During the grand rally in Berlin on February 10 commemorating the 45th anniversary of Iran’s anti-monarchical revolution, former German MP Martin Patzelt delivered a stirring address to thousands of Iranians and supporters of the Iranian Resistance.
Mr. Patzelt stressed the critical need for vigilance against the Iranian regime’s propaganda and misinformation strategies, urging concerted efforts to dismantle its manipulation of public opinion in free nations. He called for heightened awareness and dissemination of truth to counteract these tactics effectively.
In his speech, Mr. Patzelt condemned the regime’s warmongering and sponsorship of terror, highlighting its role in perpetuating conflict and instability. He urged the international community to acknowledge the regime’s destructive behavior and take decisive measures to curb its influence, particularly its support for extremist groups.
Emphasizing the Iranian Resistance as a beacon of freedom and democracy in Iran, Mr. Patzelt appealed to nations worldwide to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people. He urged support for their aspirations for freedom and democracy, underlining the importance of collective action in promoting a brighter future for Iran.
Martin Patzelt @MPatzeltCDU former German MP:
I hope that the sun of freedom will one day shine on a free Iran as well. You have friends all over the world.#No2ShahNo2Mullahs #FreeIran2024 #Iranhttps://t.co/pcr0vZwlHg— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) February 10, 2024
A translated version of Mr. Martin Patzelt’s speech follows:
Dear friends and colleagues, I am grateful for the fortunate life of freedom I am privileged to lead, a privilege not yet afforded to your people. That’s why I am here again today, with a genuine sense of purpose and a desire to support you with whatever modest strength I possess. Just as the sun has emerged today after yesterday’s rain, I couldn’t help but think that one day the light of freedom will shine upon Iran.
We mustn’t lose hope, especially knowing that we have friends across the globe, and our numbers are growing. Today, I’ve been contemplating what is particularly crucial in these times. It’s paramount that we expose the fake news, the misinformation, and the manipulations orchestrated by the regime. You see, I have many friends in Germany, and when I discuss the Iranian Resistance, they caution me, advising me to tread carefully. To them, I respond, asking, “Where does your opinion come from?” This is infiltration, a clever infiltration of propaganda in the free nations of Europe and America. We must raise our voices against this. We must enlighten others. We must clarify what the truth actually is.
Who speaks the truth? All of us, to some extent, must stand against a regime that thrives on warmongering. And now, this fact is widely acknowledged. Following the uprising in Israel, where we question, who supported Gaza. Who perpetuated hatred over decades in a world where people are still not truly free? Time and time again, it was the Mullah regime. They poured money, spread falsehoods, seduced impoverished people like the Palestinians, and drove them into conflict.
We must speak out against this and ask, who was truly behind it all? And time and time again, when we follow the trail, it leads back to this murderous regime. The Iranian regime, they are the true arsonist in the East. People in America and Europe are increasingly recognizing this reality. And if that’s the case, then we must do everything in our power to prevent their arson.
This dictatorship declared its first war against its own people 40 years ago, a war against the people, against humanity, and against freedom. Why do they do this? 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 People’s Mojahedin and theNational Council of Resistance were founded. So that there would be a voice in the free world that speaks out unequivocally, that proclaims the truth.
When I saw the many courageous women on the streets of Iran last year, I couldn’t help but admire them. They know that prison, torture, and even death await them. They are familiar with the harrowing tales of their families. Yet, they took to the streets, these brave women. And that’s when I thought, shouldn’t we all stand by their side in the free world?
These women cry out for a force, a force that could lead them, that could speak for them. And that’s what we aim to be. It’s a resistance in an era of physical repression and systematic disinformation.
Dear friends, what we’re witnessing now is increasingly becoming a psychological war. A war waged on social media, disseminating false information, suggesting, “We’re not that bad, just 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.
I devote what little strength I have to convince people. That’s why I wrote the book, where we explain in simple terms, in German and English, where this hatred, this war, this persecution come from.
Since December of last year, the regime has staged a mock trial in absentia of 104 members and leaders of the Iranian opposition. Among the accused in this sham trial were well-known leaders of the People’s Mojahedin and the Iranian resistance, including Mrs. Maryam Rajavi. We’ve heard about Mrs. Rajavi. I know her personally. I am convinced of her integrity, and of the sacrifices she and her family have made to lead her people to freedom.
This proud Persian people with a rich history, one that has left many positive marks even in Europe. What question moves us? What purpose does the regime serve by holding such a show trial? Let me tell you, this trial is being conducted for the world to see. Did the regime hold a trial for the 30,000 political prisoners who were executed in 1988? What about their families? There were no trials. They were simply killed.
Now, they pretend. They pretend before the world as if they are righteous. They are not righteous. They are murderers, criminals, liars. And that’s why we must raise our voices. And domestically, the regime is trying to suppress and prevent the growing support for the MEK by any means necessary. Why do you think that is? 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 MEK is dangerous for the regime. The resistance poses a significant threat to the Mullah regime. This is increasingly being acknowledged because they are an organized voice for the people of Iran.
Through the staging of such show trials, the regime aims to tarnish the MEK and intensify the internal repression of its supporters. And that’s why I keep saying, we must enlighten. We must reveal what was really happening. And what is happening now? Ask those who spread falsehoods about their goals. And then it will become clear what they truly want.
On the international stage, the regime aims to hinder activities abroad. Especially in light of the broad international support that the MEK is gaining, even in Germany. Among my colleagues in the Bundestag, more and more are recognizing the truth and are eager to join us, not simply brushing it off as before.
The show trial held in Iran has only caused harm. It has harmed because it became evident that it was a charade, a spectacle of lies. Given these circumstances, it is imperative to uncover the motives of the regime and to garner more and more international support for a free Iran.
This is a clear message to the Iranian regime. They fear that we are increasingly recognizing the truth, becoming critical, and uniting. I say one can hardly speak with such a regime anymore because everything that comes from this regime is a lie.
And every time we have spent with them, let’s say an atomic agreement, every time has been a time wasted. Wasted, because we are being lied to and deceived. Because it’s always about maintaining power within your people, in your nation.
Dear friends, I am getting older now, I am no longer in the Bundestag, but I am still active in the solidarity committee, but my lifetime is also coming to an end soon. And I have said at a gathering, that it would be the greatest joy of my life if I could witness Iran’s freedom in my lifetime.
Thank you.
