On February 23, 2023, two members of Parliament from the United Kingdom, David Jones, and Bob Blackman delivered speeches at Ashraf-3, the home of Albania’s People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). They expressed their admiration and support for the Iranian Resistance in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Iran.
Jones, the President of the cross-party British Committee for Iran Freedom, was honored to be among so many friends at the event. He recognized the significant role that Iranian women have played in the fight for freedom and democracy and encouraged support for their efforts.
Jones emphasized the importance of the PMOI and the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) in promoting freedom and called on Western nations to support the Iranian people in their quest for a better future and their fight against oppression. Jones proudly stated that his committee had been sanctioned by Tehran for their support of the NCRI and the fight for democracy in Iran. He noted that any attempts to censor the NCRI and deny their support demonstrated the regime’s fear of the truth and the growing support for the NCRI.
Blackman, a UK politician, expressed his gratitude for being invited to Ashraf-3 and reaffirmed his commitment to a free, democratic, and non-nuclear republic in Iran. He spoke about the Resistance Museum in Ashraf-3, which showcases the struggle for freedom and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom in Iran.
Blackman emphasized that a free and democratic Iran is possible, and it is vital that the government that replaces the clerical regime is democratically elected, with the opportunity for the people of Iran to choose their leadership and to change it if they wish to. He highlighted the courageous people in Iran who are standing up against the regime and deserve support from the world. Blackman quoted Sir Winston Churchill’s famous quote, “Never was so much owed by so many to so few,” to thank the people at Ashraf-3 for their sacrifices and their continued efforts until the end of the religious dictatorship in Iran is completed.
Jones and Blackman presented a statement to Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, signed by 250 representatives of the British Houses of Commons and Lords from all parties, expressing their unwavering support for the Iranian people’s nationwide uprising, the Iranian Resistance, and Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point plan for the future of Iran.
The statement emphasized the critical importance of recognizing the Iranian people’s right to defend themselves and overthrow the oppressive regime. The MPs called for the establishment of a democratically elected republic in Iran where the people’s voices could be heard and respected. They recognized the NCRI as the democratic alternative to the current regime and expressed their solidarity with the organization and its leader, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi.
During the conference, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), emphasized the two opposing sides in the fate of Iran. One side is represented by the resistance and the struggle for freedom, democracy, and the separation of religion and state. The other side is made up of the enemies of freedom, who wish to maintain religious tyranny in power or return to the dictatorship of the Shah.
Mr. Rajavi praised the recent uprising in Iran as a significant turning point in Iranian developments, which forced the regime into a new era where the only way out was through overthrow. She noted the pivotal role of women in leading the uprising, which demonstrated the Iranian people’s unwavering commitment to continuing their struggle for freedom. Despite the regime’s brutal attempts to quell the protest movements, they failed.
Rajavi emphasized that the mullahs’ regime cannot reform its policies and can only maintain its rule through suppression. She noted the regime’s intensified demonization campaign against the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) and their use of the monarchy card to negatively impact the uprising. Rajavi called on the British Parliament to take the lead in designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group, closing down the regime’s embassies, expelling the regime’s agents, and revoking their residential documents in the West.
In concluding her speech, Rajavi expressed gratitude to the British Parliament for standing by the Iranian people’s resistance over the past four decades. She hopes that the world would recognize the legitimacy and importance of the Iranian people’s struggle to overthrow the regime and support the courageous youth in Iran.
