German national daily Stuttgarter Zeitung
June 28, 2010
France – Tens of thousands of regime opponents protest Iran rulers
Taverny- It is a gathering that would not be possible in Tehran but has been made possible in Taverny: Tens of thousands of dissidents of the Iranian regime flooded to this small town last weekend. They have come from all over the world to gather in the northwestern suburb of Paris to express their rage toward the mullahs and suggest that they are the political alternative.
The chants of “Azadi, Azadi” (freedom) fill the streets. Buses move at a snail’s pace, parting the large crowds. Young people who over the past year participated in an inconclusive uprising now let out their sentiment.
Amir, a 26 year old pizza maker from Britain, wants to show the world that, “We are the alternative to the mullahs.” Sahar Sanai, 24 and a graduate of education from Frankfurt, has come “to remind everyone that there is a huge exiled community yearning for a free Iran.”
Shahin, a 22 year old student, who has come to Taverny from Paris by train, asks somewhat frustrated, “Why are we, an organization that seeks a secular and democratic government, not supported more by the West?”
He is referring to the organizers of the gathering: The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and its political wing the National Council of Resistance of Iran. In truth, the West supports the organization, which was also active against the former Shah’s dictatorship, with enormous doubt and delay. Previously, they were even labeled as terrorist and accused that their internal relations were seen as less democratic and more akin to a strict organization that has succumbed to a cult of personality.
The indisputable leader of the NCRI is Maryam Rajavi. Her face, which resembles Madonna, shines on balloons, placards and pins. Her supporters have left nothing to chance. The massive Taverny gathering moves to its climax quickly, bringing Rajavi onto the scene.
Doves are released into the sky. And, sounds of drums, big and small, start to reverberate. Thousands chant, “Bia, Bia,” [“come on, come on”], sarcastically inviting and challenging the mullahs to heed the detetrmination of the audience who are prepared to sacrifice their lives. A cloud of confetti fills the sky while the loudspeakers start playing pop music on Beethoven’s ninth symphony.
Eventually, Rajavi appears as she is welcomed by loud cheers and sounds of horns. She promises democratic change in Iran and the downfall of turbaned fascists. She also honors the memory of martyrs who have lost their lives in the struggle for freedom.
There is enough here to convince everyone. This is the successful prescription that has united Iranian exiles gathered here: Doves of peace for peaceful people, the demand for free and fair elections for democrats, music for pop enthusiasts, pictures of martyrs for those aware of history, and drum beats of war for combatants.
Amir believes that there is no other way but that “struggle and organization be part of the resistance against the mullahs.” He asks, “In the end, how are we supposed to confront a regime whose intelligence services are after us all over the world?”
“Negotiations and talks are futile when in Iran we would be arrested or killed simply for dissent.” Both the NCRI’s formidable organizational prowess and a common enemy have served to unite a formerly divided opposition. They all reject the frightening clerical regime which is pursuing nuclear weapons.
Sweating and with a twinkle in his eyes, Amir heads toward the exit after the last performance by drums. He says, “Anyone can have their own opinion about us, but nothing can be done without our involvement.”
