Melkert expressed concern about Raisi‘s participation in the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, urging accountability for crimes against humanity.

Former Senator Ingrid Betancourt highlighted Tehran’s expanding influence in Europe, urging Western governments to reassess their policies. She disclosed instances of regime interference, such as a foiled bomb attempt in 2018 and the recent shooting of the European Parliament’s former First Vice President Alejo Vidal Quadras in Madrid. Betancourt accused the Iranian regime of a sophisticated disinformation campaign, infiltrating European institutions and manipulating public opinion.

She criticized the weak response of Western governments, emphasizing the need for a united front against the regime’s terrorist activities. Betancourt stressed the role of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the Mujahedin-e Khalq (PMOI/MEK) as the only democratic opposition, dispelling claims of their lack of political influence in Iran.

Citing regime tactics to use “Iran experts,” she exposed their aim to influence public opinion and attack the democratic opposition. Betancourt shared her initial skepticism about the MEK, recounting a flood of negative information after a meeting with the NCRI. She questioned the source and delved deeper due to her past abduction experience to discern terrorists from genuine resistance forces.

Professor Henk de Haan, former Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Dutch Parliament, strongly criticized the Iranian regime’s oppressive tactics and urged international action against ongoing human rights violations. Recounting experiences with the Iranian Resistance during his involvement with Friends of Free Iran (FOFI), he highlighted challenges faced when the PMOI was on the prohibited list but later removed due to international efforts.

De Haan condemned the Iranian regime as a “criminal regime” and stressed the worsening situation of executions in Iran. He commended FOFI’s initiative urging the Dutch government to ban the revolutionary grounds and its leaders and called for intensified efforts to list the Iranian regime as a terrorist organization.

Former Dutch Senator Loek van Wely, a renowned Chess Grandmaster, expressed commitment to a free Iran, acknowledging the impact of sacrifices. Reflecting on a chess tournament in Iran, he discussed challenges in sports under the regime, emphasizing the need for change. Transitioning to the political arena, van Wely addressed the slow political process and stressed the importance of sustained pressure for change. He expressed support for listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

Former Dutch MP Derk Jan Eppink emphasized the threat of the Iranian regime, focusing on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. He called for the IRGC’s inclusion on the EU terrorist list, criticized diplomatic engagement with the regime, and warned of an alliance between Iran and Russia. Eppink urged decisive action, including sanctions against key regime figures.

Former Dutch Senator Bob van Pareren supported the Iranian people’s quest for freedom, condemning the regime’s atrocities. He criticized President Raisi’s upcoming visit to Geneva, praising the Iranian diaspora’s courage. Van Pareren commended Mrs. Maryam Rajavi‘s leadership, outlining key points for a democratic Iran and assuring full support from the Netherlands.

Former Dutch Senator Prof. Kees De Lange highlighted the alarming number of executions in Iran, reaching 743 in 2023. He emphasized the regime’s threat to citizens and regional stability, linking Tehran’s support for terrorist organizations to Middle East tensions. De Lange condemned President Raisi’s upcoming Geneva visit, urging global unity. He proposed actions, including designating the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, implementing sanctions, and supporting the democratic opposition. In conclusion, he stressed the importance of holding the Iranian regime accountable and standing with the Iranian people for freedom on the International Day of Human Rights.

Ms. Dowlat Nowruzi, the NCRI Representative in the UK, urged international attention to human rights violations and the Iranian regime’s atrocities. She condemned President Raisi’s presence at the Geneva UN forum, calling for the cancellation of his invitation and prosecution for crimes against humanity. Nowruzi advocated for comprehensive sanctions, blacklisting the IRGC, and halting their support for terrorism. Addressing a misinformation campaign, she discredited the regime’s judiciary and called for global rejection. Nowruzi condemned the regime’s “masquerade” court against MEK officials and invited them to face justice in an international court with millions of Iranian victims.

In his speech, former Dutch Senator Prof. Kees De Lange expressed deep concern over the alarming number of executions in Iran, reaching 743 in 2023. He highlighted the regime’s threat to both its citizens and regional stability, linking Tehran’s support for terrorist organizations to heightened tensions in the Middle East. Prof. De Lange condemned Ebrahim Raisi’s upcoming visit to a UN convention, urging global unity to prevent it. He proposed actions, including designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, imposing maximum sanctions, rejecting appeasement, opposing nuclear arms development, and supporting the democratic opposition, especially the NCRI and Maryam Rajavi.

Mr. Hans Noot, Vice Chair of Human Rights Without Frontiers, discussed ongoing human rights violations in Iran, expressing concern over the 1988 massacre and atrocities committed by the regime. He denounced Raisi’s scheduled visit to the Global Refugee Forum, calling for outrage at the presence of a main perpetrator of mass murders. Mr. Noot highlighted police harassment, attacks, arrests, threats, and tight surveillance against minority groups, emphasizing the need for international action against Tehran’s violations.

Ferry Wever, Secretary of the Dutch Committee of Friends for a Free Iran, emphasized collective resistance against the regime’s oppressive tactics. He warned against misinformation, discussed ongoing violations reported by organizations like Amnesty International, and urged sustained attention to prevent these issues from fading into obscurity. Mr. Wever called the UN’s invitation to Raisi shameful and unacceptable.

Members of the Iranian-Dutch community and young political activists shared personal experiences with the regime’s atrocities at the conference, emphasizing hope and resilience through their association with the Iranian Resistance in the ongoing struggle for freedom, democracy, and a brighter future in Iran.

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