The three-day Free Iran World Summit 2021 convened from Saturday, July 10, to July 12, 2021. The event entitled, “The Democratic Alternative on March to Victory,” connected members of the Iranian diaspora and supporters of the Iranian Resistance live from 50,000 locations in 105 countries and thousands of members of the main Iranian opposition, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), at Ashraf 3 in Albania.
Moreover, 1,029 political dignitaries from around the world, including 11 former prime ministers and 70 former ministers from Europe, North America, and the Middle East, as well as 30 prominent U.S. senators and members of the House of Representatives from both Democratic and Republican parties attended this global summit, some of whom addressed the gathering.15 European, Canadian, and Australian, and eight Arab parliamentary delegations also addressed the summit.
Simultaneously, thousands of Iranians assembled in Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate and 16 other capitals and cities, including Paris, Washington, London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Oslo, Vienna, Rome, and Geneva. The rallies were live-streamed simultaneous with the Free Iran Summit.
The summit opened every day with a keynote speech by the NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi addressing the status of the clerical regime and the Iranian Resistance, the regime’s nuclear threat, and the need to investigate the crimes of the regime’s leaders.
Following are excerpts of speeches by some of the world’s most prominent women who addressed the Free Iran World Summit 2021, listed in alphabetic order.
Michèle Alliot-Marie
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Justice and Home Affairs – France
I begin with my sincere salutes to Maryam Rajavi. Madam President, I would like to thank you for inviting me once again to your grant annual gathering.
I believe that it is very important for us at this juncture to be able to continue our relations and exchange views about what is happening in the world. The world is constantly getting more complicated. It does need personalities like Maryam Rajavi, who is committed to human rights, democratic values, separation of church and state, and women’s rights.
There are values that are universal. Among these values is democracy. These values include respect for the rights and equality of women, respect for freedom of speech, respect for the opposition. Today, all of these values have been diminished (in Iran). The widespread abstention of the public (from participating in the presidential election) showed that Iranian women and men are fed up. It further shows that Iran must change.
Dominique Attias
President of European Law Society Federation President of European as of March 2021; former vice-batonniere of Paris from January 2016; recipient of France’s Légion d’Honneur in 2011
A mass murderer is going to be at the helm of the great country of Iran. His hands are stained with the blood of thousands of women, men, and children who were mercilessly executed while he was Tehran’s deputy prosecutor. This happened in the summer of 1988. There have been no serious international condemnations since that disastrous summer.
European lawyers cannot remain silent because, with our silence, we would be their accomplices. The time has come more than ever for the European Union to end its deafening silence.
Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH)
Former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (2011-2017), the 27th Attorney General of New Hampshire – U.S.
We know that Raisi was hand-picked by the supreme leader and his henchmen. He has a long history of violating human rights. He was involved in the murder of over 30,000 political prisoners. His victims were tortured, raped, murdered, and discarded in unmarked graves where their family members could never even have properly buried them or know where they are. Truly disturbing!
The United Nations should investigate these murders. And should not give any legitimacy to the presidency of Ebrahim Raisi. But we know fortunately that there is an alternative, and there is hope for the Iranian people. Mrs. Rajavi and the NCRI have a 10-point-plan that envisions a peaceful future for Iran. A democratic future for Iran.
I call on President Biden to reject any appeasement of the supreme leader Khamenei or the newly elected president in Iran. It’s time to re-impose tougher sanctions on Iran. We should not re-enter the weak JCPOA. It is clear that it is time to fully support the Iranian people and to stand with the NCRI.
Baroness Betty Boothroyd
Speaker of the UK House of Commons (1992-2000)
We gather at a critical and decisive time in Iran’s history… The people of Iran have no civil liberty. They were not given a choice. But they made their choice very clear indeed. When the time came, their choice was a resounding national boycott of the regime’s phony election. I say well done, my friends in Iran. As my friend Maryam said, the people showed to the Iranian dictators and to the world that they want real change, genuine change, and not a masquerade of statesmen.
We are reminded especially today of Madam Rajavi’s 10-point Plan for the future of Iran, which encompasses the democratic aspirations of the people and guarantees the realization of their long-standing desire for civil liberty and for the democratic process.
It is no coincidence that women of all ages are in the vanguard of this popular resistance movement against the regime. I admire the role that women are taking and the courage they demonstrate in so doing. For world leaders and the international community, this summit with thousands in attendance reflects only a small portion of the strong support the NCRI and its president has among the Iranian people and worldwide.
My friends, the time has come to recognize this democratic alternative and popular movement as it marches to victory for a free Iran.
Donna Brazile
Chair of the Democratic National Committee (2016-2017) – US
Today I join you in solidarity. And it’s the 40th anniversary of the founding of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. Let’s give a round of applause for 40 years of survival. And for the leadership of the president-elect, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi.
The struggle for self-determination, equality, and human rights is often hard and always long. Never give up, never give up. You should never forget that when you are on the side of universal equality, that you are on the side of truth. I want you to know personally that this daughter of the south, this former chair of the Democratic National Party, this woman who continues to believe in justice and equality, that I am with you. And the voices of fellow Americans are with you. And we will draw inspiration from your courage and your persistence, and we will stand with you, and we will be with you, that day that we can gather in that square.
Candice Bergen
MP, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party – Canada
I’m the deputy leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, and I’m here to lend our support to the great movement for freedom in Iran. Canada’s conservatives support your desire and the work that you’re doing.
In fact, we have put forward a motion in the Parliament in Canada to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity.
Only 10% of Iranians showed up for this so-called election which put in power one of the most horrific and violent men that even Amnesty International has described as a butcher.
The people of Iran deserve freedom. They deserve equality. They deserve the opportunity, and that horrible regime in Iran needs to be taken down, so we support you.
Ingrid Betancourt
Former senator and presidential candidate – Columbia
As I observe you all, especially Maryam Rajavi, her attitude, behavior, and resolve, I am struck and moved by the contrast and significance between this woman, a truly exceptional leader, hoisting the flag of courage and determination, the flag of resistance and democracy, of human rights, of the rule of law and gender equality, and this other man, Ebrahim Raisi, the officially designated president of Iran coming into power after a sham election and ridiculed by the lowest turnout on record, an election conducted under extreme repression in which women, religious minorities, and opponents were deprived of running for office. An election where citizens were intimidated and journalists were arrested to prevent them from informing about this man, the former head of the Iranian Judiciary, also known as “the butcher” for his crimes against humanity, the mass murders since 1988 continued until today, the forced disappearances, and the tortures…
No matter the mask they choose to wear, Ahmadinejad, Rouhani, Raisi, are all one and the same. They are all part of this blood-thirsty monster sitting in history with contempt for the values we share…
But they know they won’t prevail. The end is here, and it has a name and face. The name is the name of every Ashrafi, and the face is the face of you, Maryam Rajavi. It is because of the example of your resilience and determination that young people in Iran are daring to defy this homicidal regime…
It is because young Iranians know this that they are following you. It is because the face of the woman who has suffered and does not give up represents the strength and the good in sheer contrast to the evil faces of the mullahs that Iranians are envisioning today the end of their nightmare.
Because of you, Ashrafis, that people in all the different regions of Iran are organizing themselves. They want to be ready for the transition to democracy Maryam Rajavi has promised them.
The sacrifices each of you have made, every drop of blood and sweat, every expression of hope and affection, every single effort you have accomplished to survive has brought fruits. Nothing is lost. Every word is blooming. You are the end of tyranny.
Each one of you is the key to freedom… We are here knowing that you are irreplaceable and indispensable for the survival of Iran. With our admiration and faith in your triumph, we want to magnify your achievements, honor your heroic choice, and stand by you because this is the time to march forward at the pace of victory until you win.
Anna Bonfrisco
MEP from Italy, Member of Foreign Affairs Committee
I am speaking as a member of the European Parliament and a member of its Foreign Affairs Committee, in support of the Iranian people, and particularly the women of Iran, who have been subjected to the worst suppression and inequality for more than four decades under the rule of a backward, bloodletting regime. Unacceptable gender discrimination in law, in practice, and their views have stripped women and girls of their dignity and deprived them of the opportunity for social participation and assistance.
Nevertheless, the brave women of Iran and the mothers of victims of the November 2019 uprising played a central role in the campaign to boycott the regime’s elections.
As a member of the European Parliament and as a European citizen, I ask the high representative and heads of democratic states in Europe how could they recognize Raisi’s presidency? How could they accept someone as a political leader who has issued death decrees?
In the negotiations with the representatives of such a regime, what remains for the European Union is to decisively and fearlessly condemn and end the talks.
It is imperative to end the regime’s impunity and prosecute the perpetrators for their flagrant violations of human rights and crimes against humanity, as well as for their use and export of the most violent forms of terrorism so that the people of Iran would enjoy well-being and more resources in the future.
I want to assure Madam Rajavi, the leader of the Iranian Resistance, and all the mothers whose children have been taken away from them too soon that you have my strong support.
Maria Candida Almeida
First female Magistrate of Portugal, Attorney General of Portugal until 2015, Deputy Attorney General 2019
I’ve served my country, Portugal, as a Public Prosecutor for 45 years. I am proud to participate in your conferences, seminars, and meetings because I always learn something fundamental to people’s lives.
Your struggle for freedom, democracy, and human rights is, for me, a lesson of resistance, dedication, like, and love for others and your homeland.
Mrs. Rajavi is an inspiration to me! A fighter for freedom, an outstanding and brave woman dedicates her life to her country, fighting for men’s and women’s fundamental rights.
Linda Chavez
Former director of the Office of Public Liaison and Chair of the Center for Equal Opportunity – U.S.
I think it’s important to understand that Iran does not just persecute its own people within its own borders, but its reach goes global. They are on the assault constantly to try to keep those who want to bring democracy to Iran in check.
We heard from General Jones and from others throughout the day of the incredible consequence of a sham election this year in Iran in which an actual butcher was elected. This is not a man whose hands are dipped in blood; this is a man whose whole body has been dipped in the blood of martyrs for freedom in Iran. He is not somebody that reasonable governments, that democratic governments should deal with. This is not someone who is a representative of the people of Iran. He is simply a representative of the mullahs and their ironclad control.
I would say the time is now for those who support freedom and democracy in Iran to rise up, to make their voices heard, and for those of us in the West who already enjoy those freedoms to stand with those who are in fact the beacons of freedom for the people of Iran.
Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA)
Member of the House Ways and Means committee – U.S.
I was so proud to be a cosponsor of house resolution 118. This critical resolution condemns Iranian state sponsor terrorist attacks and expresses support for the people of Iran who are engaged in legitimate and peaceful protest against the Iranian regime. I am proud that this resolution has 246 bipartisan cosponsors already, which is the majority of the house of representatives.
Having such a large bipartisan bill condemning the Iranian government’s support for terrorism sends a clear signal to the people of Iran that they are not alone. That message is especially important now as one of Iran’s most brutal killers, Ebrahim Raisi, was just elected president in an election that was neither fair nor free. The Iranian people deserve to be free from the harsh and violent rule of Iran’s mullahs. And the world deserves to feel safe from Iranian support for terror and violence.
Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN)
Member of the House Committee on Energy and Trade – U.S
In Congress, I’m working to support peace and stability in the Middle East by co-sponsoring HR118, a resolution that is stating in no uncertain terms that the US Congress is on the side of the Iranian people in the ongoing struggle to bring fundamental and lasting change to your home country. In co-sponsoring that resolution, I stand alongside members of both parties in condemning the human rights abuses of the Iranian regime, including their violent actions to suppress a democratic protest movement in 2019, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,500 innocent Iranians. To this day, countless Iranians are in custody for the simple crime of expressing their desire for a true and open democracy.
The United States must continue working to hold this regime accountable for its hostile and unlawful behavior both against its own citizens and across the globe. I believe the Iranian people should determine the future of Iran and stand by those brave folks who bravely stood up against the regime to demand basic freedoms for their countrymen.
Lucinda Creighton
Minister of State for European Affairs (2011–2013) – Ireland
The Islamic Republic of Iran poses a serious threat to the Middle East and the international community in general through its nuclear program and its financial and logistical support for various terrorist groups.
For me, the undemocratic process and the election results are a clear sign that the ruling elite in Iran is primarily interested in perpetuating its own power, which happens at the expense of the Iranian population. A population that desperately seeks freedom and an end to tyranny.
The situation for ordinary Iranians is simply dire. Since 2018, the country has experienced nationwide uprisings and protests. More than 75% of Iranians are forced to survive on incomes that are below the poverty line.
Of course, free and fair elections have never existed since the foundation of the Islamic Republic, but the recent election saw a gross abuse of the system as Raisi was designated as the next president.
He has been intimately involved in the brutal practices of the regime over the years. He was instrumental and officially involved in the mass executions of opponents of the regime at the end of the 1980s and the suppression of the protesters in 2009. As the head of the Judiciary, he was also involved in the prosecution of dissidents until recently.
Raisi’s selection represents a further obstacle to the normalization of relations with Iran. His elevation will exacerbate domestic and regional problems that Iran is involved in, one way or another throughout the Middle East.
Dr. Margarita Durán Vadell
Spanish Senator (2011-2015), Ph.D. in History, and journalist
I want to express my solidarity and support to the Iranian people and warmly greet the leader of the Resistance, Maryam Rajavi.
The fact that Ebrahim Raisi has been involved in egregious human rights violations for the past four decades, the fact that Ebrahim Raisi in 1988 was a key official perpetrating the regime’s most awful crime, which was the massacre of at least 30,000 political prisoners (majority PMOI supporters); This fact verifies the Iranian resistance’s assessment and its stance over the past 40 years, that this regime is incapable of reforms, and show us well, that Raisi’s face is the true face of the Iranian regime.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Member of the Senate Armed services committee and Co-Chair of the Senate Albanian Issues Caucus – US
As a combat veteran who served in the United States in uniform for over 23 years, I was proud to fight for the freedoms and liberties we cherish in my country, the same values you are fighting for today. I will continue to urge the president of the United States to remember the threat posed by Iran’s leaders as they exist today and take actions towards what is best for peace and security worldwide. I hope the people of Iran can one day be free from the balance of authoritarianism. I look forward to a day when all Iranian men, women, and children gain representation and the rights of free people.
Laurence Fehlmann Rielle
Member of Swiss Federal Parliament, Chair of the Judiciary Committee
The mullahs’ regime has been in power for 40 years and has committed many crimes. A woman has stood up to these misogynists and become a voice for thousands of women. This is a great lesson for humanity.
The Iranian Resistance has become a source of hope for the world. Many women are active in the Resistance Units (in Iran). This is a sign of strength.
The Ten-point plan from Maryam Rajavi for the future of Iran deserves our support because it guarantees democracy in Iran.
I call on the Swiss government and other governments of the European Union to end the appeasement policy and hold the Iranian regime. I support the formation of an international delegation to investigate the record of the regime’s president Ebrahim Raisi to account for their crimes.
Anna Fotyga
MEP, Secretary-General of ECR Party, Foreign Minister of Poland (2006-2007)
I wanted to address you to convey my greetings and best wishes to your courageous leader, Maryam Rajavi, and all of you.
I understand that announcing the results of the presidential elections is a matter of disappointment to many, if not all of you.
I think it means humiliation to the whole international community. And be sure that we are with you, that we want to raise the issue of human rights in Iran, of genuine rights of Iranian people to have their sovereign country, democratic, beneficial to all ordinary people and to develop in the way enabling them to live peacefully.
Elona Gjebrea
MP, Secretary of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, Former Deputy Minister of Interior – Albania
We expressed concern over human rights violations in Iran. Our government expelled the Iranian regime’s ambassador in Albania as well as three diplomats of the Iranian Embassy for their role in terror plots in Tirana.
As Madam Rajavi stated, the installing of Raisi reflects the regime’s desperations facing the overthrow of the ruling theocracy. Raisi must face justice in an international tribunal.
Most of the Albanian parliament members support the nationwide uprising of the Iranian people and their just resistance for freedom and democracy. All of us in Albania from different political parties are united about freedom and democracy in Iran and to support the Iranian Resistance, Madam Rajavi, and the people of Ashraf.
Klajda Gjusha
Minister of European Integration (2013-2017) – Albania
I want to congratulate you all for organizing such an amazing international event so that the voice of the Iranian people is heard all over the world. I truly appreciate the work of Madam Rajavi and MEK and the teams fighting every day for the democracy and human rights of the Iranian people.
I am very proud that Albania has become a shelter for the Iranian Opposition and for the people that have suffered and have stood up to the regime that has captured the state of Iran.
They are a great alternative for Iran’s future. So, we are supporting them here in Albania. What is happening in Iran is absolutely unacceptable, and for the international community, this should be more cautious, and all of us should turn our attention towards the people of Iran.
I want to reassure you that Albania will always be a great supporter of the Iranian people.
U.S. Senator Margaret Hassan (D-NH)
Chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight, in the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs – US
I’m proud to call myself an ally and friend in this fight for freedom and as evidenced by the bipartisan support of this conference. Democrats and Republicans join in solidarity with all of you. I’ll continue supporting an American foreign policy that pushes for human rights and stands with democratic movements in oppressive countries. The regime in Tehran must be held accountable for treating women as second-class citizens and for persecuting human rights advocates, journalists, and ethnic minorities, and it especially needs to be held accountable for continuing to support terrorism.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
A senior member of the House Judiciary Committee – U.S.
This conference is so important that in the midst of my duties here in the US Congress in the 18th congressional district, I thought it was so very important to salute the 2021 Free Iran conference because we want a free Iran. And we want the democracy that is necessary to empower the women, children, youth, and families to say enough is enough; we demand democracy. Thank you to sister Maryam Rajavi who stood with her 10-point-plan to lay out the role that Iran should be playing in protecting Iranian citizens.
I was glad to be part of the fight to take you and the opposition off the terrorist list. It is an honor to be able to stand with you, those who love democracy. Thank you, Madam Maryam Rajavi, for your leadership and all that you do as a leader of the free people of Iran.
Secretary Deborah Lee James
The 23rd Secretary of the U.S. Air Force
Thanks to your collective efforts and the leadership of Mrs. Rajavi, you sent a powerful message to Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei and his cronies. That message quite simply was: We shall not take part in your sham election. Your successful boycott of the June 18, 2021, election, which of course, came on the heels of four years of popular protests. These events show the world, and they show the regime in power that the Iranian people are fed up, fed up with the broken promises, the economic incompetence, the systemic corruption, the disrespect for human rights, and the misogynistic treatment of the women of Iran.
Let me reflect for just a moment on that last point, the misogynistic treatment of the women of Iran. How ironic that the leaders treat women as less than equals when it is this resistance movement led by a woman and comprised with 50% women. This is the very movement that will ultimately bring them down and what the day of justice that would be.
Ebrahim Raisi has the blood of many on his hands, and the whole world knows it. According to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, this man should be investigated and tried for crimes against humanity not installed as the next president in Iran.
I say to you again, take heart. The challenge certainly remains very difficult, but your unity, sacrifice, and persistence will surely deliver results.
Mimi Kodheli
MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Minister of Defense (2013-2017)-Albania
Allow me to start by congratulating the organizers with this important and special event to express support for the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, prosperous, and non-nuclear republic of Iran. And to condemn violations of human rights and state-sponsored terrorism.
Albania fully aligns with the EU, NATO, Council of Europe, and IAEA positions of the issues of democracy, human rights, international and nuclear security related to Iran. Albania firmly believes and remains committed to the safeguard and promotion of democratic principles and values.
Albania remains firm in its commitment alongside NATO, the US, and other partner countries to fight against international terrorism and any act that endangers world stability and peace.
Dr. Ranjana Kumari
Director of Centre for Social Research (India)
This event comes at a time when there is a new selected mullahs’ president. Ebrahim Raisi was a member of the “death commission,” which sent thousands of political prisoners to the gallows in 1988. None of the prisoners had been sentenced to death.
But today, I would like to tell you about the opposite side of this tyranny, which is the blooming resistance of the Iranian Opposition and the power of women.
Mrs. Rajavi stated once in a women’s conference that I remember very clearly, that the experience within the Resistance movement made it clear that defeating the curse of inequality is impossible without a leap forward. Meaning that competent women had to assume leadership responsibilities without the slightest degree of anxiety. Women’s hegemony in the Iranian Resistance, as a paradigm-shifting transformation, paved the way for women to take on responsibilities in all fields.
When you target the mullahs’ misogyny, you are aiming at the heart of their ideology. This is why it is important to stand with Mrs. Rajavi and the women of Iran.
Senator Mary Landrieu
Chair of the Senate Energy Committee (1997-2015) – U.S.
Thank you for the leadership of your president-elect, a strong and brave woman who exemplifies our hopes for all people in Iran’s future, particularly women who seek freedom and equality. It’s a pleasure for me to join all of you today and add my voice to your great and noble work to free Iran from oppressive leadership.
The current selection of a new president has made your job even more difficult. But there is hope that if we stay united and focused on the inspiration and hope of freedom, personal freedom, economic liberty, equality for women, freedom of religion, choice of religion and worship, the right to vote, and free elections. These are the things that are the bedrock of democracy.
Your work to get Iran on a stronger, more vibrant, more hopeful path not only will help your country but will help freedom-loving people all over the world. Thank you for continuing to raise your voice against this suppressive regime. We stand with you.
Corinne Lepage
Minister of the Environment (1995-1997) – France
I am delighted to be speaking to you on this significant day of honoring a free Iran. Madam Rajavi’s efforts and suggestions are defined within a democratic and universal outlook for a country whose civilization, history, traditions, and culture are thousands of years old and contributed to other civilizations.
I know how much the advocates of freedom are suppressed in Iran. How humiliating the situation of women is. These are the difficult circumstances the (mullahs’) regime has imposed on the Iranian people for more than 40 years. Now, the elections which ended up with Raisi’s taking office will not make the situation easier.
I want to tell the Iranian people that I am beside you and fully understand your situation and wish that western countries and democracies would be more courageous when they talk about Iran. They must defend their democratic values.
Valentina Leskaj
Former Speaker of Albanian Parliament, former Vice-Chair of CEPA, and former Labor Minister
It’s a pleasure for me to address this extraordinary international conference, with so many interesting audiences and so many people from across the globe. This is the testimony of great support for Resistance and the strong commitment of the organizers and the PMOI leadership.
The last presidential elections in Iran have shown the determination of the mullahs’ regime to continue in the same way, using brutal atrocities and injustice.
But I strongly believe that PMOI has given a strong message regarding women’s rights as human rights. This resistance has shown respect for women’s rights and justice when they choose to have Madam Rajavi, a woman leader, in front of the mullahs’ regime.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY)
Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Ranking Member of Subcommittee of International Development and International Organization – U.S.
The election of Raisi, somebody who has United States sanctions against him, someone responsible for the death of thousands of Iranians who were just advocating for their own rights and freedom, is very disturbing. We need to continue to join in demanding that Iran hold free and fair elections, that they release United States hostages, and that they improve human rights. We continue as members of the foreign affairs committee to advocate for this.
Zamaswazi Dlamini- Mandela
An advocate of human and women’s rights – South Africa
It is a pleasure and honor to talk to you today in keeping up with solidarity with the women in Iran in their struggle to secure basic human and gender rights.
The regime in Iran must be held to account by the United Nations for its crimes against humanity. Now is time to hold Ebrahim Raisi to account for the 1988 massacre of MEK supporters and other political prisoners. Now is not the time for silence and inaction.
We call upon the international community to condemn such acts against them. They need to support the people of Iran against this brutal regime that we must acknowledge the brave women and men who have laid their lives and everything against the system. The National Council of Resistance of Iran, led by its President-elect Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, is the Iranian people’s opposition to the current regime.
Hon. Justice Susana Medina
Jurist, Honorary President of International Federation of Women in Legal Career – Argentina
The general human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including women’s human rights, is of great concern to the international community. The failure to establish a mechanism under international law for accountability and redress for violations committed in the context of the November 2019 protests is emblematic.
Protesters, human rights defenders, lawyers, and civil society actors continue to be subjected to intimidation, arbitrary detention, and criminal prosecution. Many of these victims are women.
The systematic violation of these rights by the State are crimes that affect dignity and freedom; are crimes against humanity, and we must denounce before the international community to help build an IRAN free, egalitarian, democratic, not stereotyped, non-sexist, and respectful of the human rights of all, especially of women.
Zinat Mir-Hashemi
Editor of the Nabard-e Khalq publication, a member of the Central Committee of the People’s Fedayeen Organization, an NCRI member organization
The boiling anger of the Iranian people is the result of what the regime has done in the past four decades. It is reaping what it has sown. It has sacrificed everything the people had for their own survival. But it couldn’t destroy the people’s hope for change and a better future. Today, the resistance has roots everywhere across Iran.
The Velayat-e-Faqih regime has destroyed everything for the past 42 years. They sacrificed everything for the regime’s survival. But one thing could not be destroyed, the resistance and hope for the future to realize human life.
The people’s organized resistance, who said no to the ruling regime from the first day, planted the seeds that germinated in the popular uprisings, and its blossoms can be seen everywhere. The People’s Fedayeen Organization of Iran is proud to have said NO to dictatorship throughout its 50-year existence.
The great gathering for a free Iran, which is now on its third day, was glorious and successful. This success is in the interest of the resistance and the people. The conference presented the determination and the power of this alternative.
Fawzia Nasiryar Guldarye
Member of Parliament – Afghanistan
As a Muslim woman, I am very proud to see that the National Council of Resistance of Iran is led by a Muslim combatant woman, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi. One cannot find the prominent status of women in this movement in any other Muslim country or movement.
For years, the women and people of Afghanistan have been victims of oppressive fundamentalism. Iranian women have suffered greatly under the misogynous clerical regime. Thousands of our sisters in Iran have been killed for demanding freedom and justice.
The goals of freedom and justice you are pursuing in the Iranian Resistance are the same as the goals and aspirations of the people of Afghanistan, particularly the Afghan women.
I would like to use this opportunity to declare my support for Mrs. Rajavi and her Ten-Point Plan, a charter of freedom, justice, and equality. All of these plans match the wishes of our people, and particularly women, in Afghanistan.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the women of Afghanistan, support you. Your struggle is righteous. The world of ignorance, slavery, and misogyny will come to an end.
Orjola Pampuri
Member of Parliament – Albania
It is our experience in Albania that dictators are not forever. In Iran, too, we are happy to see that the wind of change for freedom is blowing.
The activities of the PMOI for the regime’s overthrow are gaining ground. We are aware that as long as a supreme leader is only empowered because of repression at home and advocating terrorism abroad, the world will not see a free Iran.
We, therefore, are united in the Albanian Parliament to support your goal and efforts to bring freedom and democracy to Iran under the great leadership of Madam Rajavi.
Theresa Payton
White House Chief Information Officer (CIO) from (2006-2008)
I am honored to be part of your agenda. Let me start by saying that I pray for the freedom of the people of Iran. It is my sincerest hope that you may one day achieve a democratic republic where gender equality thrives.
The regime has allocated a large number of people to influence pages on most spaces across the Internet. The government masterfully leverages platforms such as Wikipedia, fake accounts on social media and conducts sophisticated web-based manipulation campaigns to suppress the people of Iran.
The Iranian government’s playbook is not only a danger for the people of Iran but all democracies around the world. This is our call to action. The world needs to come together and dedicate itself to a bold new approach for freedom for the people of Iran.
Step one: we need a comprehensive strategy across all countries that work across governments and the private sector to enable the citizens of Iran to achieve a free and Democratic Republic of Iran.
Step two: we need to ensure that the people of Iran can share in real-time threats that could have an impact on their anti-regime protests and their calls for democracy.
Step three: we need to continue to provide financial backing expert advice on traditional media and social media influence campaigns to support freedom, honesty, and transparency for the people of Iran.
Stefania Pezzopane
Member of Parliament – Italy
We will continue to insist that our relations with Iran must be conditioned on the improvement of human rights. This is a priority. We should not give up our convictions. And the EU must not accept having someone like the current president as a reference point for Iran. We will continue to do our best so that the brave people of Iran know that they are not alone.
You are facing a misogynistic, authoritarian regime that worsens every day and is against human rights. There have been arrests, tortures, and serious repression also against women and children. But based on our experience, we know that dictators are not forever and when people raise their heads and decide to be the master of their future, the power of a nation is much stronger.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Chair of Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation in the Foreign Relations Committee, and a senior member of the Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Appropriations – U.S.
The election process was distorted in favor of the regime’s candidate and at the expense of the Iranian people. Despite this, the Iranian people continue to push for a democratic, secular, and peaceful Iran. The United States and the international community stand in support of your efforts. Human rights have long been a pillar of US foreign policy. As we continue to engage Iran, human rights must be a principal part of the US approach.
The Hon. Judy Sgro
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (2003-2005) – Canada
The coming to power of Ebrahim Raisi has drawn international condemnation for his crimes against humanity over the past 40 years, with news headlines calling him “the butcher” and a “mass murderer.”
What strikes me most in this sham election was the overwhelming boycott by various strata of the Iranian society who, in hundreds and thousands of online messages, said that they vote to overthrow this tyrannical regime.
We also had our share of this tyrannical regime’s atrocities, including the downing of flight 752 by IRGC missiles, killing all 176 people on board, including dozens of Canadians.
I believe the resilience and commitment of Ashraf 3 residents for a free and democratic Iran during these unimaginably difficult times, when they were constantly attacked by the Iranian regime’s missiles and rockets, finally paid off.
I want to reassure you that we take your plight and your call for change very seriously and wholeheartedly stand by you.
I’m a firm believer that Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point-Plan put together for Iran is both practical and very much achievable. Like many Resistance Units inside Iran who declared their readiness for change, I am also declaring that I’m ready, as you say, “hazer,” for this most welcomed and available change.
Prof. Dr. Rita Süssmuth
Speaker of the German Bundestag (1988-1998), former Federal Minister
The regime shies away from changes that are so urgent and indispensable for the people. But there are alternatives. Yes, there is resistance, and there is a new beginning. There is courage that the great organization of President Maryam Rajavi has developed with her ten-point plan.
You should be able to live in a world where you can freely develop and shape your life, and this will only be possible if we support such an alternative.
Maryam Rajavi fights with a whole series of emancipated women. Women are not only the force of change but also the force that is building the future. Women are strong and live responsibly, and this belongs to the future of Iran.
Frances Townsend
Homeland Security Advisor to the United States President (2004-2007)
The current regime has no interest in meaningful reform, which would, by necessity, remove them from power.
While the world engages with Iran on its nuclear weapons program, the many other malign activities of the regime must not be ignored.
The sham election of Ebrahim Raisi is a reminder to the governments in Europe and the United States that making concessions to this regime under any pretext would become counterproductive. Raisi is a serial human rights violator of basic human rights who should be put on trial and investigated for his crimes against humanity.
Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for the future of Iran continues to be a solid framework for a future democratic republic. There is a viable alternative to the current situation, and we must not forget that.
I will never walk away from a fight I know we can win, and I will stand with the MEK, the NCRI, and the continued effort to uphold human rights in Iran and around the world.
Aude de Thuin
French businesswoman and the founder and chair of the board of Women in Africa, Ltd.
The recent election in Iran produced the worst result. And of course, the worst thing had happened in the past with the same person. How could a country, a regime that has murdered women, and even young and pregnant women, facing a world that shows no reaction, brings a president in office who has violated human rights?
The international community must condemn this situation, and we cannot remain indifferent just because it is not happening to our neighbors. If we are not careful and let them do anything they want without showing any reaction, these crimes would continue in a country where women have a prominent role. Iranian women are brave.
Now it is time to act. On behalf of us, women and the world’s citizens, we must accompany Mrs. Rajavi in her struggle. We must not turn a blind eye.
Baroness Sandy Verma
Former UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development
You can see there is truly a democratic alternative that has a plan as well as popular international support to provide the people of Iran with a viable roadmap to establish a free and democratic, and the secular republic that will bring Iran out of the dark to find its rightful place amongst the free nations of the world.
That this protest movement is alive, well, and strong is seen as the majority of the Iranian people answered the call by the NCRI and Madam Rajavi, the president-elect, to boycott the regime’s sham presidential election.
And Madam Rajavi, let me pledge along with my colleagues that in the British parliament, across all parties, we will do everything in our power to ensure that we take Ebrahim Raisi to court and make him pay for the crimes against humanity.
The Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2019-2020), former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland – U.K.
The promotion of Ebrahim Raisi to the presidency after a sham election signals that the regime has no intention of altering its antagonistic approach to the international community. I fear that his appointment is likely to make the human rights situation even worse.
The huge attendance at this online conference is a sign once again that tens of thousands of Iranians want a better future for their country, respecting the rule of law, equality between men and women, and respect for human rights. One which is based on the principles of freedom, democracy, and equality, as highlighted by Mrs. Rajavi in her speech earlier today. I will stand with all of those who want a democratic free future for Iran, and I will continue to advocate for human rights, respect for the rule of law, democracy, and justice to Iran is free.
Els Van Hoof
MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee – Belgium
Discrimination against women is entrenched in Iranian law and practice. The situation has been even worse during the pandemic.
Iran is at the bottom of the global gender gap index of the World Economic Forum and has even dropped ten places in two years. Only five percent of Iranian parliamentarians are women. Only three percent out of 27 million women are employed. Iranian women’s income constitutes only 18 percent of that of men. Women are constantly being discriminated against in their daily life.
It is my deepest hope that change will come. However, with the election of conservative Ebrahim Raisi, we must not be naive. I think our government in Belgium and the EU should play a more active role in supporting the Iranian people’s struggle for their rights. All relations with Iran must be conditional on the improvement of human rights and women’s rights.
Michèle de Vaucouleurs
MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for a Democratic Iran – France
Along with my parliamentary colleagues from different countries, we have gathered here to show our solidarity with the cause of democracy and freedom in Iran, and support for Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the NCRI President-elect. My colleagues and I salute her.
We are honored to have attracted the attention of our country’s highest officials to the terrorist activities of the Iranian regime in France, including the ill-fated terrorist attempt against the gathering in Villepinte and the regime’s ruthless clampdown on the Iranian people.
The selection of a person who is particularly known for his role in the massacre of more than 30,000 political prisoners in Iran in 1988, which has been recognized as a crime against humanity by UN experts, is not an event that this country could get along with. And it must have heavy consequences (for the regime).
Veronika Vrecionova
Member of the European Parliament from the Czech Republic
You have been fighting for 40 years to make Iran a better place to live. So that freedom is not just a dream but an everyday reality for the Iranian people.
The recent presidential election confirmed a growing opposition to the current regime. For the past three years, we have been watching repeated demonstrations against the ruling regime. And we are also watching the terrible reactions of the state power.
I would like to assure you that the European Parliament and I will not close our eyes to these horrors. We will constantly remind these atrocities, and we will also think of those imprisoned for their political opinions.
Rama Yade
Former Minister of Human Rights (2007-2009) – France
Officially, there is no change in Iran. One president is appointed instead of another appointed president, and the vicious cycle continues. People’s protests remain unheeded, and the cries of the Iranian people are not sufficiently echoed. And (governments) resume nuclear talks for commercial interests without any reaction to the appointment of the new president in Iran.
I don’t believe that the international community is not aware of this. There is a credible opposition. Everyone knows the People’s Mojahedin with their enormous gatherings in the world capitals and thousands and thousands of participants.
We know about your sacrifices and the heavy price you have paid for Iran’s freedom. We know about your plans for gender equality and the separation of religion and state. We saw how you built Ashraf (3) in less than two years.
Just as the international community is aware of human rights abuses and public protests (in Iran), they know that the Iranian regime cannot bring security to the Middle East.
Now is not the time to beat on the drums of extremism, radicalism, and religious governments. Our driving forces must be freedom and democracy. These are our values.
The Khomeini regime ultimately diverted the 1979 Iranian Revolution. One cannot negotiate with this fundamentalist regime. The time has come for the international community to adopt a decisive stance to condemn the flagrant violations of human rights in Iran, particularly the widespread executions.
We must make the trade with Iran contingent on end to human rights violations. We must be ever more determined to help this change occur, support the Iranian people for regime change, and establish a secular republic based on separation of religion and state, gender equality, and freedom of speech. This is our humanitarian and moral duty. And it is also indispensable to our security.
Khadija Al-Zumi
Senator from Morocco
I respect and support Maryam Rajavi. She has defied dictatorship. She has stood for democracy. We need to cherish as the women of the world. You are a role model that women will not accept anything less than justice, dignity, liberty, and democracy.
Defending democracy is a great responsibility on our shoulders. We stand behind Madam Rajavi. We know that the path to freedom is full of obstacles. But those who persist will always be triumphant.
I ask God to help you and to guide you, and make you triumphant as soon as possible.
Prominent guest speakers who addressed the Free Iran World Summit 2021
Day 1
Janez Janša, Prime Minister of Slovenia; Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State until 2021; Donna Brazile, Acting Chair of the Democratic National Committee (2016- 2017); Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada (2006-2015); Franco Frattini, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy (2008 –2011); John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons (2009-2019); Pandeli Majko, former Prime Minister of Albania; dozens of leading U.S. senators and House members from both the Democratic and Republican parties, including Senators Robert Menendez, Ted Cruz, Roy Blunt, Ben Cardin, Jeanne Shaheen, Cory Booker, Thom Tillis, John Cornyn, Maggie Hassan, Joni Ernst, and Rick Scott, and members of Congress Kevin McCarthy, Hakeem Jeffries, Brad Sherman, Tom McClintock, Joe Wilson, Dean Phillips, Steve Cohen, Sheila Jackson Lee, Brian Fitzpatrick, Judy Chu, Scott Perry, Don Bacon, Gus Bilirakis, Angie Craig, Brad Schneider, Tom Emmer, French Hill, Pete Sessions, Raul Ruiz, Nicole Malliotakis; Patrick Kennedy, member of the US House of Representative (1995-2011); Kelly Ayotte, former Senator and the 27th Attorney General of New Hampshire; Martin Luther King III, well-known human rights activist and son of the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Senator Doug Jones of Alabama; Secretary Gary Locke, 36th US Secretary of Commerce; General James Jones, President Obama’s National Security Adviser; Gov. Bill Ritter, Governor of Colorado (2007-2011); Gov. Stephen Bullock, Governor of Montana (2013-2021); Gov. Philip Bredesen, Governor of Tennessee (2003-2011); Amb. Tim Broas, US Ambassador to the Netherlands until 2016; Ambassador Mitchell Reiss, former director of the US State Department Policy Planning and Special Envoy to the Northern Ireland; the Hon. Liam Fox, UK Secretary of State for Defence (2010 – 2011); the Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (2012-2016); Michèle Alliot-Marie, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Justice, and Home Affairs (2002-2011); Bernard Kouchner, French Minister of Foreign Affairs (2007-2010); Giulio Terzi, Foreign Minister of Italy (2011-2013); Gérard LONGUET, French Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs (2011–2012); Lulzim Basha, leader of the Democratic Party of Albania; Fatmir Mediu, former Defense Minister and leader of the Republican Party of Albania.
Day 2
Sid Ahmad Ghozali, former Algerian Prime Minister; John Perry, former Irish Minister of State for Small Business; Kimo Sassi, former Finnish Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister of Transport and Communications; Edvard Sólnes, Iceland’s former Minister of Environment; Uffe Elbæk, former Danish Cultural Minister; Alain Vivien, former French Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Azzam al-Ahmad, representative of the Palestinian Liberation Organization; Ashraf Rifi, Lebanon’s former Justice Minister; Ahmad Fatfat, Lebanese Interior Minister (2006); Saleh Al-Qallab, former Jordanian Minister of Information; Hatam al-Asr Ali, Sudan’s Minister of Commerce; Riyadh Yassin, former Foreign Minister of Yemen; Bassam al-Omoush, former Jordanian minister and ambassador to Tehran; Tariq Mehdi Abdul-Tawab, former Chief of Staff of Air Force, member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of Egypt; Rita Süssmuth, former Speaker of the German Federal Parliament (1988-1998); Martin Pazelt, German MP; Christoph de Vreis, German MP; Senator Lucio Malan from Italy; Antonio Tasso, Italian MP; Stefania Pezzopane, Italian MP; Lars Rise, former MP from Norway; Magnus Oscarsson, current Swedish MP; Geir Sigbjørn Toskedal, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Norway; Prof. Alejo Vidal Quadras, former Vice President of the European Parliament (1999-2014); Struan Stevenson, former MEP and former president of the EP delegation for relations with Iraq; Paulo Casaca, former MEP from Portugal; Antonio López-Istúriz White, MEP and Secretary General of European People’s Party; Radoslaw Sikorski, MEP from Poland, former Foreign Minister (2007-2014), former Defense Minister (2005-2007); Anna Fotyga, MEP from Poland, Secretary General of the ECR Party, Foreign Minister (2006-2007); Javier Zarzalejos, MEP from Spain, former Secretary-General of the Spanish Prime Minister’s Office (1996-2004); Milan Zver, MEP from Slovania, Minister of Education and Sports (2004-2008); Petras Auštrevičius, MEP, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, chair of the EP delegation for relations with Afghanistan; France Bogovič, MEP from Slovania, and vice chair of the EP delegation of the EU-Serbia stabilization and association parliamentary committee, former Minister of Environment and Agriculture of Slovania; Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela, human rights advocate and granddaughter of Nelson Mandela; Baroness Betty Boothroyd, Speaker of the UK House of Commons (1992-2000); Baroness Verma, former parliamentary under-secretary of the Department for International Development; Matthew Offord, MP; the Rt. Hon. David Jones, MP, Secretary of State for Wales (2012-2014) and Brexit Minster (2016-2017); Sir David Amess, MP and co-chair of the British Parliamentary Committee for Iran Freedom; Steve McCabe, British MP; Bob Blackman, British MP; members of the French National Assembly, Philippe Gosselin, Michèle de Vaucouleurs, Hervé Saulignac, André Chassaigne, Yannick Favennec; Jean-François Legaret, former Mayor of Paris 1st District; Jean-Pierre Muller, former French mayor; Raffaele Fitto, MEP from Italy and former Minister for Relations with the Regions of Italy (2008-2011); Edmond Spaho, MP and leader of the Democratic Party parliamentary faction of Albania, and former Minister of Tourism; Elona Gjebrea, MP and Secretary of the Foreign Relations Committee, former deputy Minister of Interior of Albania; Namik Kopliku, former Albanian MP; Orjola Pampuri, Albanian MP; Klevis Baliu, Albanian MP; Aude de Thuin, French businesswoman and founder and chair of the board of Women in Africa, Ltd.; Valentina Leskaj, former speaker of the Parliament of Albania, former Minister of Labor, and former vice president of the ECPA; Dominique Attias, President of European Law Society Federation as of March 2021, vice-batonniere of Paris from January 2016 and first woman to hold this position, recipient of France’s Légion d’Honneur in 2011; Dr. Ranjana Kumari, Director of Centre for Social Research (India), a senior United Nations professional in gender equality, and one of the 100 most influential people in gender policy for 2020; the Hon. Susana Medina, Jurist, Honorary President of International Federation of Women in Legal Career – Argentina; Laurence Fehlmann Rielle, Member of the Swiss Federal Parliament and chair of the Judiciary Committee; Els van Hoof, MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Belgium; Sen. Mark Demesmaeker from Belgium; Luis Leite Ramos, MP from Portugal; James Bezan, MP from Canada; Candice Bergen, MP and deputy leader of Canada’s Conservative Party; Eric Abetz, Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Legal Committee of the Federal Parliament of Australia; Rob Mitcheal, senior MP and Vice President of the Federal Parliament of Australia and deputy speaker of the Labor Party; Fawzia Nasiryar Guldarye, MP from Afghanistan; Aiham Alsammarae, former Minister of Electricity of Iraq; Senator Khadija Al-Zumi from Morocco; Mohammad Amin Al-Shakhari, former Minister of Industry of Tunisia; Mohammad Al-Homairi, MP from Yemen; Ata Ebdah, MP from Jordan; Ahmad Jarallah, Editor of Assiayssa newspaper, Kuwait; Abdusalam Horma, MP from Mauritania; Saber Rostam Khanli, MP from Azerbaijan.
Day 3
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Rentzi (2014-2016); MEP and Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt (1999 – 2009); Enda Kenny, Irish Prime Minister (2011 – 2017); Carlo Cottarelli, Italian economist and former director of the International Monetary Fund, Italy’s designated Prime Minister (2018); Frederic Reinfeldt, Swedish Prime Minister (2006 to 2014); Petre Roman, Romanian Prime Minister (1989-1991); and prominent supporters of the Iranian Resistance: Ingrid Betancourt, former senator and presidential candidate for Columbia; Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York; John Bolton, U.S. National Security Advisor (2018-2019); Senator Joseph Lieberman, member of the U.S. Senate (1989-2013) and presidential candidate in 2000; Senator Robert Torricelli, Judge Michael Mukasey, former U.S. Attorney General; Judge Louis Freeh, former Director of the FBI; Ambassador Robert Joseph, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security until 2007; Ambassador Marc Ginsberg, U.S. Ambassador to Morocco (1994-1998); Ambassador Lincoln Bloomfield Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs from 2001 to 2005; Frances Townsend, Homeland Security Advisor to United States President from 2004 to 2007; Theresa Payton, former White House Chief Information Officer (2006-2008); John Baird, Foreign Minister of Canada (2015); Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board of Canada (2011–2015); Minister of Industry (2008–2011); Minister of Health (2006–2008); Wayne Easter, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food of Canada (2004-2006); Judy Sgro, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (2005); Rama Yade, French Minister of Human Rights (2007-2009); Corinne Lepage, former Minister of the Environment of France (1995-1997); Timo Soini Deputy Prime Minister of Finland (2017) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2019); Audronius Ažubalis, Lithuanian Foreign Minister (2010-2012); Eduard Kukan, Slovak Foreign Minister (1998-2006); Tom Kitt, Ireland’s Secretary of State (2002-2004); Lucinda Creighton, Minister of State for European Affairs (2011-2013); Lord Henry Bellingham, Under Secretary of State at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (2010-2012); Alexandr Vondra, MEP, Minister of Defense (2010-2012), and deputy Prime Minister (2007-2009) of the Czech Republic; Michał Kamiński, former Vice President of the Polish Senate and Secretary for Media Relations in Chancellery of the President (2007); Ryszard Kalisz, Minister of Interior and Administration (2004-2005); Triton Shehu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania (1996-1997); Klajda Gjusha, Minister of European Integration (2017); Mimi Kodheli, Minister of Defense (2013-2017); senior U.S. military commanders including, General James Conway, General Jack Keane, General Charles Wald; James Woolsey, former CIA director (1995), U.S. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart; U.S. Senator Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader (2007-2015) and Minority Leader (2015-2017); U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, Chair of the Senate Energy Committee (1997-2015); Amb. Nathan Sales, U.S. Under-Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights (2017-2021); U.S. Senator John Boozman, Ranking Member of the Senate Agricultural Committee; and prominent political figures, such as Adrianus Melkert, former UNAMI representative in Iraq and former leader of the Dutch Labor Party; Garry Kasparov, Russian chess grandmaster; and Gilbert Mitterrand, President of the France Liberté Foundation.
