On December 9, marking Human Rights Day and the introduction of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the National Council of Resistance of Iran held a conference in the Hague in the Netherlands.
Dutch politicians, Iranian activists, and supporters of the Iranian Resistance gathered and discussed the Iranian regime’s atrocities inside the country and beyond and called on the Dutch government and the European Union to adopt a firm policy vis-à-vis Tehran and its malign activities on European soil as well as in the Middle East.
As a keynote speaker addressing the conference, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, highlighted the alarming surge in executions in Iran, revealing that at least 120 prisoners were executed nationwide in November alone, averaging one execution every six hours. She emphasized that the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has exposed the existence of over 5,000 individuals on death row in prisons controlled by Supreme Leader Khamenei.
Exposing the regime’s recent strategy, Mrs. Rajavi stated, “In recent months, the mullahs’ Judiciary has sparked significant controversy by announcing trials in absentia for 104 members of the PMOI/MEK. They have already disclosed the expected verdicts of these sham trials, vowing to act “decisively and firmly. These dramatic actions reflect the regime’s outcry against the expanding network of Resistance Units, the inspiring nature of their activities, and the growing credibility of the Iranian Resistance. As they suggest, the mullahs fear the potential alignment of the younger generation with the MEK.”
Criticizing Western appeasement policy, the NCRI President-elect condemned the invitation of Ebrahim Raisi, the regime’s president in Geneva, saying, “Under Raisi and the clerical regime, millions of Iranians have sought asylum in other countries due to the rampant executions, torture, and imprisonment in Iran. His track record spans over four decades of perpetuating crimes against humanity. There are discussions of his attendance at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva. His participation would tarnish the reputation of the United Nations, undermine human rights, and mock the sacred right to asylum. It would encourage further executions, torture, aggression, warmongering, and terrorism. Rather than participating in this forum, Raisi must be held accountable for the atrocities of the past 44 years. Justice demands that he face accountability for the deaths, carnage, and aggression under his watch.”
Mrs. Rajavi called on the international community for the terrorist designation of the IRGC, the activation of the snapback mechanism in Security Council Resolution 2231, placing the regime under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, and recognizing the Iranian people’s struggle to overthrow the regime, along with the courageous fight of the rebellious Iranian youth against the terrorist IRGC.
#HumanRightsDay stands as a day of disgrace for the mullahs' religious dictatorship, the worst enemy of humanity. Simultaneously, it serves as a day of pride and honor for the Iranian people and Resistance in their enduring struggle against religious despotism spanning over four… pic.twitter.com/hgrGDOACNU
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) December 10, 2023
Dutch member of the European Parliament Dorien Rookmaker strongly condemned the repeated occurrences of genocide under the theocratic regime, citing the 1988 massacre, the 2019 and 2020 uprisings, and the shocking number of executions in 2023.
MEP Rookmaker expressed deep concern over President Raisi’s invitation by the UNHCR in Geneva, calling for a condemnation by the international community. She also condemned the ongoing impunity for the 1988 massacre and applauded the Iranian Resistance’s determination to seek justice and hold the Iranian regime accountable.
MEP Rookmaker stated, “In the coming month, the Iranian judicial authorities plan to hold a sham court in Tehran to try members of the resistance in absentia. We must question why such ridiculous scenes are permitted by this regime. The answer lies primarily in the inaction of the West. And we have to look into this, and we have to take action. The Mullahs interpreted this lack of firm action as a signal that the West would continue to appease them. It is crucial that we as members of the European Parliament or members of our national parliaments express the true sentiments of the European people and their values.”
She added, “The reality is that the Iranian regime can no longer deceive the international community. People demand justice in Iran, especially today. We stand with the men and women, the young girls and boys of Iran who have clearly said in Iran protests, down with the oppressor, be it the Shah or Khamenei. They have denounced any form of dictatorship.”
Ingrid Betancourt wie kent haar nog? https://t.co/W9es8hqyOY sinds lang supporter en vriendin van @Maryam_Rajavi roept politici op hun verantwoordelijkheid te nemen en alles te doen wat mogelijk is om het regime in Iran te isoleren en te verwijderen. @IngridBetancour pic.twitter.com/zwkj5qoPoo
— Dorien Rookmaker (@RookmakerDorien) December 9, 2023
In his speech, Ad Melkert, former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission to Iraq, condemned the Iranian regime’s ongoing human rights violations. Highlighting the regime’s removal from the UN Group on Women’s Rights in December 2022, Mr. Melkert stressed the unique decision by the international community to send a powerful message against the violation of women’s rights.
Mr. Melkert also discussed a recent resolution by the European Parliament condemning the regime’s violations of women’s rights and arbitrary detention of EU nationals.
Expressing concern over the Iranian regime’s president Ebrahim Raisi’s planned participation in the 2023 Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, he said, “Human rights organizations have called for the prosecution of Raisi for his involvement in crimes against humanity as a member of the Tehran Death Commission during the 1988 mass extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances of political prisoners. International bodies, including the UN Special Procedures, have condemned all these events, and he should be held accountable for the killing of the protesters in November 2019 while he was head of the judiciary, and for the killing of 750 individuals and the arrest of 30,000 during the 2022 uprising under his presidency.”
In her address, former Colombian Senator and Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt shed light on Tehran’s expanding influence in Europe, urging Western governments to reassess their policies. Mrs. Betancourt revealed alarming instances of the regime’s interference, including a foiled bomb attempt in 2018 and the recent shooting of the European Parliament’s former First Vice President Alejo Vidal Quadras in Madrid.
Betancourt accused the Iranian regime of employing a sophisticated disinformation campaign, infiltrating European institutions and manipulating public opinion. She highlighted leaked emails exposing a massive communication strategy to sway Western decisions in favor of Iran’s interests.
The former senator criticized the weak response of Western governments to Tehran’s actions, emphasizing the need for a united front against the regime’s terrorist activities. She emphasized the role of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the Mujahedin-e Khalq (PMOI/MEK) as the only democratic opposition to the mullahs, dispelling claims that they lack political influence in Iran.
Citing one of the regime’s tactics to use journalists, academics, and self-proclaimed “Iran experts,” she said, “The aim of this pseudo-expert is not only to brainwash us as a public opinion in order that we influence a government, in order that they do what Iranians want them to do, but they are also attacking the only democratic organization, the opposition against the Iranian government, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the MEK… They will tell us that it’s a cult.”
Mrs. Betancourt recounted her initial skepticism about the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) after attending a meeting with the NCRI when she found her computer flooded with information and podcasts portraying the MEK as a terrorist, communist, and misogynistic group. Feeling uneasy, Mrs. Betancourt explained, she questioned the source of this sudden influx of information and delved deeper due to her past abduction experience under a communist organization to be able to discern terrorists from genuine resistance forces.
In his address to the conference, Professor Henk de Haan, former Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Dutch Parliament, delivered a scathing critique of the Iranian regime’s oppressive tactics and called for international action to address the ongoing human rights violations.
Reminiscing about his experiences serving the Friends of Free Iran (FOFI), Prof. de Haan highlighted the historical context of his involvement, recalling meetings with members of the Iranian Resistance in the Netherlands at a time when the (PMOI) was still on the prohibited list. He narrated the challenges faced by those associated with the PMOI and their subsequent removal from the terrorist organization’s list due to international efforts.
The former committee chairman condemned the Iranian regime, labeling it a “criminal regime” and emphasizing the need for collective action against it. He lamented the staggering number of executions in Iran, stating that the situation had not improved over the years but had worsened.
Drawing attention to the commitment of FOFI representatives, Prof. de Haan commended their recent initiative urging the Dutch government to categorize the revolutionary grounds and its leaders as a banned organization. He also urged the Dutch government to intensify efforts to include the Iranian regime on the list of terrorist organizations. He underscored the necessity for private individuals in the Netherlands to boycott business dealings with Iran, further isolating the regime.
Former Dutch Senator and renowned Chess Grandmaster Loek van Wely delivered a speech at this event, expressing his commitment to contributing to the cause of a free Iran. Expressing gratitude for the invitation, van Wely acknowledged the chilling impact of the exhibition on the sacrifices made by individuals in the pursuit of freedom.
Reflecting on his participation in a chess tournament in Iran, Senator van Wely discussed the complexities of engaging in sports in a politically charged environment. He underscored the limitations imposed on athletes under the current regime, emphasizing the need for change.
Hasn't the @UN condemned this regime 70 times for its human rights violations? Isn't it the top record holder for executions worldwide? Haven't #HumanRightsjurists and institutions, including Amnesty International, accused this regime of committing crimes against humanity? So,… pic.twitter.com/jCcwSCKY9R
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) December 9, 2023
Transitioning to the political arena, van Wely addressed the slow political process and stressed the importance of sustained pressure for change. He expressed support for listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
In his address to the meeting, former Dutch MP Derk Jan Eppink emphasized the growing threat of the Iranian fundamentalist regime, particularly focusing on the role of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. MP Eppink called for the inclusion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the EU terrorist list, citing recent terrorist activities and expressing concern over Tehran’s advancing nuclear ambitions. He criticized diplomatic engagement with the regime, revealing disturbing details of its support for regional terrorist groups and wreaking havoc in the Middle East.
MP Eppink also criticized the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs for speaking with the regime’s foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and legitimizing the regime. He called out Amir-Abdollahian for being a member of the Basij and stated that a violent figure like him belongs in prison.
MP Eppink warned of a burgeoning alliance between Iran and Russia, urging Western nations to condemn the regime’s president Ebrahim Raisi and boycott his international participation. In conclusion, MP Eppink called for decisive action against Tehran, urging comprehensive sanctions against key regime figures and the IRGC.
Former Dutch Senator Bob van Pareren expressed his support for the Iranian people’s quest for freedom and democracy. He condemned the oppressive rule of Iran’s current regime, highlighting daily atrocities and advocating for international action against the prominence of its leaders.
Senator van Pareren strongly condemned Ebrahim Raisi’s upcoming visit to Geneva and urged colleagues and governments to prevent it. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the Iranian diaspora, he praised their perseverance and courage in advocating for change.
Commending Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s leadership, van Pareren outlined key points for a future democratic Iran, emphasizing equality and freedom. He concluded by assuring the Iranian people of the Netherlands full support and commitment to actively join the fight for a better future.
In his speech, former Dutch Senator Prof. Kees De Lange addressed the gathering by drawing attention to the alarming number of executions in Iran, which has reached 743 since the beginning of 2023.
He stressed the urgency of addressing the regime’s threat not only to its citizens but also to regional stability. He emphasized the link between Tehran’s support for terrorist organizations and the heightened tensions in the Middle East. Prof. De Lange echoed the NCRI’s assertion that the head of the snake lies in Tehran, indicating that the Iranian regime is the primary cause of the current conflicts in the region.
The former Dutch Senator discussed the Iranian regime’s need for external conflicts to maintain power, citing the fear of a popular uprising as a significant concern for its own instability. He condemned the upcoming visit of Ebrahim Raisi to a United Nations convention in Geneva, urging the international community to unite in preventing this event.
Prof. De Lange proposed a set of actions to address the Iranian regime, including designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, implementing maximum sanctions, rejecting appeasement, opposing nuclear arms development, and supporting the democratic opposition, particularly the NCRI and its leader, Maryam Rajavi.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. De Lange emphasized the importance of holding the Iranian regime accountable and standing in solidarity with the Iranian people striving for freedom. He called on the world to unite on this International Day of Human Rights to work towards justice, peace, and freedom for all oppressed populations, especially those under the Iranian regime.
Ms. Dowlat Nowruzi, the NCRI Representative in the UK, highlighted the Iranian people’s rejection of dictatorship, calling for international attention to human rights violations and the regime’s atrocities.
She condemned the presence of President Raisi at the Geneva UN forum, urging the cancellation of his invitation and prosecution for crimes against humanity. Ms. Nowruzi also called for comprehensive sanctions against the regime, emphasizing the need to blacklist the IRGC and halt their support for terrorism.
Addressing a misinformation campaign against the opposition, the NCRI Representative in the UK discredited the regime’s judiciary and called for global rejection of its credibility. She concluded explicitly, “One of their efforts has been a sort of a masquerade, they call it a court, against 104 officials of the MEK, the main people who sacrificed all they have for decades and decades in order to bring democracy and freedom back to the Iranian people. Now the court and the masquerade are claiming that they are producing files of allegations against the leaders of the opposition. That must be absolutely condemned.
“As the leader of the Iranian Resistance, Mr. Massoud Rajavi, mentioned, if this regime wants a court, let us invite you to an international court with millions of Iranian victims of atrocities. And in an international court, you have to face justice. And it’s for the world leaders to decide if they are on the side of justice or on the side of evil.”
Today, our country, #Iran, is under the rule of a regime whose hallmarks are executions and massacres, systematically violating every principle outlined in the Universal Declaration of #HumanRights. In November alone, at least 120 prisoners were executed nationwide, averaging one… pic.twitter.com/PxgSfIqSE4
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) December 9, 2023
In his remarks, Mr. Hans Noot, Vice Chair of the Human Rights Without Frontiers in Brussels, shed light on the ongoing human rights violations in Iran. Also representing the Gerard Noot Foundation, he expressed grave concern over the 1988 massacre of political prisoners and other atrocities committed by the Iranian regime.
Mr. Noot decried the scheduled visit of Ebrahim Raisi to the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, emphasizing the need to express outrage at the presence of one of the main perpetrators of mass murders in Iran.
He also described instances of police harassment, attacks, arrests, threats of execution, and tight surveillance against minority groups in Iran. Mr. Noot emphasized that Tehran’s disclosed atrocities are merely the tip of the iceberg, painting a grim picture of a regime that disregards human rights, citizens, and peace in the region. He saluted the victims and heroes fighting for accountability, urging international action against the Iranian regime’s ongoing violations.
Ferry Wever, Secretary of the Dutch Committee of Friends for a Free Iran, commenced his speech by extending heartfelt wishes for the speedy recovery of Prof. Vidal Quadras, emphasizing the collective strength to resist the Iranian regime’s oppressive tactics.
Acknowledging the growing support from the Dutch Parliament and Senate, Mr. Wever emphasized the need for continuous efforts to oust the oppressive regime. He cautioned against misinformation and disinformation, particularly focusing on the regime’s attempts to manipulate international organizations like Interpol using false accusations.
Mr. Wever urged vigilance against extremism, emphasizing the danger of false narratives and their impact on people’s lives. He discussed the ongoing violations reported by organizations like Amnesty International and emphasized the need for sustained attention to ensure that these issues do not fade into obscurity.
Drawing attention to the Human Rights Museum in Ashraf 3, Mr. Wever described the intense and impressive exhibits depicting the historical struggles for freedom, dating back to the 1950s. He pleaded with the international community to condemn the United Nations’ invitation to Ebrahim Raisi, calling it shameful and unacceptable.
At this conference, members of the Iranian-Dutch community and young political activists took the stage to share poignant accounts of their personal experiences with the Iranian regime’s atrocities. They passionately articulated how, in the face of adversity, they discovered hope and resilience through their association with the Iranian Resistance, inspiring them to persevere in the ongoing struggle for freedom, democracy, and a brighter future in Iran.
