On April 29, 2025, a cross-party coalition of Irish legislators gathered in Dublin to express resounding support for the Iranian people’s pursuit of freedom, democracy, and human rights. The conference, titled “No to Executions, Terrorism, and Nuclear Weapons – Yes to Democratic Change and a Republic,” brought together current and former members of the Irish Parliament and Senate who pledged backing for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its President-elect Maryam Rajavi.
Highlights of an important Cross-Party conference at the Irish parliament. Irish lawmakers support the NCRI & the Iranian people’s struggle for a #FreeIran2025 #en_simayazadi #Iran pic.twitter.com/uF1OFKagkP
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) May 5, 2025
Delivering the keynote address via video link, Maryam Rajavi denounced the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses, militarism, and nuclear ambitions. Highlighting a deadly explosion in Iran’s largest port as an example of the regime’s recklessness, she declared: “This regime is defined by its terrible human rights abuses, warmongering, and its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons.”
She emphasized that the only viable solution lies in the overthrow of the regime by the Iranian people and the organized resistance, asserting the NCRI’s platform as a roadmap to national unity and a peaceful democratic transition.
Jim Higgins, former MEP and government minister, praised Rajavi’s global advocacy, stating, “She manages to convey the message that the world really needs to rally behind the people of Iran.” Higgins emphasized that regional peace is impossible until the regime is removed.
Former minister John Paul Phelan condemned the Iranian regime’s execution rate—responsible for two-thirds of the world’s state executions in 2024—and called on Ireland to suspend diplomatic relations with Tehran until a democratic republic is established. He supported the NCRI’s stance: “Down with the oppressor, whether it’s the Shah or the Supreme Leader.”
Brendan Smith TD stressed the moral clarity of the Irish people’s support for democracy and freedom: “We believe in human rights, and we believe in freedom. That’s what your people are seeking.” He backed the conference’s message without reservation.
At the Irish Parliament conference “Cause of Freedom, Cause of Mankind”, key voices joined to call for a firm EU policy on Iran’s regime. On the sidelines we had the chance to conduct an interview with Brendan Smith TD. Check out our exclusive interview. #FreeIran2025 pic.twitter.com/pCFn7PsZ5J
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) May 1, 2025
John Perry TD lauded Maryam Rajavi’s leadership and the NCRI’s role in uniting opposition forces. While noting support among European politicians, he criticized the EU’s failure to formally endorse the NCRI and urged stronger parliamentary action.
Senator Gerard Craughwell admitted he had once supported re-opening diplomatic channels with Iran but now sees that as a mistake, citing the regime’s brutality. He pledged to use his platform to raise awareness of Iran’s human rights violations.
Senator Joe O’Reilly, Vice President of the European People’s Party at the Council of Europe, decried Tehran’s repression and terrorism, including its destabilizing role in Ukraine. He praised the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan and its woman-led leadership as “a succinct road to a secular democratic society.”
Erin McGreehan TD commended the NCRI’s emphasis on women’s leadership and spotlighted the plight of female political prisoners like Maryam Akbari Monfared. She urged the EU to designate the IRGC as a terrorist group and refer Iran’s human rights abuses to the UN Security Council.
Josh Byrne, from Fine Gael’s youth wing, echoed the call for tougher EU measures, including reimposing sanctions and designating the IRGC as terrorists. He highlighted the NCRI’s courage and encouraged the Irish public to use their democratic voice to support the Iranian people.
Pádraig O’Sullivan TD underscored the nuclear threat posed by the regime, advocating for Ireland and the EU to work through the UN to trigger the “snapback” mechanism and reinstate sanctions.
James O’Connor TD emphasized the urgency of international accountability, warning of the dangers posed by unchecked authoritarian regimes like Iran.
Paul Gogarty TD linked Ireland’s strong human rights record to a moral duty to stand with the Iranian people, asserting that the country must be just as vocal about Iran’s abuses.
Shane Moynihan TD offered unwavering support for the NCRI’s vision of a democratic, inclusive Iran, pledging his office’s assistance and expressing a desire to meet Mrs. Rajavi personally.
Naoise Ó Cearúil TD recognized the NCRI’s decades-long struggle and promised continued collaboration: “Anything I can do to help you, I will indeed.”
Amir Seifi, addressing the conference, framed the issue in universal terms: “This is the timeless battle between tyranny and freedom.” He urged immediate international recognition of the Iranian people’s right to resist and expressed hope for a free, democratic Iran in the near future.
The conference concluded with a unified call among Irish legislators for greater international pressure on the Iranian regime and stronger support for the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations. Across parties, speakers agreed: the world must stand with those seeking freedom—and hold dictators to account.
At the Irish Parliament conference "Cause of Freedom, Cause of Mankind", we had the opportunity to speak with Catherine Callaghan TD on the sidelines regarding support for the Iranian people's fight for freedom.#FreeIran2025 pic.twitter.com/bxm8O3P6ZE
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) May 1, 2025
We spoke with Cllr. @DarylBarron on the sidelines of the Irish Parliament conference "Cause of Freedom, Cause of Mankind" about the international responsibility to support a free and democratic Iran.#FreeIran2025 #Iran pic.twitter.com/tp2Z0rVfIM
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) May 1, 2025
