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Grand Rally in Berlin—February 10, 2024: Iranian Resistance Supporters Commemorate Anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Anti-Monarchical Revolution

Grand Rally in Berlin—February 10, 2024: Iranian Resistance Supporters Commemorate Anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Anti-Monarchical Revolution

Berlin, Germany—February 10, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to commemorate the anniversary of the 1979 Revolution.

Their message reverberated: the revolution that toppled the monarchy’s dictatorship 45 years ago endures, persisting in its pursuit of democracy until the eventual elimination of the mullahs’ regime. They honored the tens of thousands of compatriots who sacrificed their lives opposing religious dictatorship and pledged to uphold their legacy.

Furthermore, they voiced unwavering support for the NCRI and its Ten-Point Plan, led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the NCRI’s President-elect. Demonstrators also expressed solidarity with the Resistance Units, a network of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) within Iran, vowing to amplify their voices globally and resist systemic censorship.

This event included a live address by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, along with speeches by parliamentarians, political figures, and representatives of Iranian communities in Germany. They reiterated their support for Iranians striving for freedom, democracy, and a secular republic.

At the Berlin rally, several political figures, German representatives and former members of parliament addressed the crowd. Excerpts from these speeches are as follows:

Former German MP Leo Dautzenberg:

The speech delivered by Leo Dautzenberg highlighted the commemoration of the Iranian Revolution of 1979, emphasizing its original aim of achieving freedom and democracy. Mr. Dautzenberg underscored the failure of these aspirations due to the rise of Islamic fundamentalism under Khomeini’s regime.

The former MP said, “Over the past 45 years, crimes against the Iranian people by religious leaders and the mullahs’ regime have failed to quell the profound resistance against the inhumane dictatorship for freedom. This resistance, led by the NCRI and its central force of popular solidarity, has paid a high price to expose the true face of the mullahs’ dictatorship.

“The goal of freedom remains alive, and the power of change is embodied in the Iranian resistance as a democratic alternative to the Ten-Point Plan of President Rajavi. This alternative, dear friends, should receive more support from Western countries.

“It has become increasingly clear to many, though not all, that the mullahs’ regime, with its Revolutionary Guards and proxies, is the true instigator and supporter of terror in the Middle East and worldwide. The PMOI has been pointing out this fact and circumstance for years, but many in the West still fail to grasp it.

“It is the destructive force of the Iranian regime that must be countered. From day one, the People’s Mujahideen has identified the mullahs’ regime as the head of the snake in the Gaza war and the Middle East, which should be targeted. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizes that the proxy groups of the Islamic Republic of Iran are trying to undermine any effort to bring peace to the region.

“Peace in the region and democracy in Iran depend on regime change in Iran. The power of change must come from the Iranian people themselves. The fight against the IRGC will be crucial for change. This fact underscores the special importance of the Resistance Units for us. The Resistance Units, risking their lives, organizing protests, and bravely opposing the repressive IRGC, must be fully supported by us.”

Former German MP Martin Patzelt:

Martin Patzel stressed the imperative of combating misinformation propagated by the Iranian regime. Patzelt highlighted the insidious infiltration of propaganda in free nations, cautioning against complacency in the face of such manipulation.

Drawing attention to the regime’s warmongering tendencies, Mr. Patzelt emphasized the role of the Iranian regime in perpetuating conflict and spreading falsehoods, while driving Palestinians into conflict.

Mr. Patzelt said, “This dictatorship declared its first war against its own people 40 years ago, a war against the people, against humanity, and against freedom because they have no concept of freedom. Because they seek to subjugate people, to exploit them, to live off their backs. It is for these very reasons that the PMOI and the NCRI were founded. So that there would be a voice in the free world that speaks out unequivocally, that proclaims the truth.”

Urging vigilance against the regime’s attempts to suppress dissent and distort the truth, Mr. Patzelt added, “This is a resistance in an era of physical repression and systematic disinformation. What we’re witnessing now is increasingly becoming a psychological war. A war waged on social media, disseminating false information, suggesting, the regime is not that bad. We just must be peaceful, and we can engage in trade, we can build a future together. No, we cannot. We cannot allow hatred and war to be sown with vast sums of money, money taken from the people in their own land. This network spreading lies abroad is an international mafia of deception. It must be dismantled. And we, who have the freedom to speak out, not only Iranians but also Germans, Britons, French, Americans, all of us must lend our support.”

Citing the regime’s sham trials for the prosecution of members of the Iranian Resistance, he said, “Domestically, the regime is trying to suppress and prevent the growing support for the PMOI by any means necessary. Because they have recognized the threat. There is an organization willing to lead the people of Iran into a better future. A democratic future, as the Ten-Point Plan outlines. Step by step, this is a future where we remain part of the global community while preserving the traditions of each individual nation. This is the future we aspire to, and the PMOI is dangerous for the regime. The resistance poses a significant threat to the mullahs’ regime. This is increasingly being acknowledged because they are an organized voice for the people of Iran.”

German MP Christoph de Vries:

Christoph de Vries condemned the staggering number of executions in Iran, noting the threat posed by the regime’s espionage activities, even on German soil. As a parliament member from Hamburg, he said, “The Islamic Center in Hamburg must finally be closed. And it must also be ensured that the espionage activities of the Iranian mullahs’ regime here in Germany come to an end. We must not allow opposition members who have fled from Iran to be threatened again by the regime here in Germany.

De Vries underscored Iran’s global threat as the primary supporter, organizer, and financier of terrorism worldwide. He pointed out Iran’s support for proxy groups as well as recent attacks by Houthi rebels on international ships.

Advocating for decisive action, MP De Vries stressed the necessity of imposing effective sanctions at the European and international levels to weaken the regime’s position. He specifically called for the full designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization by the EU, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in achieving their common goal of a free, democratic, and secular republic of Iran.

Former Polish Minister Marcin Święcicki:

During his speech, Marcin Święcicki denounced the brutal treatment of dissenters and protesters in Iran. He criticized the regime’s support for terrorist groups as well as its arms sales to aggressors like Russia, which has attacked Ukraine. Emphasizing the regime’s clandestine pursuit of nuclear weapons, Święcicki called for an end to the policy of appeasement and advocated for a shift in the West’s approach towards Iran.

He said, “45 years of appeasement has not worked. We have to recognize this in the West. We have to change our policy towards Iran and support those who are fighting for a democratic, free Iran. To recognize the National Council of Resistance of Iran, led by Madame Maryam Rajravi, as a real, viable, realistic alternative to the present regime. Ten points Plan of Mrs. Rajavi. To bring democracy and the rule of law to Iran, to separate church and state, to recognize women’s rights, and to resign from nuclear aspirations is a plan that requires and deserves our support. With our support, not only Iranian people will be free sooner, but there will also be more stability in the Middle East. That’s why we call our government to recognize this opposition as a viable alternative to the present regime.”

German MP Ingo Bodtke:

Ingo Bodtke reflected on the significance of the location, Potsdamer Platz, and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, recalling his own experience of freedom following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Drawing parallels between the oppression faced by Iranians and the struggles of East Germans, Bodtke emphasized the importance of standing against regimes that deny basic freedoms. He condemned the Iranian regime’s execution of individuals who seek freedom and criticized its lack of legitimacy.

MP Bodtke said, “Last year alone, 864 people were executed for this reason [in the fight for freedom]. Murderers have no right to govern. We stand with compassion on the side of the Iranian people and wish them much courage, determination, and unity in their quest for a democratic Iran, one characterized by freedom and peace. Therefore, I am immensely pleased to see so many standing here and expressing their solidarity. From the depths of my heart, I wish that all Iranians may soon experience the indescribable feeling of freedom that I have described. Freedom and democracy are never, ever to be taken for granted.”

German MEP Niels Geuking:

Niels Geuking addressed the plight of those fighting for a free Iran. He expressed solidarity with the movement and denounced the distressing situation in Iran, marked by a shocking number of executions, including 864 in 2023 alone, reminiscent of the Dark Ages where lives were sacrificed for power.

Reflecting on the memorial of 120,000 victims since 1979, MEP Geuking emphasized the need to confront Iran’s inhumane policies and atrocities against its own people. He cited the European Parliament’s resolution designating the Revolutionary Guards as terrorist organizations, which was later softened, highlighting the hesitancy and injustice within institutions.

He also underscored the urgency for the international community to break its silence and support the Iranian people’s aspirations for change, freedom, and dignity. He urged solidarity and active support to end the era of oppression and suffering in Iran, emphasizing the shared responsibility as human beings to stand up for each other’s rights and freedoms.

Former MEP Helmut Geuking:

Helmut Geuking delivered a condemnation of the German government’s policies regarding trade with Iran, denouncing agreements that involve trading with what he termed as the “master of death.” He asserted that democracy and freedom are non-negotiable and should not be treated as commodities in trade agreements.

Mr. Geuking said, “We are one of Iran’s largest trading partners, and in today’s world, this is indefensible. This double standard of advocating for democracy and freedom on one side while strengthening dictators on the other must come to an end under this government. Enough of it, renegotiate contracts, strengthen the opposition, strengthen their movement; that’s what is needed today, not strengthening an unjust regime. We see where it leads: war in Gaza, the warmonger is Iran, let’s not fool ourselves. War in Yemen, the warmonger is Iran, let’s not fool ourselves.”

Mr. Geuking also highlighted Tehran’s role as a warmonger in conflicts like Gaza and Yemen, citing 120,000 executions as evidence of the regime’s brutality. He urged support for the opposition movement and the establishment of a peaceful, democratic government in Iran, emphasizing the people’s right to live in peace and prosperity.

Thomas Harms, EBKO superintendent, and religious activist:

Thomas Harms denounced the 45-year dictatorship in Iran, lamenting the loss and suffering endured by many. He criticized the oppressive rule of the Mullahs, citing persecution of minorities, suppression of artists, and economic mismanagement. Harms called for international support to uphold human rights in Iran and expressed hope for a future of justice and freedom. He concluded with prayers for the protection of advocates for change.

He condemned the rule of what he termed “clerical fascists,” the Mullahs, who have persecuted Jews, Christians, and non-believers, subjecting them to torture and death in prisons that were built by the Shah’s intelligence police, SAVAK. Harms accused the regime of funding terrorism both domestically and internationally, citing examples like Yemen, and highlighted the regime’s suppression of artists, intellectuals, and women’s rights.

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