Reporting by PMOI/MEK
Iran, September 5, 2020—Members and supporters across the globe joined a massive online event on Saturday, September 5, to celebrate the 55th founding anniversary of the Iranian opposition People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).
Iranian Resistance supporters from across the globe connected with PMOI/MEK members in Ashraf 3, their complex near Tirana, Albania, expressing their determination to continue their efforts against the genocidal mullahs’ regime ruling Iran. The event featured speeches by Zahra Merrikhi, Secretary General of the MEK, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and representatives of more than 300 Iranian communities from across the world.
This online event once again portrays the widespread popularity and support enjoyed by the PMOI/MEK.
Badri Pourtabakh, Deputy Secretary General of the PMOI/MEK—September 5, 2020
Our deepest respect and homage to the founders of this organization. They paved a new way in the history of our nation. The way of struggling against dictatorship and fundamentalism. Their names will forever shine in our history.
Our organization proved that the fundamentalists ruling Iran do not represent our nation and people. The PMOI/MEK is the continuation of 120 years of struggle for freedom in Iran. The MEK has stayed true to the tradition of the struggle for freedom and protected its legacy.
With the Resistance Units and ongoing uprisings in Iran, we will surely fulfill the dream of the Iranian people to achieve freedom and democracy.
We salute all our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives in this march to freedom.
Zahra Merrikhi, Secretary General of the PMOI/MEK—September 5, 2020
In a speech to the gathering of Iranian communities from across the world, Ms. Zahra Merrikhi, the Secretary General of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), congratulated the 55th founding anniversary of the MEK.
“Despite the spread of the coronavirus, we are seeing each other virtually. But we cannot see another part of this gathering, namely our rebellious friends inside Iran, especially the enchained and imprisoned dissidents, and particularly, MEK members and sympathizers, as well as the brave Resistance Units who are resisting in the prisons regime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei,” Ms. Merrikhi said in her speech.
“The reality is that since 1971, the MEK, under repeated onslaughts by the Shah and the mullahs’ regime, has been on the verge of being totally destroyed many times. But, it has risen from its ashes time and again. And such resilience and revival has been the exclusive achievement of Massoud Rajavi, the MEK’s historical leader,” the MEK Secretary General added.
“This is the most important reason for the vengeance directed against Iranian Resistance leader Massoud Rajavi by the ruling mullahs and their ideological and political accomplices. Because, in our era, Massoud Rajavi inspires resistance and perseverance for freedom. His name, his words, and his message represent an enduring call for the overthrow of the ruling theocracy, and the establishment of a republic based on people’s vote and sovereignty in place of the mullahs and the Shah.”
Ms. Merrikhi underscored that the secret to the MEK’s success was that each member of the organization has chosen consciously and voluntarily to forego everything to overthrow the regime and to help the Iranian people achieve all they so desire.
Regarding the Iranian regime, Ms. Merrikhi said, “Khomeini’s ideology and the velayat-e faqih (supreme leader) have no other role than to enslave the people.
“Look at the questions Khomeini’s ‘Death Commissions’ asked prisoners in 1988. Amnesty International published them.
– Are you willing to condemn the MEK and its leadership?
– Are you willing to spy on your former comrades and collaborate with intelligence agents?
– Are you willing to become a member of the firing squads?
– Are you willing to hang an MEK member?
MEK’s Secretary General referred to the atrocities perpetrated by the mullahs’ regime and the hardships and pressures due to the policy of appeasement on the part of the international community. “The MEK’s response to these conditions have always been ever further sacrifice, honesty and selflessness and saying yes to the resistance for the overthrow of the regime,” Ms. Merrikhi explained.
“Within the MEK, there are no personal privileges, nepotism, or children of the elite. We do not grant familial or feudalistic entitlements to each other and we do not thirst for power and position, nor should we. MEK members sacrifice and pay the price. They are not seeking rewards, reciprocation, exploitation nor do they engage in parasitic behavior. This is why the Iranian people have come to trust the MEK. This is how the people’s trust which Khomeini and the inhuman mullahs destroyed is restored.
“Our rebellious friends and Ashrafis, those who have come a long way in the company of the MEK and sacrificed their lives and everything they had, understand these words with flesh and bone. From providing the expenses of this movement to moving past crises, storms, blows and conspiracies, Iranian communities across the world upheld the dignity and name of Iran and Iranians in different countries through their support, their protests, strikes and demonstrations. They awakened the conscience of humanity. They were the friends of the difficult days of siege, attacks and missiles. They took part in the movement that seeks justice for the martyrs by knocking on closed doors and opening the locks.”
The MEK’s Secretary General concluded by saying, “Owing to the sacrifices [of the MEK’s martyrs], today, the MEK is stronger, more solidified and more cohesive than ever before. It has become the beacon of hope for the Iranian people to overthrow the mullahs’ regime and establish freedom in our fettered nation.
“It is not without reason that the regime’s leaders constantly warn of the expansion of popular support for the MEK and the role played by the MEK’s Resistance Units in organizing the uprising and the anti-government protests. The mullahs know better than anyone else that they have been defeated in every aspect of the face-off against the MEK, and that the day is not far until the Iranian people will rise up and topple them. Indeed, the Iranian people and the Resistance, led by the MEK, will overthrow the regime and nothing can prevent that from coming into fruition.”
Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)—September 5, 2020
“The Shah, relying on his ruthless secret police, backed by world powers and superpowers, and clinging to his dream of a ‘great civilization,’ was finally toppled as a result of the Iranian people’s uprising,” said Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), at the beginning of her speech.
“By the same token, the mullahs will be overthrown by the Iranian people and the Iranian Resistance, the great army of freedom, even though they rely on their Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and despite their inhuman suppression and massacres while clinging to their dream of establishing an ‘Islamic caliphate,’” Madam Rajavi continued.
“What has stood fast, firm and proud, and will continue to do so, is the Iranian people’s Resistance for freedom, with the MEK at its epicenter.
“We honor the great founders of the MEK, Mohammad Hanifnejad, Saeed Mohsen, and Asghar Badizadegan who took the initiative for this historic breakthrough.
“How inspiring it is that Iranian Resistance leader Massoud Rajavi revived and revitalized this organization despite the crushing blows of two dictatorships, leading it to the pinnacle of its struggle against the reactionary mullahs.
“Even today, we see that the clerical regime is admitting it in a thousand different ways that its main problem is the structure of the PMOI/MEK. So, it must be obliterated and beheaded to guarantee the regime’s survival. This is the common goal pursued by all the regime’s mercenaries.
NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi attending alongside senior PMOI/MEK officials celebrating the organization’s 55th founding anniversary—September 5, 2020
“The uprisings in Iran since December 2017 up until now clearly demonstrate that the protests are the scene of public support for the views and policies of the PMOI/MEK, especially among the younger generation. They are also the venue for the PMOI/MEK to make progress and the place for increasing activities by Resistance Units.
“Today, Iran is plagued with poverty, repression and the coronavirus pandemic. Socio-economic gaps have never been wider. The suppressive machine does not stop for a moment in protecting the mullahs’ religious fascist regime. The regime’s judiciary has been handing down a barrage of death sentences.
“Inspired by the sacrifices of thousands of PMOI martyrs, upheavals and rebellions have been sprouting across Iran. Uprisings are on the horizon.
The Iranian society is in an explosive state. The rebels and protesters are waiting in the wings. Young people are the decisive force in this uprising. Rebellious youths open the way for the eruption of the great energy of the oppressed people.
“The people do not want anything from the regime, except its overthrow. They are not looking back to the past. They have set their sights on the future. They chant, ‘Death to the oppressor, whether it is the Shah or the (mullahs’ Supreme) Leader.’
“They have felt with their flesh and blood that the regime is incapable of reform and it must be overthrown in its entirety. Indeed, these are the policies and political demarcations that the NCRI has been representing since 1981. They confirm the authenticity of the PMOI’s path and long-time traditions marked in every step with the blood of more than 100,000 PMOI martyrs.
“The regime’s treatment of detained protesters is similar to what it has done since 1981 regarding PMOI/MEK members in its prisons and torture chambers.
“The accounts of tortures of Navid Afkari and his brothers, and the double execution and long prison sentences for them have shocked and outraged not only the people of Iran but the entire world.
PMOI/MEK celebrates 55th founding anniversary—September 5, 2020
“Another harrowing incident which deeply moved our nation last month was the image of the young son and daughter of Mostafa Salehi standing on both sides of the poster of their father who was recently executed.
“From Beirut to Basra, to Najaf and Karbala, the clerical regime is in a quagmire. Young people in Beirut chant: They must all leave! And the youths in Iraq set fire to the centers and headquarters of the mullahs’ evil regime and their mercenaries and cry out: Iran (regime) must leave!
“Yes, as the PMOI/MEK starts its 56th year of existence, the clerical regime is stuck at an impasse, and in the throes of political, economic and international crises.
“Khamenei is incapable of offering any change or opening to reduce the society’s discontent. The regime’s followers who dreamt of reforms are now seeing the nightmare of being overthrown. The followers and advocates of the clerical regime who hoped for the protest movement to die down, have now become disillusioned. Fear has switched sides. Today, the mullahs and their IRGC are trembling with fear.
“The tragic coronavirus pandemic has cast a dark shadow over our nation for the past seven months. Most conservative estimates indicate that there have been 100,000 fatalities in Iran.
“Khamenei, [regime President Hassan] Rouhani and the gangs ruling our country do not spend even a small portion of the hundreds of billions of dollars they have usurped from our nation. Khamenei and Rouhani seek to prevent their overthrow by creating a wave of human casualties.
“May the People’s Mojahedin of Iran – hand in hand with their beloved people — accomplish their great historic mandate and commitment, namely, overthrowing the ruling regime in its entirety and establishing freedom and popular sovereignty in Iran.
Resistance Units commemorate the MEK anniversary
Resistance Unit member in Iran marking the MEK’s 55th founding anniversary
Videos broadcast during the event featured Resistance Units from different cities across Iran celebrating the 55th anniversary of the MEK.
“I am a Mojahed, hail to the MEK,” one resistance unit member said.
Resistance Unit members in Iran marking the MEK’s 55th founding anniversary
“I will stay a Mojahed and fight like a Mojahed,” another said.
“Hail to the MEK,” many signs held by the Resistance Units read.
Resistance Unit member in Iran marking the MEK’s 55th founding anniversary
Iranian communities across the globe commemorate MEK’s 55th founding anniversary
Vida Niktalean, Architect, Women’s Association for Democracy in Iran, North Germany—September 5, 2020
The regime has ratcheted up pressure against prisoners arrested during the 2019 protests. Many of the protesters are under the threat of execution, inclugin Navid Afkari, a young wrestler. Mostafa Salehi, a worker, was executed last month, and the regime’s criminal judiciary has seized his home, driving his wife and children into homelessness.
This shows the regime is still terrified of the November uprising. This is why the MEK says we must sacrifice everything for freedom. This is the only way to free our people.
Hossein Yaghubi, Mechanical Engineer, Immigrant Convergence Association—September 5, 2020
The MEK for us is the intersection of freedom and patriotism. The regime and its allies can’t tolerate this organization, and this is why it resorts to terrorism and demonization. The regime resorts to all sorts of excuses to discredit the opposition movement.
Mehrdad Harsini, Foundation for Development and Democracy in the Middle East—September 5, 2020
The regime has seen strategic setbacks thanks to the efforts of the MEK. In every city of Iran, we’re seeing the people rise up against the regime. There’s also new momentum to impose sanctions against the regime. This has been a longstanding demand of the Iranian Resistance. Protecting the interests of the Iranian people is closely tied to the policies of the Iranian Resistance.
There’s a precedence for this. If it weren’t for the brave efforts of Massoud Rajavi, the regime would have killed millions of youth in the war with Iraq. If it wasn’t for the efforts of the MEK, the dictatorship ruling Iran would also be armed with a nuclear weapon.
Hail to Massoud Rajavi for his strategic perspective and devotion to freedom in Iran. The people of Iran don’t want war, repression, and terrorism. Iran will surely be freed with the Resistance Units and the Iranian Resistance.
Homeira Hesami, Iranian Community of Texas, Dallas—September 5, 2020
The truth is that no party other than the PMOI/MEK has strived to protect Iran’s resources and the rights of the Iranian people. Peace in the region and freedom for our people can only be guaranteed with the opposition movement.
The MEK is a treasure that belongs to all the Iranian people. The founders of the MEK discovered the science of the struggle for freedom and wrote it and taught it to others.
The mullahs are constantly calling on the MEK to give up their ideals and go after their lives. We supporters of the MEK also consider ourselves full-time devotees to this cause. This is why the regime constantly targets the MEK and their supporters.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Rajavi has laid out the solution: Disband the IRGC and use its enormous financial resources to support the people. Obviously, the regime will not do that because it knows that without its repressive IRGC, it will be quickly swept away by the people.
Soulmaz Abu Ali, PhD in International Relations, Professor George Mason University, Iranian Community in Virginia—September 5, 2020
I left Iran when I was very young. We had to leave the country because my parents were supporters of the MEK. The MEK deeply believes in their ideals, and gender equality. The democratic Islam of the MEK is totally different from the fundamentalist views of the mullahs. They represent Maryam Rajavi’s ten-point plan. They believe in free elections, freedom of women, abolishment of the death penalty, and a non-nuclear Iran.
The MEK have put aside everything for the freedom of the Iranian people. The sacrifices they have made, the pressure they have endured, all this persistence is due to their faith to freedom in Iran.
Is there anyone else who is so devoted? Our country is thirsty for freedom. We will take back our country from the criminal mullahs.
Kazem Kazerunian, Mechanical Engineer, Professor at the University of Connecticut and Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering, Iranian Community of Connecticut—September 5, 2020
The MEK is the most revered national treasure of our people. The mullahs stole the 1979 revolution to establish one of the worst dictatorships in contemporary history. If this resistance movement did not exist, where would Iran stand today? How could we lift our heads as Iranians?
We can only appreciate the MEK if we consider for a minute what would happen if they did not exist. They have established human values such as working together, sacrificing everything, and devoting their lives to freedom.
The regime is trying to cause despair among the people. But the Resistance Units, through their efforts, are keeping the flame of resistance alive.
Ahmad Moeinmanesh, Senior Electronic Test Engineer, Executive Director of Iranian American Community of Northern California—September 5, 2020
Massoud Rajavi once said that freedom will not be given to us for free. We must pay the price. He is the prime example of who has paid the price of freedom in full. He has not backed down on the rights of the Iranian people one bit. This is why the regime and its allies have such enmity towards him.
It has been 40 years that the MEK have single handedly continued the resistance and struggle for freedom against the regime. They have set an example for all the people.
Hanifeh Khayeri, Researcher, Iran Human Rights Foundation—September 5, 2020
My mother was a member of the MEK. She died during the NLA’s Operation Eternal Light in 1988. I support this organization because it has values that are found nowhere else. They have all gathered for a common cause: freedom for the people of Iran. I haven’t seen similar potential anywhere else in the world.
We are all on the same path. Iran is one of several dictatorships in the world. But the Iranian people have an organized opposition movement that has stood for 55 years and has only grown stronger and firmer in their ideals.
Behrooz Partovi, Iranian Kurdish activist—September 5, 2020
The MEK is the result of several generations of resistance and struggle for freedom in Iran. The founders of MEK established a movement that has shown its righteousness throughout the decades. The MEK has relied on the Iranian people to stand against the mullahs’ regime. They did not bow down to the mullahs. They protected the rights of the people at the price of being beaten, imprisoned, and tortured by the regime’s thugs.
They continued their resistance after the regime opened fire on their peaceful demonstrations and launched a wave of slaughter. Anyone who is serious about fighting against the Iranian regime will align with MEK and the NCRI.
Hossein Pishkar, Communications Engineer, Association of Professionals in Southern Sweden—September 5, 2020
The situation in Iran is ready for a revolution and the overthrow of the regime. The society is in an explosive state. The people have made it clear in their slogans that they want to topple the regime. This confirms the MEK strategy and the role of the Resistance Units for the overthrow of the regime.
The role of the MEK in the past four decades in the struggle against the regime is unrivaled. The MEK has gone through the most difficult trials and tribulations but they have not backed down from the rights of their people.
The MEK continues to pay the price for the freedom of the Iranian people, and this is why the people trust them. It is the persistence of the MEK on their principles and ideals that give me and other Iranians confidence that they are truly devoted to bringing freedom and equality to Iran.
Fereydoon Anusheh, Poet, Sweden—September 5, 2020
The MEK is the main force of resistance against the mullahs’ regime. Every noble Iranian knows this and appreciates the value of this resistance movement. The NCRI is the sole alternative of the Iranian regime. Resistance Units have bravely paved the way for nationwide protests and are the torchbearers of resistance against the regime inside Iran. It is the duty of every noble Iranian to support the Resistance Units and their leading organization, the MEK.
Hassan Zabeti, British-Iranian Businessmen Association – London—September 5, 2020
Massoud Rajavi has been steadfast in his goal for freedom in Iran. This is why the regime hates him so much and the members and supporters of MEK love him.
I have always been witness to the financial support the people of Iran have bestowed on the MEK. Nowhere in the world do people trust an organization like the people of Iran trust the MEK.
I know businessmen, engineers, employees, and others, who devote their entire income to the cause of the MEK. They do so because they know the MEK wants nothing for themselves. They’re not corrupt. Everything they have is for the fight for the freedom of the people of Iran.
Nowhere in the world will you find such an organized movement. And this is what makes us confident and hopeful for freedom in Iran. Of course, the regime does not understand this because it is corrupt to the core.
Reza Rahmani, former political prisoner, Association for the Support of Political Prisoners in Iran—September 5, 2020
I am a supporter of the MEK. I spent five years in prison in the 1980s because I was a supporter of the MEK. I witnessed the resistance of MEK members inside the prisons and under torture. The MEK is in complete contrast to everything the Iranian regime stands for.
While Khomeini tried to spread despair across Iran, the MEK gave rise to a brave generation who stood up for freedom and did not hesitate to sacrifice everything for their people.
What gave us hope and strength in the regime’s prisons were the teachings of Massoud Rajavi. We know that the MEK want nothing for themselves. They want everything for their people. And this is why they have stayed strong throughout the years.
Jamshid Peyman, Poet, Austria—September 5, 2020
The MEK is an organization that has risen above hundreds of movements to struggle against the Iranian regime. They are devoted to independence, democracy and human rights. In its faceoff against the mullahs’ regime, it is without a doubt more serious than any other organization or movement. They have made sacrifices that are unprecedented in the history of Iran.
Today, we see the reflection of this organization in the nationwide resistance inside Iran. This organization has been subject to all sorts of conspiracies and attacks by the regime and its allies.
After the 1979 revolution, if the MEK had not stood up against the mullahs’ regime and had not paid the price of their struggle, today, the people of Iran would not be marching toward their victory against the mullahs.
Azadeh Alami, Accountant, Spokeswoman for the Iranian community in France—September 5, 2020
My uncle and his pregnant wife were killed by the mullahs’ regime. As a three-year-old kid, I witnessed the torture and pain of MEK members and supporters in Iran. That is how I came to know the MEK, and this is why I continue to support them today.
The ideals of the founders of MEK have continued to grow until today, and we see this growth in Ashraf 3. The MEK has given rise to a generation of women who have become leaders in the struggle against the Iranian regime. They are the antithesis of the misogynist nature of the regime. Today, women are at the forefront of the fight against the religious fascism ruling Iran, at the helm of the greatest and most organized opposition movement.
The regime’s propaganda against the MEK only strengthens our faith in them.
Zohreh Bijanyar, Iranian Women Association in Paris—September 5, 2020
My sister Zahra was an MEK member. She was murdered by the regime during the 1988 massacre. The MEK presents a new way of thinking about life and the world. We can see the righteousness of their path in the people who continue their struggle and do not give in to the darkness of the mullahs’ regime.
I salute the leadership of the MEK for remaining true to their principles and defending the rights of the Iranian people.
Amir Taraj, IT specialist, Iranian-French Association for Democracy and Laicism—September 5, 2020
As the MEK continues to grow, the Iranian regime is faced with setbacks and deadlocks on different fronts. Its biggest problem is the brave Resistance Units who have kept the flame of protests and uprising alive across Iran.
Afsaneh Najib, G.P, Head of the Association of Iranian Democratic Women in Belgium—September 5, 2020
The MEK have set an example of remaining true to one’s principles and sacrificing everything for freedom. Iran’s freedom movement owes a lot to the MEK and its founders. This organization is the bulwark of freedom against the regime’s tyranny.
The MEK has placed women at the forefront of the struggle for freedom. They represent equal rights for all Iranians regardless of their gender, ethnicity, and faith.
This organization is the longest standing movement that strives for establishing a democratic state in Iran.
Soroush Abutalebi – Computer Management student, Democratic Association of Iranian Students in Belgium—September 5, 2020
The MEK makes the impossible possible, and they have proved this throughout their history. Had it not been for the MEK and the Resistance Units, the regime would have stabilized their hold on power. The MEK gives hope to everyone that freedom is possible in Iran, and that the future Iran will be an example for the entire world.
The youth are drawn to the honesty and sincerity of the MEK. This is why they choose the MEK.
Gholam Vakili, Electrical technician, Switzerland—September 5, 2020
The regime claims that the MEK has no support in Iran. If they don’t have support, then why are you so furious that a TV channel broadcasts a portion of their event? Why have you produced 32 films and TV series to defame them in the past two years alone?
Regime officials are acknowledging that the MEK are a threat to their rule. The hundreds of books, films and other things they have created against the MEK only displays their fear of the Iranian Resistance.
I would also like to pay homage to Dr. Kazem Rajavi, who wrote the history of human rights with his blood. His case will not be closed until his murderers are brought to justice.
Neda Amani, athlete, Iranian Youth Association in Switzerland—September 5, 2020
I am a football coach. I hope to one day help the women of my country reach the gold medal. I’ve spent my entire life in Switzerland, but I can’t stop thinking about the youth in my country. Before I was born, a noble man, Dr. Kazem Rajavi, was killed in this country for being the voice of the oppressed people of Iran. The regime thought that by killing Dr. Kazem, they would shut the voice of freedom in Iran. But today, the entire country has risen against the mullahs.
We will continue to be the voice of our people and the Resistance Units. These days, we are raising our voices for Navid Afkari, and we will do everything we can to save his life.
Ahmad Hassani, Mechanical Engineer, Democratic Iran Association, Canada—September 5, 2020
My brother died in the 1988 massacre at the age of 26 because he was a supporter of the MEK. Today, the Resistance Units continue his path.
The regime and its agents will not be able to destroy the image of this resistance movement. They will be held to account for your crimes.
Fereshteh Daneshvar, Accountant, Saba Association, Canada—September 5, 2020
There’s only one organization that is seriously engaged in the struggle for freedom in Iran. It is the MEK. After the revolution, the regime tried to recruit my brother, who was an MEK supporter, by promising him power and wealth. My brother turned them down and said that the MEK does not want power. They want freedom. And the MEK have proven this in their history. And they will one day become victorious and bring freedom to Iran.
Shahram Golestaneh, Electronics Engineer, Democratic Iran Association, Canada—September 5, 2020
These days, the Iranian regime, which is struggling with its crises, is resorting to any means to attack the MEK. Its efforts are focused on terrorism and demonization campaigns. Its terror plots have been foiled and its terrorist agent Assadollah Assadi is now on trial for his involvement in a failed terror attempt.
Its demonization campaign is focused on the organized structure of this movement. They use all sorts of labels to defame this organization. Everyone sees that the key to this movement’s success is its organized structure. The latest instance of this success was the recent Free Iran conference, which was held online this year. Such an enormous conference could not be held without having an organized movement.
The regime’s efforts are futile. I and other Iranians see it our responsibility to defend the MEK.
Ali Fatemi, CAD/CAM dentistry, Iranian Youth Association in Luxemburg—September 5, 2020
The people of Iran draw strength and hope from the MEK. Khamenei himself has acknowledged the role of MEK inside Iran.
The MEK is the voice of the Iranian people, which relentlessly struggles for freedom. Anyone who is serious in bringing freedom to Iran will find themselves at the sides of the MEK. The best decision I made in my life was to support the MEK. This is my honor.
Ehsan Ayatollahi, Insurance expert, Human Rights Association for Victims of Fundamentalism—September 5, 2020
The real democratic Islam of the MEK is terrifying for both the Shah and the mullahs’ regime. Today, the regime’s front organizations that pose as oppositions try to attack the MEK’s ideology and interpretation of Islam. But there is no other movement that believes in secularism as much as the MEK.
Roxanna Sadeghpour, student, Australia—September 5, 2020
I was never in Iran, but my heart is with my people and I wish to see them one day. I know that the MEK fights for freedom and human values. They have sacrificed all they have to bring freedom to their people. I’m honored as an Iranian that we have an organization like the MEK, and this ensures that we will one day have freedom in our country.
Nathalie Azaly, Iranian Kurdish activist—September 5, 2020
The MEK have shown they are defenders of the rights of minorities. Even after the 2017 earthquake in Kermanshah, it was the MEK’s Resistance Units who went to help the people.
I’m sure that the people of Iran will one day achieve freedom with the help of the MEK and Resistance Units.
The Kurd people, who have been oppressed under the Shah and mullahs’ regimes will become free with the rest of the people.
Ghazal Afshar, interpreter, Iranian Specialists and Graduates in Italy—September 5, 2020
My mother is in Ashraf 3, and my father was killed by the regime when I was very young. I am not a supporter of the MEK just because my parents are members of the organization. I was inspired by the many people like my parents, who gave up their personal lives to fight for the rights of their people. They made their choice because they wanted millions of children to have the same opportunity that I have.
Yousef Lesani, Pharmacist, Free and Democratic Iran Association in Turin—September 5, 2020
The MEK will never allow the mullahs’ spread of their deceptive propaganda. The regime refused to provide even the slightest support for the Iranian people. As Mr. Rajavi has said, the IRGC should be dismantled and their budget used to provide help for the Iranian people. If we eliminate the MEK from Iran’s political scene, we would realize what devastation the mullahs would bring to Iran.
Virginia Peeshbeen, Physician, Italy—September 5, 2020
As a doctor, I want to express my solidarity with the medical staff of Iran in their efforts to counter the pandemic. To the youth of Iran, who continue their brave struggle against the regime despite repression, I salute you and thank you for all you’re doing.
Sana Sotudeh, Bachelor of Social Work, Youth Uprising Support Association, Norway—September 5, 2020
I became a supporter of the MEK after studying their history and working with them. I was especially inspired by their perspective on the role of women. In MEK, women are in leadership roles. The MEK has proven that women have the power to lead and will change the world.
Behrouz Maghsoudi, Oil Engineer, Iranian Students and Alumni Association Residing in Norway—September 5, 2020
The regime refrains from no crimes to maintain their hold on power. But Iran is not represented by the regime. It is symbolized in the MEK, in the Resistance Units, the uprisings, and the rebellious youth who continue the struggle for freedom.
Fatemeh Sarhadi, Laboratory Science Specialist, Association for Human Rights and Democracy—September 5, 2020
I come from the province of Sistan and Baluchestan, whose people are under extreme poverty and repression by the regime. My people don’t have water to drink. I have always been looking for an organization that would defend the rights of my people. My relationship with the MEK did not begin in friendship. I had many questions. But as I asked and learned and came to respect their ideals, the sacrifices they have made and the struggle they lead. As an Iranian Baluch, I’m proud to be a supporter of MEK.
Ali Parsa, University Professor, Iranian Community of Southern California—September 5, 2020
The NCRI and the MEK believe in a secular government. The MEK’s interpretation of Islam is in total opposition of that of the Iranian regime. They are peaceful, they believe in unity, contrary to the regime’s of the Shah and the mullahs. They believe in a pluralistic society, where the ballot box speaks for the people.
Farideh Sedighi, Computer Engineer, Iranian Community of Northern California—September 5, 2020
One memory that stands in my mind is when Khomeini’s regime began imposing the forced veiling rules on Iranian women. I witnessed female MEK members, who were Muslim, line up and defend women who did not want to wear the regime-imposed veil. Today, a woman stands at the forefront of the MEK’s struggle for freedom. Those who label the MEK and attack their ideology are either in league with the regime or totally ignorant.
Reza Sami, PhD in Oil, Iranian Community of Virginia—September 5, 2020
Today, we are witness to the brave activities of the Resistance Units inside Iran. We are honored to be supporters of the most organized resistance movement of Iran. As Madam Rajavi has said, we have everything to establish freedom for our people in Iran.
Zari Kazemi, Budget manager, Saba – Iranian Women’s Association in Frankfurt—September 5, 2020
The women of the MEK are at the forefront of the struggle against the mullahs’ regime. They have proven that Madam Rajavi’s “we can and we must” is not just a slogan. It is the key to victory. The regime goes the distance in attempting to demonize the MEK and to frighten the people of Iran of the MEK’s belief in Islam. But the sacrifices the MEK have made throughout the years are proof of their sincerity in their goal. It is our belief in freedom that brings us together.
Hanif Mahoutchian, law student, Youth Association, Germany—September 5, 2020
Thirty-two years after the 1988 massacre, the name of the MEK is still cried out in the streets of Iran, and Iranian youth continue to join the MEK. Eleven years after the all-out siege against Camp Ashraf, today, we are seeing the establishment of Ashraf 3. In the harsh days, when no one thought MEK would survive its many trials and tribulations, the MEK relied and continued to stand on its ideals and principles, and the organization is stronger than ever today.
Hamid Moaser, Union of Iranian Communities in Germany—September 5, 2020
Today, the name of the MEK is being sung across the globe. The MEK rejuvenates every day and grows stronger than ever before. I am hopeful that today, every member of this organization continues the path of all the martyrs of the MEK.
The joint statement of Iranian communities around the world read in part:
“During the uprisings of 2017, as well as in November 2019 and January 2020, the Iranian people expressed their desire to overthrow the regime with the slogans” Death to Khamenei, Rouhani “,” Reformist, principlist, the game is over “and” Death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the leader,”. In the November 2019 uprising alone, the Revolutionary Guards martyred more than 1,500 young people. This is the continuation of 120,000 political executions by the clerical regime. The Iranian people have also openly expressed their opposition to the export of terrorism and incitement to war, with the slogans “Leave Syria, think about us” and “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, I sacrifice my life for Iran.” These interventions are part of the regime’s strategy for survival, which costs billions of dollars every year and causes more poverty, unemployment, and inflation among the people, more than half of whom live below the poverty line.”
55th anniversary of PMOI/MEK’s founding
The statement of the Iranian community concluded that “the ultimate solution to the Iranian crisis is the overthrow of the clerical regime by the Iranian people and the Iranian resistance. The international community must recognize the right of the Iranian people to fight against religious fascism and to establish democracy and the rule of the people in Iran. Supporting the MEK and MEK’s Resistance Units that have worked hard to change the regime is the national duty of anyone who is committed to the freedom of Iran. The ten-point plan of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance, for future Iran, based on a pluralistic republic based on the separation of religion and state, equality of men and women, freedom of expression and belief, equality and rights of all nationalities and followers of all religions and non-nuclear Iran emphasizes the guarantee of democracy in Iran and peace and friendship in the region and the world.”
