Three-minute read
In the weeks leading up to the annual “Free Iran 2024” gathering, the Iranian dissident satellite television channel “Simaye Azadi” has been broadcasting nightly images in its main news segment. These images feature mostly young men and women, who cover their faces to avoid recognition and even hide their hands to prevent fingerprint identification. They hold up signs, display photos of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and write slogans on walls, all in support of the “Free Iran 2024” event.
For those familiar with Iran, the geographical diversity of these participants is evident from their clothing and surroundings, and subtitles on Simaye Azadi indicate that they come from cities, villages, and suburban areas across the country. By June 21, Simaye Azadi reported that 20,000 such messages had been received and aired the last 5,000 with their numbers displayed. This is double the number from last year’s “Free Iran 2023” gathering in Paris, demonstrated in front of hundreds of world leaders and thousands of Iranian protestors at the same time.
Historically, the Iranian regime has shown no leniency towards those supporting the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), a leading member organization of the NCRI. Thousands have been arrested for such undertakings in recent years. Therefore, these 20,000 video messages not only highlight the strength of this movement but also reflect the increasing number of individuals willing to risk their lives for regime change in Iran.
PMOI Resistance Units continue their activities ahead of the annual #FreeIran rally, sending messages of support and reiterating their commitment to resist against the regime.#Iran #PMOI #ResistanceUnits pic.twitter.com/OTOvUI4MfY
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 23, 2024
This is why the regime has even infiltrated think tanks and academia using dual nationals and those with family members, property, or grand interests in Iran to influence Western public opinion, legislators, and even leaders, first and foremost about its principal enemy.
Yet, the regime cannot hide the glaring contradiction in its actions versus words. Despite claims by official spokespeople about the PMOI’s lack of support, Iranians have witnessed the regime labeling this organization as its primary enemy for 45 years. The slogan “Death to the Hypocrites” (referring to the PMOI), alongside “Death to America,” has never ceased to be called out during Friday prayers, official gatherings, and state-sponsored demonstrations. The regime continues to spend time, money, and personnel producing thousands of articles, books, websites, speeches, films, series, and conferences inside and outside Iran to defame the PMOI. But still, state officials admit their failure to convey the “correct narrative” about the PMOI, claiming “the new generation of Iranians is confused about the oppressor and the oppressed.”
As a matter of fact, the PMOI and its supporters include people of all ages and generations. Over the decades, this organization has consistently mobilized the largest crowds for its gatherings and demonstrations.
Who Represents the People of #Iran?https://t.co/B6fXrDkBWb
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) September 7, 2023
Despite the regime targeting this organization more than any other group with assassinations abroad and executions within Iran, the number of PMOI political prisoners remains the highest among opposition groups. The NCRI reported that 3,626 PMOI supporters disappeared during the 2022 uprising, indicating widespread repression during protests. However, the level of activity by PMOI’s network inside Iran, known as Resistance Units, has seen a huge surge ever since, and the number of video messages they sent increased from 5,000 during the 2022 gathering to 10,000 in the 2023 event.
In the age of the internet, social media, and satellite television, censoring the activities of the PMOI network inside Iran is futile. The regime’s crimes, combined with the PMOI’s activities, drive more dissatisfied Iranians to join the organization, turning their anger and hatred into hope for change.
After four decades of being misled by Tehran’s rhetoric, it is perhaps time to set aside the regime’s words and scrutinize its actions more closely. If the extensive conspiracy and defamation campaigns against the Iranian Resistance cannot be easily rationalized, there are 20,000 messages from across Iran that make it abundantly clear where Tehran’s Achilles’ heel lies.
