A conference hosted by the Iranian resistance in Paris on July 2 aimed at denouncing the Iranian regime’s role in causing sectarian tension in the Middle East region and presenting a solution to the multitude of crises that plague the region. Titled “Democratic and Tolerant Islam vs. Fundamentalist, Religious Dictatorship,” the conference was attended by hundreds of Muslim dignitaries and politicians from various countries across the globe.
Maryam Rajavi addresses audience in Ramadan Gathering in Paris 2015
Speaking at the event, Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi described the situation in the Middle East as “burning in the fire of terrorism and war, as a result of the medieval savagery the fundamentalist forces have imposed on the region in the guise of Islam.”
Mrs. Rajavi named Iran as a stark example where “the ruling mullahs have enchained the nation by unremitting executions, torture of prisoners, amputation of limbs, gouging of eyes, acid attacks on women.” Rajavi drew an analogy between the Iranian regime, ISIS and other extremist groups which share similar traits, including imposing religion by force, establishing tyranny under the name of god, and resorting to terrorism and expansionism under religious pretexts.
Reciting verses from the Quran, Rajavi reminded the audience that Islam explicitly asserts there is no compulsion in religion, and in contrary to the interpretation put forth by fundamentalists, it is a religion of peace, tolerance and mercy.
An end to the bloodletting in the Middle East, Rajavi stipulated, lies in firm solidarity against the Iranian regime and its accomplices and proxies, such as the Assad regime in Syria and Shiite militias in Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. “The solution lies in the eviction of [the Iranian] regime and in toppling the Caliph of regression and terrorism in Iran,” she said.
Rajavi’s statements were well received by other speakers at the event. “The mullahs’ regime in Iran is the basis of terrorism and fundamentalism,” said former Palestinian Chief of Justice Sheikh Taysir al-Tamimi, former Chief Justice of Palestine. “All of the crises in the region come from one root: the regime of the mullahs in Iran. The regime in Iran is now meddling and killing people in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.”
Former Algerian Prime Minister Sid Ahmed Ghozali reiterated his support for the goals of Mrs. Rajavi and the Iranian resistance and called on the international community to address the situation in Camp Liberty, where members of the Iranian resistance are living under harsh, prison-like conditions. “Since 2009 when US forces left Iraq,” Ghozali said, “the members of the Iranian Resistance faced pressure and attacks both at Camp Ashraf and later in Camp Liberty. The international community must protect these courageous people in Camp Liberty.”
The conference was held on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, where Muslims fast for an entire month during daytime.