On May 31, 2025, the Second Free Iran 2025 Conference – Regime Change for a Democratic Republic convened in Paris, bringing together a distinguished array of international parliamentarians, former ministers, and activists united in their support for the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom, democracy, and human rights.
The conference highlighted the growing global consensus against the Iranian regime’s oppression and terrorism, with speakers endorsing the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as the roadmap for a democratic Iran.
The Second Free Iran 2025 Conference –Regime Change for a Democratic Republic
Below is a comprehensive overview of the key messages delivered by the 30 speakers, reflecting their collective resolve to end decades of appeasement and support the Iranian resistance.
A Unified Stance Against the Iranian Regime
The conference opened with a powerful acknowledgment of the Iranian regime’s weakening grip, as articulated by Lars Rise, former Norwegian MP, who declared, “Today, I’m honoured to stand here and share with you an unprecedented international consensus among lawmakers from several countries in support of the thousands of Resistance Units inside Iran and in support of the Ten-Point Plan for the future of Iran offered by Mrs Rajavi.”
He highlighted U.S. House Resolution 166, backed by 225 members, and endorsements from 570 British lawmakers and the Irish Senate, signaling a global rejection of the regime’s appeasement.
Carsten Mueller, German MP, condemned the regime’s brutality, stating, “The mullahs’ regime in Tehran has been keeping this culturally beautiful and splendid country in darkness.” He cited the execution of nearly 1,300 people in December alone, urging an end to appeasement and the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
Serdar Yüksel, another German MP, emphasized the regime’s fragility, noting, “The regime in Iran has never been as weak as it is today.” He called for its elimination to honor the sacrifices of tens of thousands of Iranians who have died for freedom.
Solidarity with the Iranian Resistance
The conference underscored the pivotal role of the NCRI and Maryam Rajavi’s leadership. Naike Gruppioni, Italian MP, announced, “A great number of Italian MPs signed an official declaration in support of the Ten-Point Plan of Mrs. Rajavi,” describing it as “a bright vision for democracy, an Iran without death sentences, where women live freely, where elections are free and fair.”
Emanuele Pozzolo, also from Italy, rejected alternative solutions like Reza Pahlavi, asserting, “The only alternative is that of Maryam Rajavi… we have the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).” He condemned the regime’s propaganda and its targeting of NCRI supporters, referencing the attack on Alejo Vidal Quadras.
Gianna Gancia, former MEP, focused on the regime’s nuclear ambitions, stating, “The Iranian regime’s race for nuclear weapons is marked with two decades of deception.” She advocated for snapback sanctions and a policy of zero enrichment to ensure a free Iran.
Honoring the Resistance’s Sacrifices
Speakers paid tribute to the courage of Iran’s resistance, particularly the residents of Ashraf 3. Geir Haarde, former Icelandic Prime Minister, expressed solidarity with PMOI activists on death row, saying, “I want to use this opportunity to declare solidarity and support for the brave PMOI activists on death row in Iran today, including Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani.” He also highlighted the Free Iran Alliance, a coalition advocating for a democratic Iran.
Ola Elvestuen, Norwegian MP and former Minister, drew parallels with Norway’s resistance against Nazi occupation, stating, “The Iranian resistance had now been struggling for decades upon decades, with thousands upon thousands of lost lives.” He praised the majority support in Norway’s parliament for the NCRI and the Ten-Point Plan.
Rasmus Hansson, another Norwegian MP, lauded the resistance’s commitment to democracy, saying, “The 10 point plan… guarantees that the path to freedom in Iran is also a path to democracy, to gender equality, to human rights.” He called their fight against “cruel murderers” deeply impressive.
Amplifying Grassroots Struggles
The ongoing truck drivers’ strike in Iran was a focal point, symbolizing broader resistance. Nina Hansson, Norwegian author and trade unionist, declared, “Thousands of drivers across Iran are on strike not for personal gain, but the most basic and rightful entitlement, fair and decent wages, safe working condition and dignity.” She condemned the IRGC’s brutal response and urged international solidarity.
Sir Alan Meale, former UK Minister, reinforced this, noting, “The strikes of the lorry drivers are real… they stand alongside the many teachers… retirees… nurses… many of them have been arrested, have been threatened, some have been jailed.” He pledged to engage the British Trade Union Congress to support the strikers.
Sir David Crosby, former UK MP, expressed admiration for the truck drivers, stating, “They face not just the difficulty of a strike, but… a government that uses imprisonment and executions as a tool to suppress their people.” He called for active international support for the resistance.
Condemning the Regime’s Atrocities
The regime’s human rights abuses were a recurring theme. Baroness Sandip Verma, UK House of Lords, highlighted the case of Maryam Akbari Monfared, imprisoned for seeking justice for her executed siblings, stating, “We support their no execution Tuesday campaign now ongoing for over 70 weeks.” She called for a special tribunal to prosecute the regime’s crimes against humanity.
Steve McCabe, former UK House of Lords member, noted, “Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has now promised a new legal framework which will give British ministers the powers to proscribe the IRGC.” He urged recognition of the NCRI as the only viable democratic alternative.
Senator Kees de Lange, former Dutch Senator, described the regime’s decay, saying, “The winds of change are blowing and the criminal mullahs’ regime in Iran is crumbling.” He praised the Iranian people’s courage and the NCRI’s international recognition.
Derk Jan Eppink, former Dutch MEP and MP, cited Amnesty International, stating, “64% of all documented executions worldwide took place in Iran, a country that accounts for just 1% of the global population.” He warned of the regime’s terror plots in Europe, including in the Netherlands.
Women and Youth Leading the Charge
The central role of women and youth in the resistance was celebrated. Stefanie Bung, Berlin State Parliament member, declared, “For one year, every Tuesday, political prisoners are protesting capital punishment. We support their cause.” She emphasized support for women fighting for freedom.
Nadine Ruf, former German MP, added, “I’m here to support the voice of the courageous women in Iran, which speak with strength, who fight against one of the most misogynistic regimes.” She highlighted the execution of four women in the past month.
Dilja Mist Einarsdottir, Icelandic MP, noted, “As a woman and a politician from Iceland… the central role women play in Iran’s resistance certainly caught my attention and my respect.” She highlighted the case of Ehsan Faridi, a student sentenced to death for supporting the resistance.
Ending Appeasement and Supporting the NCRI
Speakers unanimously called for an end to appeasement. Christian Calderone, Niedersachsen State Parliament member, stated, “The regime has no future… Iran deserves freedom and a fair judicial system with fair trials.” He condemned the regime’s farcical trials of opposition members.
Leo Dautzenberg, former German MP, urged, “I would like to call on all European governments to take action… The NCRI is our partner in the fight for democracy and freedom.” He criticized Europe’s appeasement for sustaining the dictatorship.
Thomas Lutze, former German MP, lamented the lack of media coverage in Germany, saying, “The mass executions that take place in Iran, with horrible numbers, is not talked about in Germany.” He called for public attention to the regime’s crimes.
Ben Oni Ardelean, former Romanian MP, drew parallels with Romania’s 1989 revolution, stating, “This regime has to end… If our countries and our politicians will understand that never ever do deals with this regime, this regime will fall very soon.”
A Vision for a Democratic Iran
The Ten-Point Plan was repeatedly endorsed as the blueprint for Iran’s future. Struan Stevenson, former Scottish MEP, asserted, “The PMOI/MEK… are recognised as a government in waiting, Ready to step in when the theocratic regime is overthrown.” He dismissed Reza Pahlavi’s claims, emphasizing the NCRI’s democratic vision.
Paulo Casaca, former Portuguese MEP, praised the Ashraf 3 community, saying, “You are the heroes… You have been facing the enemy, sometimes with your bare hands.” He warned against the regime’s deceptive tactics, urging vigilance.
John Paul Phelan, former Irish Minister, rejected media portrayals of the regime’s legitimacy, stating, “There is nothing legitimate about an authority that arrests millions of its own people and executes thousands of them every year.” He expressed disgust at appeasement within his own party.
Jim Higgins, former Irish Minister, celebrated the role of women, noting, “The very first video that we had was very clear… It was all about women.” He called for coordinated civil disobedience to sustain momentum for change.
Senator Roberto Rampi, former Italian Senator, described the resistance’s philosophy as “a philosophy of peace and pluralism and democracy for Iran,” urging countries to stop supporting the regime’s terrorism.
Senator Antonio Razzi, former Italian Senator, highlighted the regime’s grim record, stating, “In the last ten months 1200 executions have been recorded.” He called for UN sanctions and protection for Ashraf 3 residents.
Mario Galea, former Maltese Minister, contrasted the regime’s nuclear ambitions with Rajavi’s vision, saying, “Madam Rajavi… believes in the power of the people.” He urged Albania to protect Ashraf 3 residents under the 1951 Geneva Convention.
A Call to Action
The Second Free Iran 2025 Conference concluded with a resounding call for global action to support the Iranian people’s struggle. Speakers emphasized the urgency of isolating the regime, designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and endorsing the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan.
The conference highlighted the resilience of Iran’s resistance, led by women and youth, and the sacrifices of groups like the truck drivers and Ashraf 3 residents.
As Mario Galea quoted Gandhi, “First, they ignore you. Then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.” The speakers unanimously agreed that victory for a free and democratic Iran is not a matter of if, but when.
This gathering, marked by tributes to fallen supporters like Kimo Sassi and Francis, underscored the global solidarity with Iran’s fight for freedom. The message was clear: the international community must act decisively to support the Iranian people, end appeasement, and pave the way for a democratic republic guided by Maryam Rajavi’s vision.
