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Urgent Call for a New EU Policy on Iran: Insights from the Conference on the First Anniversary of the Assassination Attempt on Alejo Vidal-Quadras

Iran Freedom

An online conference convened leading European and international figures to mark the first anniversary of the failed assassination attempt on Professor Alejo Vidal-Quadras

On November 8, 2024, a significant online conference was held to commemorate the first anniversary of the failed assassination attempt on Professor Alejo Vidal-Quadras, who is a former Vice President of the European Parliament and a proponent of Iranian democracy.

The event, organized by the International Committee in Search of Justice (ISJ), was titled “From Madrid to Brussels and London: The Urgent Need for a New EU Policy Against Iran’s Escalating Terrorism in Europe.” It featured a distinguished array of speakers from various countries and attracted considerable media attention.

Among the speakers were notable figures such as Ingrid Betancourt, former Colombian presidential candidate; Bob Blackman, UK Member of Parliament; Struan Stevenson, former MEP for Scotland and chair of the ISJ Committee on the Protection of Political Freedoms in Iran; Paulo Casaca, former MEP from Portugal; and Dr. Matthew Levitt, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Additionally, prominent leaders like Geir Haarde, former Prime Minister of Iceland; Tony Clement, former President of Canada’s Treasury Board; Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, former Minister of Culture of Luxembourg; and Avdullah Hoti, former Prime Minister of Kosovo, participated to express their support for renewed EU policies regarding Iran.

The conference garnered extensive media coverage, with journalists from Spain, Europe, and international outlets eager to report on the critical discussions taking place. Stevenson remarked on the importance of this media presence, highlighting that “over two dozen European parliamentarians and former officials” were in attendance, which reflects widespread concern over Iran’s increasing use of state-sponsored terrorism against critics abroad.

Opening the conference, Struan Stevenson called for a robust EU response to Iran, emphasizing that “the imperative of a new EU policy on Iran” is essential. He recounted the assassination attempt on his friend, Professor Alejo Vidal-Quadras, noting that he was “shot at point-blank range” in Madrid but “miraculously survived.” Stevenson criticized the Iranian regime’s violent history by stating that “Since hijacking the revolution in 1979, the mullahs’ regime has done everything in its power to eliminate anyone who opposes their theocratic tyranny,” particularly targeting groups like the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). He condemned Tehran’s actions abroad as “hostage-taking and international terrorism,” which he characterized as “their unique perversion of diplomacy.” Furthermore, he denounced the West’s “failed policy of appeasement,” arguing it has made Western nations complicit in Iranian suffering. He urged attendees to assist in “redefining Western policy on Iran,” advocating for a significant shift away from leniency.

Professor Alejo Vidal-Quadras commenced his address by recognizing the one-year anniversary of the assassination attempt on his life, referring to it as his “first birthday” since enduring the “vicious attack in Madrid.” He recounted that he was shot in the head by Merez Ayari, a hitman described as a French citizen of Tunisian origin who was allegedly “hired by the Iranian regime.” Ayari was later apprehended in the Netherlands while reportedly preparing to target another Iranian dissident. For Vidal-Quadras, this incident serves as clear evidence of Iran’s direct involvement and an alarming escalation in its tactics.

He pointed out a “qualitative jump” in Iran’s terrorism strategy, indicating that it has evolved from targeting Iranian dissidents to attempts on “Western political figures.” He referenced incidents such as the 2018 Villepinte bombing attempt and an assassination plot against U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton as examples. Vidal-Quadras warned that this aggressive posture highlights a “failed policy” by Western nations—especially the EU—whose diplomatic engagements with Tehran have only encouraged hostility.

In light of this situation, Vidal-Quadras proposed a new policy framework for Western democracies centered around “the international isolation of the regime.” He advocated for halting diplomatic and trade relations with Iran and urged the EU to classify the IRGC as a terrorist organization, following actions taken by both the U.S. and Canada. Financial sanctions were also emphasized; he called for “hardened sanctions” aimed at cutting off all financial resources available to the regime. Additionally, he stressed the need for increased diplomatic pressure on Iran within international organizations while highlighting human rights violations reported by UN Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman. In conclusion, he called for formal recognition of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its leader Maryam Rajavi as legitimate representatives of Iranians. He pointed out that Rajavi’s “Ten points plan” could serve as a solid foundation for transitioning Iran from dictatorship to democracy.

Ingrid Betancourt delivered an impactful address that intertwined personal experiences with political implications regarding Iran’s actions. She asserted that Vidal-Quadras’ attack is part of a broader pattern of “long chain of criminal plots against democracy,” emphasizing that “This is personal. This is against our lives, against our freedom, against the way we think.” Betancourt criticized European nations for their lack of accountability following a 2018 bomb plot aimed at an opposition rally in Villepinte, France—an attack she claimed could have been “the biggest, most destructive terrorist attack in Europe” had it succeeded. Despite an Iranian diplomat being convicted for this plot, she lamented his subsequent release during a prisoner swap—a decision she argued highlighted “the weakness of our democracies.” Betancourt contended that ongoing EU policies driven by “dark interests” have only served to empower Iran.

She urged European leaders to take decisive actions such as designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization and recognizing Iranian Resistance efforts while promoting Maryam Rajavi‘s work internationally as she embodies values worth fighting for. Betancourt concluded her remarks with calls to shut down Iran’s “centers of espionage and terrorism in Europe,” reinforcing that “appeasement is not the answer.”

Dr. Matthew Levitt provided a stark overview regarding Iran’s use of international terrorism to suppress dissent and extend its influence beyond its borders. He disclosed that there are “upwards of 450 instances” involving external plots orchestrated by the Iranian regime—including assassinations and kidnappings targeting dissidents globally. He described how Tehran frequently operates through criminal networks which complicate law enforcement efforts while broadening its reach throughout Europe.

Levitt underscored that these actions are motivated by internal fears within Iran regarding instability among younger generations who reject its ideology. He cautioned that Iran’s backing of regional militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas forms part of a larger strategy aimed at exerting influence across the Middle East with global repercussions.

On addressing Western policy responses, Levitt criticized inconsistent actions while asserting that sanctions are effective when combined with other measures. He advocated for multi-faceted strategies incorporating economic sanctions alongside diplomatic initiatives and credible military threats to effectively deter regime actions.

Reflecting on previous successes, he noted Germany’s recent efforts to reduce Iranian diplomatic presence as indicative that sustained pressure could mitigate aggressive tactics.

Bob Blackman highlighted threats posed by Iran’s regime stating its influence stretches “from Argentina to Thailand” increasingly affecting Europe while emphasizing direct threats faced by the UK where “at least 20 terrorist attacks” have been thwarted due to Iranian involvement.

Blackman condemned Western inaction particularly criticizing Belgium’s decision to release convicted Iranian diplomat Asadollah Assadi who was sentenced for plotting a 2018 bombing targeting an Iranian opposition gathering in Paris. He warned that had this attack been successful it could have led to global chaos akin to “World War 3.” He argued for urgent measures urging both UK and EU designations labeling IRGC as terrorist organization describing it as “private army terror oppression supreme leader” calling for strict isolation measures diplomatically alongside imposing severe sanctions while expressing hope for future solidarity between Western democracies and Iranian citizens striving towards “a free democratic secular republic.”

Paulo Casaca reflected on Professor Alejo Vidal-Quadras’ survival calling it “a miracle.” Casaca stressed how only formidable opponents are targeted by the Iranian regime labeling Vidal-Quadras as their “biggest enemy on European soil.” He linked Tehran’s recent activities directly with Assadi‘s controversial release who had received “the longest possible sentence” related to his role in plotting against Western leaders arguing this release signifies “a green light” for further criminal endeavors from Iran calling such arrangements “shameful” holding responsible parties accountable for escalating aggression.

In conclusion Casaca voiced support for Iranians’ struggle stating emphatically “We must do all we can make their nightmares reality” advocating efforts towards liberating Iran from its current regime.

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