Thousands of NCRI supporters rallied in Paris on February 8, 2025, to mark the 46th anniversary of Iran’s 1979 revolution and call for the downfall of the ruling theocracy. Demonstrators carried banners rejecting both monarchical and clerical rule, advocating for a democratic alternative. The event honored fallen freedom fighters and emphasized continued resistance against dictatorship.
Maryam Rajavi, NCRI’s President-elect, delivered the keynote speech, declaring that Iran’s regime is at its weakest. She reaffirmed NCRI’s commitment to a democratic republic, gender equality, and secular governance, urging world powers to support the Iranian people instead of engaging with Tehran.
Former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt called for an end to the appeasement policy, reimposing UN sanctions, designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and recognizing the NCRI as Iran’s legitimate representative. Jean-François Legaret, former mayor of Paris’s 1st district, highlighted the regime’s vulnerability and supported Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for democracy. Ingrid Betancourt, former Colombian senator, condemned Iran’s human rights abuses and hostage-taking.
French MP Christine Arrighi noted that dictatorships inevitably collapse and praised Iran’s democratic opposition. Jacques Boutault, Deputy Mayor of Paris Centre, denounced Iran’s execution rate and supported Rajavi’s anti-death penalty stance. Zinat Mirhashemi, an NCRI member, reaffirmed the people’s right to resist oppression. Kak Baba Sheikh Hosseini, representing Iranian Kurdistan, emphasized Kurdish solidarity with the resistance.
In a video message, Colonel Riad al-Asaad, founder of the Free Syrian Army, expressed support for the Iranian people, drawing parallels between Syria’s and Iran’s struggles. Mahnaz Salimian, NCRI’s Senior Secretary, declared that the regime is internally fractured and nearing collapse.
Several NCRI supporters, including Rebecca Malihi, Arash Marandi, Dr. Sina Dashti, Milica Javdan, and Mona Forouzandeh, echoed calls for revolution and honored the sacrifices of young resistance fighters. Arvin Habibi praised the dedication of NCRI activists and dismissed alternative movements that sought to derail the revolution.
The rally reinforced a unified demand for regime change in Iran, emphasizing democratic governance and international support for the NCRI’s cause.
