The great demonstration of freedom-loving Iranians in Paris on the anniversary of the 1979 anti-monarchic revolution of Iran is an important event that must be examined from various angles. First, this demonstration carried the message of the revolution’s vitality and continuity, as well as the inevitable victory of the Iranian people’s democratic revolution. This comes at a time where fake alternatives are trying to deny the Iranian people’s revolution and sell the narrative that Iran’s people want a return to the shah dictatorship.
A massive crowd of tightly packed Iranians, who after gathering in the large demonstration at Denfert-Rochereau Square in the heart of Paris, filled the city’s central streets with remarkable order and grace.
Join us on February 8, 2025, for the #ParisFreeIranRally as Iranian Resistance supporters take to the streets, voicing their demand: "Down with monarchy, down with theocracy—toward a democratic republic #FreeIran2025."https://t.co/fwsYh8Z2eY
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 6, 2025
Freedom-loving Iranians from three generations took to the streets, braving the bitter winter cold, reflecting the revolutionary spirit of Iran’s people and youth—an uprising against both the monarchic and religious dictatorships, determined for another revolution.
For hours, the demonstrators gathered and marched with unparalleled passion, chanting slogans like “No Shah, No Mullah” and “Victory to the Iranian People’s Democratic Revolution,” showing that Iran is moving toward a free future based on the people’s free vote and choice.
This is the very phenomenon that inspires every freedom-loving and patriotic Iranian, as it proves that despite the nonsense spread by the remnants of the fallen monarchy and despite all the dust and ashes that Khomeini and the clerics who succeeded him have thrown over this revolution, the February 1979 Revolution remains alive and continues.
Speech at the Grand Iranian Demonstration- Paris
In the 1979 Revolution, our people toppled the monarchical dictatorship. Now, we rise to dismantle religious autocracy and secure a democratic revolution. A new constitution is on the horizon, its cornerstone being that sovereignty… pic.twitter.com/Fjuiqzom2r— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) February 8, 2025
Of course, this remarkable persistence is due to the blood selflessly shed by the generation of the 1979 Revolution and the leadership of Massoud Rajavi, paving the way for a revolutionary rebirth far deeper and more fundamental than the 1979 Revolution.
This same political message is clearly reflected in the statement of solidarity with Free Iran in support of the Paris demonstration, signed by 32 former world leaders.
They described the message of this demonstration as “No to the Dictator, be it the Shah or the Mullahs, Yes to a Democratic Republic,” writing, “Through their nationwide uprisings, the people of Iran have clearly demonstrated their desire for an end to the current regime. We denounce the clerical dictatorship for its oppressive governance and human rights abuses, and we also reject the dictatorship of the former Shah, acknowledging the suffering under both regimes.”
Today, February 8, 2025, thousands of Iranians and supporters of the #NCRIAlternative rallied in Paris, marking the anniversary of #Iran’s 1979 revolution and reaffirming their commitment to overthrow the clerical dictatorship. pic.twitter.com/RvnzI3MSw1
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) February 8, 2025
They added: “We endorse the 10-point plan of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which in 2024 received support from over 4,000 MPs and 137 former world leaders, as a viable blueprint for a future free Iran.
“We call upon governments worldwide to recognise the Iranian people’s right to self-determination and liberation from tyranny. The time for change is now; the people of Iran deserve freedom, justice, and democracy.”
The political message of the Paris demonstration also resonated strongly in the speeches of figures who participated in the rally of Iranians in Paris.
Guy Verhofstadt, former Prime Minister of Belgium, called on Western governments to adopt a firm policy instead of appeasement towards the clerical regime, to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, and to recognize the Iranian Resistance as the true representatives of the Iranian people.
.@guyverhofstadt: Just as Syria liberated itself from Bashar al-Assad, Iran will be free of the mullahs. The people of Iran are fed up and continue to rise up against the mullahs.#ParisFreeIranRally #FreeIran2025 #NCRIAlternativehttps://t.co/vNHAjmrl5A
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 8, 2025
Former Colombian Senator Ingrid Betancourt said: “We are the voice of members of the Iranian Resistance and the Resistance Units. They are the ones fighting in Iran, willing to sacrifice their lives for freedom and human dignity.”
Jacques Boutault, Deputy Mayor of Paris Centre and former Mayor of the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, stated that many French mayors had signed a statement in support of the demonstration, saying, “The Iranian people’s revolution was stolen by the mullahs, and the regime massacred the creators of the anti-monarchic revolution, including 30,000 political prisoners.” He urged the French government and international organizations to protest against the brutal executions that continue and to end the policy of silence and appeasement towards the clerical dictatorship.
The rally was also marked by speeches by Iranian youth, representing the aspirations of Iran’s young generation for freedom and their rejection of all forms of dictatorship.
We are the voice of the Resistance Units, women and men, youth, who are fighting and putting their lives on the line for freedom and dignity, for others to live freely… freedom will always win.#ParisFreeIranRally #FreeIran2025 #NCRIAlternativehttps://t.co/w7mcapqDEz
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 8, 2025
Arash Marandi, a student from Sweden, said, “Today, we are approaching the end of the dictatorship, and we will not allow history to repeat itself. Look around—neither the executions nor the mullahs’ sham trials scare anyone anymore, and the fake, wandering ‘alternatives’ have no place among the people.”
Arvin Habibi, a student from France, said, “Today, in this darkness, a light shines: The light of the resistance units—heroes who fearlessly embrace death for Iran’s freedom. You are our pride.”
The February 8 rally is another reminder that the Iranian people will not relent in their struggle for freedom.