Iran Freedom Network: 'Torch-Bearers of Change: International Conference in Brussels Highlights the Resilience and Struggle of Women in Iran'

Conference at the European Parliament, Brussels – April 9, 2024

The “Torch-bearers of Change: Backing the Prolonged Battle of Women in Iran” conference took place at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday, April 9th, led by MEP Radka Maxová, Vice-Chair of the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee. Representatives from the Iranian European Association across several European nations attended, underlining the significance of global solidarity in promoting Iranian women’s rights and liberty.

Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), addressed attendees virtually and firmly declared, “Defiant women in Iran declare to the regime: ‘We are your worst nightmare; rest assured, you will fall.’ Unflinchingly, female prisoners from Evin proclaim: ‘Despot, we shall bring down your rule.'”

Mrs. Rajavi discussed the mullahs’ deep-seated misogyny and how it relates to their promotion of war and terrorism abroad. She accentuated the longstanding resistance of Iranian women fighting for freedom despite suffering through decades of persecution, including imprisonment and execution.

She lauded the critical part played by Iranian women leading the charge against tyranny and extremism, both within Iran and globally. This vanguard is crucial in breaking free from oppressive systems.

Regarding last month’s rigged elections resulting in humiliation for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei because of extensive social dissatisfaction and country-wide boycotts, Mrs. Rajavi noted that successful candidates in Tehran’s parliament garnered only 7% of potential voters’ support, reflecting citizens’ overwhelming dismissal of the government’s credibility.

In light of failed efforts by Western authorities to accommodate the regime via concessions—which have been used instead to fund nuclear weapons development, ballistic missiles, and regional conflict escalation—Mrs. Rajavi criticized such gestures.

Additionally, she acknowledged the shared position among 400 influential females around the world expressing solidarity with valorous Iranian ladies demanding regime alteration, establishing democracy, achieving gender quality, and realizing justice during International Women’s Day.

To conclude, Mrs. Rajavi repeated the NCRI‘s aspirations for Iran’s post-regime future, calling for a secular democratic republic centered on religious independence, equal rights regardless of sex, elimination of capital punishment, and minority self-rule. A non-nuclear Iran forms the foundation of this ideal scenario.

Speech to the Conference at the European Parliament – The emergence and role of combatant Iranian #women in the Resistance is the essential condition for freedom
Rebellious women across #Iran challenge the regime and say, “We are your nightmare.
Know that you will be overthrown.”… pic.twitter.com/jGB4AFCfHW

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) April 9, 2024

Following Mrs. Rajavi’s impassioned remarks, Mr. Basovas kindly expressed his appreciation for hosting the gathering. Then, Ms. Margarita de la Pisa Carrión stepped forward to share her thoughts, joining her distinguished colleagues in voicing unequivocal support for the daring women and girls of Iran. As leaders of the protest movement and organized resistance against the regime, these admirable individuals have made tremendous personal sacrifices and fought tenaciously for freedom, democracy, and human rights in Iran.

Ms. De la Pisa Carrión marveled at the ancient and storied civilization of Iran, stretching back thousands of years. Regrettably, fundamentalist rule has gripped the nation for decades, systematically denying women their fundamental rights. Amidst this brutality lies a rich tapestry of 120 years of arduous battles waged by Iranian women in pursuit of freedom and equality.

With fervent conviction, Ms. De la Pisa Carrión vowed to persist in providing support to the women of Iran. Moreover, she called upon the European Union and others to officially acknowledge and embrace the imminence of a liberated and democratic Iran, working towards a future where celebration of these achievements might occur hand in hand with compatriots in Tehran.

MEP Dorien Rookmaker expressed her support for the cause of Iranian women’s rights and the opposition movement in Iran. Her speech echoed the sentiments and objectives discussed at the conference led by MEP Radka Maxová, which aimed to promote Iranian women’s rights and solidarity.
In her speech, Rookmaker highlighted the courage and endurance of Iranian women in their struggle for freedom, despite facing repression, imprisonment, and persecution. She emphasized the crucial role of Iranian women in the fight for democracy and the need to raise awareness about the injustices they have endured.

Vandaag vraag ik aandacht voor de bevrijding van Iran. Via de link het tien punten plan van Maryam Rajavi, oppositieleider tegen het criminele regime van de Mullah’s van Iran. Haar toekomstvisie is helder en schept hoop. https://t.co/hhCceJCnhD

— Dorien Rookmaker (@RookmakerDorien) April 9, 2024

During the conference, MEP Francisco Guerreiro took the stage and delivered a powerful speech that resonated with the audience. He shared his personal connection to the cause, highlighting the strong female presence in his own family, including his wife, two daughters. Guerreiro acknowledged the resilience and important role that women play in society, particularly in the context of resistance and driving change in a country like Iran.

He expanded the conversation beyond political and social struggles, emphasizing the interconnection between women’s rights, climate change, and biodiversity. Recognizing Iran’s valuable resources, such as oil and water, Guerreiro stressed the need for sustainable management and equitable distribution of these resources, with women, teenagers, and the younger generation playing a key role in shaping a brighter future.

Guerreiro expressed his gratitude for the leadership of figures like Maryam Rajavi, who have paved the way for a fair and inclusive transition in Iran. He pledged his full support, along with that of his family and those around him, in the ongoing fight for freedom, democracy, and gender equality.

Enquanto em Portugal Homens brancos, heterossexuais e de meia idade martelam o papel da Mulher condionando-o ao da "Dona de casa", hoje no Parlamento Europeu corajosas iranianas debatem como elas, líderes da revolução, merecem igualdade e uma democracia secular no seu país. 

Francisco guerreiro

MEP Javier Zarzalejos, head of the Friends of a Free Iran Intergroup, delivered a heartfelt speech at the conference, expressing his deep admiration for Maryam Rajavi’s leadership and her continuous inspiration as the leader of the National Council of the Resistance of Iran.

Zarzalejos welcomed the initiative and the plan on women’s rights and freedom, emphasizing that it signifies the convergence of political, legal, and religious traditions in recognizing the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of gender. He acknowledged the remarkable work being done to empower Iranian women, noting that the changing role of women in Iran over the past few years is pivotal to the future of the country.

The MEP emphasized that the presented plan and principles align perfectly with the nature of the National Council of the Resistance, which envisions a democratic, pluralistic, and equal Iran. He highlighted the growing global awareness, particularly in Europe, of the dark side of the Iranian regime, including their warmongering actions and their involvement in regional conflicts that threaten global peace. Zarzalejos emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating that it provides a significant boost to the visibility and influence of the National Council of Iran.

Leopoldo López Gil, a member of the Foreign and Human Rights Commission, took the stage at the conference and delivered a deeply moving speech. Drawing from his personal experiences, López Gil spoke passionately about the invaluable contributions of women in politics and all aspects of life. He shared the story of his own family, which had endured the persecution of political tyrants. His grandfather’s exile from Venezuela led to his grandmother shouldering the responsibility of caring for the rest of the family and ensuring the success of her sons, who went on to become accomplished professionals.

López Gil also recounted a difficult period when his son was imprisoned, highlighting the unwavering support and courage displayed by his wife and daughter-in-law as they fought for his son’s freedom. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the presence of strong and courageous women like Maryam Rajavi, emphasizing the profound impact they have in shaping societies.

In light of these experiences, López Gil pledged his unwavering support for the freedom of Iran and, particularly, for the freedom of Iranian women. He recognized the pivotal role they play in society and voiced his commitment to standing alongside them in their quest for justice and empowerment.
Expressing his utmost appreciation for Maryam Rajavi‘s service and leadership, López Gil concluded his speech, assuring her of his continued support in the pursuit of freedom and human rights.

MEP Petras Auštrevičius, a member of the Foreign Affairs Commission, addressed the conference and conveyed his greetings from Brussels. He acknowledged the multitude of global conflicts and human rights violations that persist despite efforts to find resolutions. Auštrevičius highlighted Iran as one of these troubling places, emphasizing the domestic crimes committed against its own citizens, including the suppression of political rights and repression of political expression. He strongly condemned the barbaric practice of public executions, emphasizing that such acts belong to a bygone era and must not be tolerated in the modern world.

The MEP criticized the Iranian political leadership for their hypocrisy, as they claim to teach others on the world stage while perpetuating crimes against their own people. He deemed their involvement in military aggressions and support for oppressive regimes, such as the one in Russia, as international crimes. Auštrevičius drew parallels between the Iranian regime and the oppressive Taliban regime in Afghanistan, noting their shared objective of silencing and erasing dissenting voices, particularly those of women. He expressed concern about the negative implications of this alliance for the entire region, emphasizing the need to counter such oppressive regimes.

Auštrevičius expressed his admiration for the young speakers who represented the new generation and stressed the importance of their involvement, support, and understanding in the fight for freedom in Iran. He encouraged them to learn from the struggles of previous generations and emphasized that history and life itself teach the responsibility and empowerment necessary for effecting change.

The MEP expressed his confidence in the strength and power of Iranian women, describing them as a decisive factor in transforming Iran’s situation. He acknowledged that the fight for freedom might take time but emphasized that oppression and regressive ideologies should never prevail over a nation that deserves a better future.

MEP Radka Maxová, the Deputy Vice President of the Women’s Rights and Equality Commission, began her speech by expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to attend the conference and extended a warm welcome to all the attendees. She acknowledged the presence of Mrs. Rajavi, the main speaker and guest, who has dedicated her life to the cause of a free and democratic Iran. Maxová highlighted Mrs. Rajavi’s leadership role in the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the most experienced and organized opposition coalition to the regime.

Maxová emphasized the urgency of supporting the courageous women and girls in Iran who are protesting for their rights and a better future. She condemned the brutal regime’s repression, rooted in misogyny, and stressed the importance of addressing this issue through appropriate steps and cooperation. She commended Mrs. Rajavi for her 10-point plan, which advocates for a democratic republic in Iran based on principles such as gender equality, separation of religion and state, abolition of the death penalty, and a non-nuclear Iran.

The MEP highlighted the dire situation faced by women and girls in Iran, contributing to the UN Special Rapporteur’s report, which expressed concern over their exclusion from society as second-class citizens. She further highlighted the regime’s alarming practice of executing women, including juvenile offenders, and the increase in executions and human rights violations as protests continue in the country. Maxová cited the recent report by the UN Fact Mission, which documented cases of institutional discrimination, rape, and other forms of gender-based violence against women and girls as part of the state crackdown on protests.

Maxová praised the bravery of Iranian women and girls who are organizing and leading resistance units throughout the country in their fight for a democratic republic. She emphasized their slogan of “Women, Resistance, Freedom,” reflecting their determination to stand up against tyranny.

The MEP called upon the Council, Member States, and the Parliament to recognize this reality and endorse Mrs. Rajavi’s plan as a way forward for Iranian women, girls, and the people to achieve their aspirations and shape the future of their country. She stressed the need to hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable through prosecution under existing UN mechanisms.

Maxová acknowledged the presence of colleagues and representatives from the Women and Youth Association in European countries, including France, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, who joined the discussion. She then handed over the floor to Mrs. Rajavi, expressing anticipation for her remarks.

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