Former US Attorney General, Michael Mukasey Speaks at Free Iran Convention

Michael Mukasey, former US Attorney General

The following is speech by Michael Mukasey at the Free Iran Gathering in Paris on June 30, 2018

We have heard and we will hear more from speakers for the first time in the eight years since I've been coming to this event. We have heard and we will hear that finally the stars seem to be aligned to accomplish what we all want to accomplish which is the downfall of the Mullahs regime. ...and Even as we hear that the economic rot in Tehran and the political rot in Tehran finally matches the moral rot that has always been at the core of the of the mullahs regime. And as we pause to thank Mrs. Rajavi who has devoted decades of her life to bringing this about and the people who died and the people who are mutilated to help bring it about. And the residents of Camp Ashraf who suffered tremendously and the Albanians who welcomed them gallantly. We all are aware and you are aware and your presence here shows you're aware that there is nothing inevitable in human affairs. We hope that the mullahs will topple but it's going to take more effort. But you are here to show that that effort is going to be forthcoming and I promise you ....I Promise you in my own behalf and on behalf of the others in the American delegation that we know that our efforts will not stop either until the day comes when we can greet each other in a peaceful and free Iran. Thank you very much.

Iranian opposition convention delivers “alternative” for mullahs

 The town of Villepinte just outside of Paris was home to the Iranian opposition convention on Saturday, June 30^th, where a massive crowd of the Iranian Diaspora was joined by a long list of highly recognized global figures from the United States, Europe and the Middle East, all backing and expressing their support for the cause of regime change in Iran.

The Iranian opposition coalition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its cornerstone member, the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), were the two entities leading the event.

As NCRI President Maryam Rajavi was delivering a speech on the intensity of the regime’s crises, Iranians inside the country began posting videos of major unrest in the city of Khorramshahr as demonstrators were protesting severe water shortages and extremely poor water quality.

Globally the status quo is becoming even worse for the mullahs’ regime as they face intensifying sanctions from the United States after Washington pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal.

“The overthrow of this regime inevitably requires the willingness to pay the price, requires honesty and sacrifice; requires an organization and a strong political alternative, and requires resistance units and a liberation army,” Rajavi said, emphasizing on the unique characteristic her movement enjoys, and others claiming to support regime change lack.

Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, known for their very close relations to Trump, were two of the key speakers at this rally.

“This government is about to collapse, and this is the time to turn on the pressure,” Giuliani said in his speech. “Trump doesn’t turn his back on freedom fighters.”

Saturday’s convention also saw former Senator Robert Torricelli, former FBI Director Louis Freeh, former US ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson, former Canadian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Stephen Harper and John Baird, five British MPs, a former French prime minister and former foreign minister attend and deliver remarks in support of the Iranian people’s struggle for regime change.

As Iran suffers from growing poverty, unemployment, severe water shortage and environmental calamities, the regime’s future is becoming further bleak.

Internal political disputes are escalating and considering this regime’s history of plundering the country’s riches, it is crystal clear that the mullahs’ days are numbered.

The Iranian people have the right to regain their sovereignty after the mullahs’ hijacked the 1979 revolution and brought nothing but misery to this country and the entire region for the past four decades.

After benefitting from long years of Western appeasement, this regime is now up against the wall facing the Iranian opposition and the people of this country.

Protests and uprisings are escalating across the country, and the mullahs no longer have the Obama administration’s support. Their rule is coming to an end, and the establishment of freedom and democracy in Iran is now more realistic and in the horizon than ever.

Iran will be free (2018)

The spring of our freedom is within our reach

Free Iran convention in Paris, June 30, 2018

Through our solidarity, we can have a free country and a prosperous people.

We can have equal rights, with different beliefs and ethnicities living side by side.

We can have a society where religion and state are separate and where compulsory veiling for women is not acceptable.

We shall realize our dreams and ideals.

MEPs voicing solidarity with the Iranian opposition convention

MEP President Beatriz Becerra Basterra & MEP Emma McClarkin

A growing number of European Parliament Members are expressing their solidarity and support for the Iranian opposition’s upcoming convention in Paris scheduled for June 30^th.

Emma McClarkin first elected as one of the UK representative to EP back in 2009

MEP Emma McClarkin was first elected as one of the United Kingdom’s representatives back in 2009. She was re-elected in 2014 as one of two Conservative MEPs for the East Midlands.

“The people of Iran want real change from the protests in January. We have seen that you want an end to oppression that you want freedom and democracy to come to Iran and an end of the oppression by the regime and their security forces,” she said.

Emma McClarkin – Member of the European Parliamen

“On the 30th of June I’m delighted that the Iranian community will be meeting in Paris. The freedom of expression that you experienced there hopefully will inspire you to express those very real wishes that you have for real change in Iran. We in the European Parliament will be participating. We’ll be watching. We will be listening and we will always be supporting a free Iran.”

MEP President Beatriz Becerra Basterra announced her support for the Iranian opposition conference

MEP President Beatriz Becerra Basterra announced her support for the Iranian opposition conference.

Madrid-born is a Spanish liberal-democratic writer and politician. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights and is a member of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

MEP President Beatriz Becerra Basterra

“I am particularly encouraged by the role women play in leading many of these protests. I think Maryam_Rajavi President-elect of NCRI, whom I have met several times, is a role model for many women who want to stand up for their rights in Iran,” she said.

“From all indications, we can see that after four decades of brutal &anti-women rule of the mullahs, change is about to come to Iran. Ppl of Iran have said it clearly: We don’t want to be ruled by these fanatics who have ruined the country in all these years!

“I therefore believe that the Grand Gathering of the Iranian opposition that will be held in Paris on 30 June, can be a turning point towards democratic change in Iran. So, I urge everyone to come to the rally to join voices in support of a free Iran.”

Visit this website for more information on the Iranian opposition convention.

Iran: Opposition convention & mullahs’ critical conditions

Maryam Rajavi at the Iranian opposition convention, 2017

 In recent days a growing number of Iranian regime officials are referring to various aspects of the increasing crises before the Iranian regime and the threat of their apparatus being toppled.

A number of the most important figures resorting to such remarks include Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Hassan Rouhani and parliament speaker Ali Larijani.

Evaluating the reasons behind these concerns expressed by a wide variety of officials in Iran, we come to understand how the mullahs’ apparatus is troubled of “nationwide crises” and how to control such circumstances.

It is no coincidence that state media are questioning the very existence of this regime at a very sensitive timing for Tehran.

Issue at hand

Rouhani in his remarks is directing viewers to believe the regime is awaiting a decision to engage with the world and continue the policy of further talks, similar to the 2015 nuclear agreement. This decision, however, can only be made by none other than Khamenei and such a highly important policy matter needs his blessing.

The regime’s Supreme Leader, however, flatly denied the existence of any emergencies in his recent remarks.

Such a contradictory situation indicate the crisis is increasing at the regime’s helm and Tehran is under intense global isolation.

Larijani has described this dilemma as a quadrilateral issue:

• International isolation
• Social calamities
• Rifts within the regime’s ranks and files
• Growing influence of the regime’s democratic alternative, symbolized in the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK)

In his remarks Larijani also resorted to threats, emphasizing Tehran will not sit idly by and will take serious action against those endangering the country’s security (in words targeting the millions of protesters across the country).

It is worth noting that in last year’s Iranian Diaspora convention, with hundreds of international figures and more than 100,000 participants taking part in Paris, Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi said the following regarding Iran’s explosive society:

“The light of change is shining on Iran. The ruling regime is in disarray and paralyzed as never before. Iranian society is simmering with discontent and the international community is finally getting closer to the reality that appeasing the ruling theocracy is misguided.

“These intense circumstances speak to three fundamental truths related to obtaining freedom and liberty in Iran, as well as peace and tranquility in the region:

First, the overthrow of the ruling religious dictatorship is an imperative.

Second, the regime’s overthrow is within reach.

And third, a democratic alternative and an organized resistance exists, which is capable of toppling the theocracy in Iran.”

This year’s Iranian Diaspora convention is being held as protests across Iran are continuing and change is insight for this nation to finally be ruled by a democratic state in a free Iran.

This convention is scheduled for June 30^th in Paris.

The religious dictatorship ruling Iran has come to realize it has always been on the losing side in its faceoff against the Iranian people and their democratic alternative.

This year, Tehran will face a similar conclusion with far graver consequences.

Read more about the June 30^th convention in this website.

Free Iran Gathering: A window into the future of Iran

Iranian opposition convention for free Iran, Paris

Free Iran, the Iranian resistance’s annual convention, plays an important role in achieving the goals of the Iranian opposition.

First and foremost, the rally symbolizes the legitimacy and capacity of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), the largest and most-organized Iranian opposition coalition. The gathering defies severe political and logistical constraints and the schemes and machinations of the Iranian regime. Any impartial observer can confirm that an independent opposition movement that can hold such a large gathering of Iranian diaspora will be able to gather a very large base of support once it returns to its own country.

Every year, the Free Iran Gathering explores a wide range of issues that the Iranian opposition faces.

After the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the establishment of an Iran-backed government in Baghdad, Tehran’s main goal was to annihilate members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) who were in Camps Ashraf and Liberty, Iraq. The Iranian regime staged several raids and rocket attacks against MEK members in Iraq through its agents and proxies in Iraq.

During these years, the main focus of the Iran Freedom Gathering was the protection and security of MEK members in Ashraf and Liberty.

The presence and participation of prominent political figures in the rally and their subsequent activities prevented the Iranian regime and its agents in Iraq from secretly plotting against the residents of Ashraf and Liberty.

These efforts culminated in the resettlement of MEK members from Iraq to Albania.

Other important feats that the Free Iran Gathering and the international support for the MEK helped accomplish was the delisting of the MEK from the list of foreign terrorist organizations in EU and US, a designation that had been part of the policy of rapprochement toward the Iranian regime.

The Iran Gathering also discusses the Iranian regime’s suppressive measures against the people, imprisonment and execution of political dissidents, plundering of the country’s wealth and its violent intervention in countries of the Middle East region.

An important part of the rally has always been support for the protests of the Iranian people. In 2009, the Free Iran Gathering coincided with nationwide protests in Iran, and it became the biggest opposition rally in support of the uprising of the Iranian people.

After the December 2017/January 2018 protests in Iran, the world witnessed that that the Iranian people want nothing short of regime change.

Therefore, this year’s gathering will be held with a focus on supporting the heroic uprising of the Iranian people and their just demand for freedom.

Following the series of setbacks the Iranian regime has faced in Iran and across the globe, this year’s Free Iran Gathering will be a reminder of the true alternative to the autocratic rule of the mullahs.

Under these circumstances, democratic change in Iran has become inevitable, and this year’s rally will be representative of the Iranian people’s will for the overthrow of the mullahs’ regime and their desire to live in a free and democratic nation based on the separation of church and state.

Everyone can add their voice to this gathering and support the cause of freedom and democracy in Iran.

Go to this website for more information on this year’s convention.

The political difference of this year’s Free Iran convention

Iranian opposition rally in Paris, June 30, 2018 (file photo)

 Developments involving Iran have accelerated at an amazing rate. Even those supporting the Iranian regime now agree the situation on the ground in Iran is heading towards a major finale.

Domestically speaking, during the past weeks we have witnessed major protests – some describing it as an uprising – by the people of Kazerun, a city in southern Iran. Furthermore, tens of thousands of truck drivers across the country were holding a nationwide strike.

Internationally, the consequences of the United States pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal are impacting the Iranian regime to the core. The 12-article statement issued by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hurled this crisis into an even more dangerous and complex state for Tehran. Moreover, new sanctions are being imposed on the mullahs’ economy and causing grave concerns for their senior officials.

In such circumstances, the Iranian opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and its core member, the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), is focusing their efforts to increase and continue popular protests across the country.

In parallel fashion, the Iranian Diaspora, widely supporting the NCRI & the PMOI/MEK, are on the verge of holding their annual convention in Paris, this year scheduled for June 30^th.

The message of this year’s rally to Iranians inside the country and across the globe, and all parties following up on the situation in Iran, will be the undeniable reality that this regime will be overthrown; there is a viable alternative for this regime; and the Iranian people are ready to take hold of their future.

This rally, enjoying widespread international support, will reflect the beginning of a major popular revolt in this society and the end of this regime. These developments will result in regime change and the establishment of a democratic and popular system in Iran. The NCRI & PMOI/MEK, known as the pillars of the struggle to realize democratic change in Iran, have been pursuing this objective for decades now.

NCRI President Maryam Rajavi delivered this message in the 2017 rally:

“First, the overthrow of the ruling religious dictatorship is an imperative.

“Second, the regime’s overthrow is within reach.

“And third, a democratic alternative and an organized resistance exists, which is capable of toppling the theocracy in Iran.”

With their nationwide protests the Iranian people are telling the world the mullahs’ regime has neither any hope nor any future, and will be toppled. The NCRI democratic alternative will replace this regime and realize peace, tranquility and democracy in Iran after 40 years of utter crises.

This convention specifically sends a message to the Iranian people, the PMOI/MEK network inside the country, the striking workers in Isfahan, Ahvaz and other cities across the country, the credit firm clients, the youths in Zahedan, Iran’s Kurdish community and others, that this nation and their uprising enjoys vast support.

The future of Iran is in the hands of those people protesting in the streets, calling for change and establishing democracy in this country.

Visit this website for more information about this year's annual convention.

Need to know facts about the annual Iranian convention

 With less than three weeks remaining to the annual Iranian Diaspora convention that is traditionally held in Paris each summer, this text intends to provide need-to-know facts about this major development involving Iran and the future of this important country, with an emphasis on this year’s developments inside Iran.

In Dec/Jan Iran was rocked with nationwide protests sweeping throughout the country, involving over 140 cities and rattling the mullahs’ regime to its core. The Iranian people are showing how they are continuing their quest for freedom, with the recent protests marking the beginning of a new chapter in this regard. Undeniable is the fact that these protests are gaining increasing momentum and the Iranian people are more than ever voicing demands for a free and democratic Iran.

The Iranian Diaspora are planning to stage their annual Paris convention on June 30^th and thousands of Iranians and supporters of freedom in Iran will be taking part from across the globe.

“Free Iran” will be the message heard from the participants pouring into Paris from five continents. These Iranians will be voicing their support for the Iranian opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a democratic alternative that is led by NCRI President Maryam Rajavi who strives to establish freedom and democracy in Iran.

As protests continue to grow in Iran, parallel to nationwide strikes, the people of this country are showing their determination in continuing this struggle to overthrow the mullahs.

Workers, teachers, merchants, farmers, and people from all walks of life are seen protesting in Mashhad, Kazerun, Baneh, Haft Tappeh, Isfahan and dozens of other cities throughout the country. All of Iran’s communities, including the Arabs, Baluchis, Fars, Kurds, Lors, and Turks are uniting in this nationwide call for freedom.

With slogans of “Hardliners, reformers, game over” and “Our enemy is right here,” protesters in the streets are first distancing themselves from the regime’s hallmarks and taking further steps to make their voices demanding regime change heard.

It is now crystal clear that the Iranian people have no illusion of this regime’s true nature, and important now is for the international community to fall in line and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Iranian nation.

The Iranian regime is also known for its human rights violations, especially under the so-called moderate President Hassan Rouhani. His claims of bringing about reform and moderation have turned out to be utterly false, especially since execution numbers have risen to their highest in the past 25 years.

In 2017, Iran was home to more than 50 percent of registered executions across the globe. Furthermore, suppression and crackdown measures extend to a variety of issues in Iran under the mullahs’ rule. Still, images and footage of people beaten by state forces and women becoming the target of organized harassment are gaining attention worldwide.

With these reports increasing on the doorstep of this year’s annual rally in Paris, a growing number of international figures are actively expressing their support for the Iranian people.

This slate includes former Italian foreign minister Giulio Terzi, former European Parliament vice-president Alejo Vidal-Quadras and Roger Lyons, former president of Great Britain’s Trade Union Congress.

As the days wind down to the Iranian Diaspora’s annual convention, more voices will express their solidarity and tens of thousands of Iranians are already heading to Paris to help prepare the event, and take part in the event.

This is a chance for the international community to hear the true voice of the Iranian people and their desire to realize regime change in their country. Such a development will be the cornerstone of establishing peace and tranquility in Iran and thus across the Middle East.