Iranian Dissidents Take to Paris Streets, Advocating Regime Change
Iranian dissidents rallied in Paris, driven by U.S. President Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign, demanding the fall of Tehran’s government. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) organized the protest, where participants included Ukrainians opposing Iran’s support for Russia. NCRI leaders emphasized the urgency for change and youth representatives voiced the need for a better future. The rally illustrates the growing unity among various groups against authoritarianism.
Thousands of Iranian dissidents gathered in Paris, joined by Ukrainians, to demand the overthrow of Tehran’s government, energized by U.S. President Donald Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ policy. Organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), this protest comes amid severe crackdowns on the group, with members facing pending executions. NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi declared to the gathered crowd, “Your demise has arrived. Uprising and overthrow await you.”
Participants, waving Iranian flags and chanting against the government, included many Ukrainians criticizing Iran’s military support to Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Iryna Serdiuk, an exiled nurse, highlighted the solidarity between Iranians opposing their government and Ukrainians facing aggression. “We are together, and one day it will be victory for Ukraine and Iran too,” she stated.
Despite challenges, the NCRI remains a prominent opposition group. Critics often dispute its influence within Iran and its operational methods. Iranian expatriate Mohammad Sabetraftar, who has lived in exile for four decades, emphasized the group’s role as a viable alternative for achieving democracy in Iran. He urged Western leaders to refrain from supporting the Iranian regime.
In light of its activities, the Iranian government has consistently targeted the NCRI, calling for action against it in Western cities. Despite being previously labeled as a terrorist organization, the NCRI has regained support and visibility since 2012, further bolstered by U.S. pressure policies. Recently, Trump’s envoy to Ukraine appeared at an NCRI conference, affirming ongoing Western commitment to applying pressure on Tehran.
The youth of the Iranian diaspora showed strong support, with Homa Sabetraftar, a 16-year-old schoolgirl, expressing the obligation felt by many to amplify the voices of younger Iranians. “Some people in Iran don’t have that voice and aren’t able to vocalize as freely as we are able to here,” she emphasized, calling for collective efforts towards a more promising future.
The protests organized by the NCRI represent a broader movement against the Iranian government, which faces significant domestic unrest. The NCRI, considered controversial due to its past, nonetheless serves as a focal point for those seeking reform. The group’s critics often point to a lack of substantial support within Iran, while supporters argue that it remains one of the few credible alternatives. The increasing collaboration between Iranian dissidents and other groups, such as Ukrainians opposing Russian actions, highlights a shift towards global solidarity among those resisting authoritarianism.
The rally in Paris reflects increasing dissent against the Iranian regime, fueled by U.S. policies aiming to apply pressure. With support from dissidents abroad, the NCRI seeks to position itself as a leading voice for change. Despite internal challenges and external pressures, the expression of solidarity among various opposition groups fortifies their call for reform and resistance against perceived tyranny, signaling a potential shift in dynamics within Iran and its geopolitical interactions.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
