Thousands protested in Paris against Iran’s government, supported by Ukrainians. The NCRI organized the event, asserting the need for regime change amid pressures from the U.S. Trump-era policies. Dissenters called for solidarity and highlighted the urgency for action against authoritarianism.
In Paris, thousands gathered to protest against the Iranian regime, joining forces with Ukrainian dissidents. The demonstration, organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), aimed to endorse change in Iran amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ policy. NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi boldly declared, “We say your demise has arrived,” emphasizing the urgency for regime change regardless of nuclear negotiations.
Participants waved Iranian flags and expressed their discontent towards Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Attendance included Ukrainians who accused Iran of aiding Russia in its ongoing conflict. Iryna Serdiuk, a nurse from Ukraine, voiced her solidarity with the Iranian oppressors, stating, “I’m happy to see these Iranians because they are opposition.”
The NCRI, banned in Iran, has previously faced scrutiny over its effectiveness but remains a significant opposition presence. Mohammad Sabetraftar, an exiled Iranian, praised NCRI as a viable alternative for democracy in Iran, urging Western leaders to cut ties with the Iranian government and increase pressure instead of providing material support.
As Tehran calls for action against the NCRI in Western capitals, the group maintains rallies to garner support. In January, a Trump envoy addressed the NCRI’s conference, reiterating a strategy focused on pressuring Iran economically to renegotiate its nuclear agreement. High school student Homa Sabetraftar emphasized the need for youth representation, stating, “Some people in Iran don’t have that voice and aren’t able to vocalise as freely as we are able to here.”
The ongoing opposition movement in Iran has seen various groups, like the NCRI, striving to mobilize support both within the country and internationally. In recent years, they have leveraged Western political strategies, particularly during Trump’s presidency, which championed a hardline approach towards Iran concerning its nuclear program and regional activities. The alliance with other dissidents, like Ukrainians facing common adversaries, underscores a broader anti-authoritarian sentiment.
The protest in Paris reflects a convergence of anti-government sentiment among Iranians and Ukrainians against authoritarianism. The NCRI aims to rally support for regime change in Iran, capitalizing on U.S. policies to increase pressure on Tehran. As these movements grow, the hope for a democratic alternative to the current Iranian regime remains a pivotal theme for dissidents.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
