Portuguese MEP Leads Roundtable Discussion on Iran at European Parliament
eu parliament round table portuguese mp
Written by
Shamsi Saadati
In a gathering at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Francesco Guarnieri, a representative from the Green Party in Portugal, organized a roundtable focused on Iran and the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and democracy. The event saw the participation of several representatives from Iranian youth associations across European countries.
MEP Guarnieri emphasized the dire situation of Iranian youth and their fight for freedom. He criticized the increasing executions in Iran and the regime’s destabilizing role in the Middle East. MEP Guarnieri stressed that toppling the religious dictatorship in Iran and establishing a democratic republic based on the separation of religion and state remains the only solution to the crises initiated by the current religious dictatorship.
You can now watch the debate I had with the Iranian Resistance activists about "Iranian Youth and the Path to Freedom" 🇮🇷🇪🇺
See everything on my YouTube channel here ⬇️https://t.co/59AvZ647Xh pic.twitter.com/mlMZHxh9kz
— Francisco Guerreiro 🇵🇹 🇪🇺 (@FGuerreiroMEP) February 15, 2024
Guarnieri expressed deep concern regarding the increasing number of executions in Iran and the instability in the Middle East. He remarked on the admirable courage demonstrated by those engaged in the struggle for democratic change in Iran, highlighting the significance of their efforts.
Furthermore, the MEP underscored the importance of an organized opposition against the ruling regime in Iran and expressed support for the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan for Iran’s future. He also emphasized the significance of women in leadership roles within the movement for democratic change.
Neda Amani, representing Iranian youth associations in Switzerland, highlighted the ongoing struggles of Iranian youth and women despite limited media coverage. She emphasized the pivotal role of women in recent uprisings, stating that their leadership is a reflection of their active involvement in the quest for freedom.
Dr. Virginia Pishbin, an Iranian youth association member from Italy, pointed out the alarming increase in executions in Iran, particularly in the aftermath of regional tensions. She criticized the regime’s use of executions to suppress dissent and divert attention from internal unrest.
Today I welcomed several Iranian Resistance activists to the @EuropeanParliament for a crucial discussion on "Iranian Youth and the Path to Freedom" 🇮🇷 🇪🇺
We'll share the full conversation soon, stay tuned ‼️ pic.twitter.com/sRQ72Z05hw
— Francisco Guerreiro 🇵🇹 🇪🇺 (@FGuerreiroMEP) February 14, 2024
Dr. Pishbin highlighted the significance of the 1988 massacre, during which thousands of political prisoners, including many women, were executed by the regime. She emphasized the urgent need for international action to address human rights abuses in Iran.
Mousa Touhidi, representing the Iranian Youth Association from Germany, emphasized the people’s resistance as the greatest threat to the current regime. He criticized Western appeasement policies towards Iran and called for prioritizing human rights over economic interests.
Touhidi stressed the imperative of listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and urged Europe to reassess its economic dealings with the Iranian regime in light of human rights violations.
The roundtable discussion highlighted the determination of the Iranian youth and the urgent need for international support to bring about democratic change in Iran. As the regime’s oppressive measures intensify, the voices of dissent within Iran and abroad grow stronger, underscoring the regime’s vulnerability amidst internal and external challenges.
Our Members Vida, Moussa, Neda, Virginia and Farbod joined a very interesting discussion with Mr. Guerreiro in the EU Parliament on the topic: “Iranian Youth and the Path to Freedom”.
Make sure to tune in! #FreeIran2024 https://t.co/Oa0wEmoA0P https://t.co/MjeU5rrSm6 pic.twitter.com/D8b980VhYK
— Forum of Youth for a Democratic Republic in Iran (@FYDRIran) February 15, 2024