The European Parliament is evaluating a resolution addressing Iran’s systemic violations of human rights, particularly women’s rights, alongside the alarming rise in executions and state suppression. This resolution sheds light on issues such as the morality police’s oppressive actions, the establishment of clinics for women who defy mandatory hijab laws, and the proposed designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. If passed, it would mark the third resolution since January 2023 urging the Council to blacklist the IRGC—a move already advocated by Germany and Belgium, though not yet approved.
Domestic Repression and Diminishing Regional Penetration
This resolution is getting into the stage, while high number of executions in Iran since the appointment of Pezeshkian as president is reaching horrific statistics with more than 520 executions. At least 17 women, 1 juvenile, and 4 public executions have been reported. This tragic record of mass murdering of prisoners in Iran, although brutal and barbaric, reflects the fear of the Iranian regime authorities from the rebellious people in Iran. In fact, mass executions have become the only instrument that Ayatollah uses to prevent the eruption of the people in the streets with experiencing two major uprising in 2019 and 2022.
Besides the boiling domestic situation, after the recent war in the Middle East, the failure of the Iranian regime to advance its regional doctrine is clear. Therefore, if Iran’s supreme leader seeks regional instability, he can no longer hide behind his puppets.
Prospects for a New Revolution in Iran
In this volatile context, the main question is to see with the growing tensions is there any viable solution to avoid a full chaos in the region? Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), addressed the European Parliament on November 20, 2024 where she described her possessions and the capability of the Iranian opposition to intervene in this critical situation to lead changes in Iran.
In her speech, she outlined six pillars crucial for a democratic transition in Iran, emphasizing the role of the Iranian Resistance in leading this change.
- The Army of Freedom: A coalition of disaffected citizens, led by Resistance Units and women at the forefront, represents the driving force for change. Their commitment to dismantling oppression embodies the aspiration for freedom in Iran.
- The People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI/MEK): With a 60-year history of opposing tyranny, the PMOI is recognized as the regime’s primary adversary. Ashraf 3 in Albania serves as a sanctuary for its members, many of whom endured torture under both the Shah and the current regime.
- The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI): Established 43 years ago, the NCRI comprises 457 members from diverse political backgrounds, with over 50% being women. It advocates for broad freedoms, gender equality, religious autonomy, and a non-nuclear Iran. The NCRI also seeks to abolish the death penalty and promote peace in the Middle East.
- Support Base and Achievements: The NCRI has mobilized large Iranian gatherings abroad, highlighting widespread support. It has exposed Iran’s secret nuclear activities and regional meddling while organizing professionals in the diaspora to aid a democratic Iran.
- International Endorsements: The NCRI’s ten-point plan for a democratic republic has gained support from legislative bodies across Europe, America, and several Arab countries, as well as 137 former world leaders and 80 Nobel Laureates, underscoring its credibility and vision for a secular, democratic Iran.
- Path to Transition: The NCRI aims to return power to the Iranian people through:
- Establishing a provisional government for six months to organize elections for a Constituent Assembly.
- Transferring authority to representatives in the Constituent Assembly, who will draft a new constitution.
- Ensuring no vacuum of power while facilitating the return of skilled Iranian expatriates to contribute to rebuilding the nation.
For decades the NCRI has been calling for a regime change in Iran, and considering todays regional tensions and confrontations, it seems, the movement led by Maryam Rajavi has all requirements to lead this transition towards a democratic change in Iran and a sustainable peace in the region.
Role of the International Community
With this regards it is upon the international community to recognize the Iranian people’s right to self-determination and the resistance’s central role in effecting change. By acknowledging these efforts, global actors can support a transition toward democracy in Iran and stability in the region. This resolution and the NCRI’s structured approach to governance highlight the urgency of addressing Iran’s domestic and regional challenges. The European representatives in the parliaments have spoken out, it is now upon the EU council to listen to the demands of European representatives and completely engage with the Iranian democratic opposition towards a long lasting peace and a democratic republic in Iran.
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