Thousands protested in Paris against the Iranian government, joined by Ukrainians, hopeful for regime change inspired by Trump’s pressure on Iran. The rally, led by the NCRI, highlighted the impending execution of its members. Participants called for democracy, raising concerns over Iranian support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
In Paris, thousands gathered to protest against the Iranian government, bolstered by the expectations set by U.S. President Trump’s approach to Iran. The demonstrators, which included Ukrainians, voiced their aspirations for regime change, inspired by Trump’s maximum pressure campaign. The rally was organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which is outlawed in Iran, coinciding with the impending execution of two NCRI members and several others on death row.
NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi urged the Iranian rulers to acknowledge their impending downfall, stating, “We say your demise has arrived. With or without negotiations, with or without nuclear weapons, uprising and overthrow await you.” Protesters waved Iranian flags and chanted slogans against the government while displaying anti-Khamenei imagery. Among the crowd were Ukrainians protesting against Iranian support for Russia in the ongoing war.
Iryna Serdiuk, a Ukrainian nurse, expressed solidarity, stating she was grateful to stand alongside Iranian dissidents united against a shared adversary. She remarked, “I’m happy to see these Iranians because they are opposition. They support Ukraine and not the Iranian government which gives Russia weapons. We are together and one day it will be victory for Ukraine and Iran too.”
Despite skepticism about the NCRI’s influence within Iran, it remains notable for mobilizing opposition within the diaspora. Mohammad Sabetraftar, an exiled Iranian, defended the NCRI as the only viable alternative for securing democracy in Iran, emphasizing the group’s reliance on mass support rather than external aid or military support.
Tehran has consistently denounced the NCRI, calling for international action against it in various Western capitals. The group’s legitimacy has been debated, particularly after Trump’s envoy to Ukraine spoke at one of their rallies. The intent was to reinforce a hardline approach that aimed to isolate Iran economically.
Among the youth, schoolgirl Homa Sabetraftar underscored the importance of representation, noting that many Iranians cannot express their views freely. She stated, “Some people in Iran don’t have that voice and aren’t able to vocalise as freely as we are able to here. We need to push for a better future.
The ongoing unrest in Iran has drawn international attention, particularly from exiled opposition groups like the NCRI. U.S. President Trump’s administration had emphasized a strategy of maximum pressure to compel Iran to negotiate on several fronts, including its nuclear ambitions. This has fueled protests from both Iranians and other groups, such as Ukrainians, who share grievances against the Iranian regime’s support for opposing factions globally. The NCRI, specifically, has faced mixed perceptions regarding its legitimacy and effectiveness as an opposition entity. Its rallies often attract crowds from across Europe, rallying support for democratic changes in Iran, even as the Iranian government highlights its actions as terrorism. Protests have often taken place in response to specific government actions, including executions of opposition members, and have been part of a broader call for human rights and political reforms within Iran.
The Paris rally underscores the increasing collaboration among dissidents from Iran and other nations like Ukraine, driven by shared opposition to oppressive regimes. The NCRI, despite its controversial status, remains a pivotal force among Iranian exiles advocating for systemic change back home. As public sentiment grows both within and outside Iran, the calls for protest continue, fueled by hopes for political reform and increased international support against the Tehran government.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
