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Guy Verhofstadt to Simay Azadi:  ‘It’s Time to End Complacency Toward Iran’s Regime 

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Paris, February 8, 2025 – Thousands of Iranians and supporters of Iran’s Resistance gathered in Paris, demanding democratic change in Iran. Marking the anniversary of the 1979 revolution, the rally sent a strong message rejecting both monarchy and theocracy, calling for a secular, democratic republic.  Our reporter  spoke with several figures at the event, including former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, who has long advocated for a firm European stance against the Iranian regime. In our conversation, he emphasized that the era of appeasement must end, and decisive action must be taken against the ruling clerics in Tehran.  “We have to stop the complacency strategy that we have followed for so many years and maybe now is a good moment to do that. Why? Because there is a new administration in Europe, a new High Representative, and a new Commission. At the same time, there is also a change in America with a new administration. So, I think it’s a good moment to get rid of this very wrong strategy of complacency and to start to have a real tough attitude towards the Mullahs’ regime, especially by applying the different sanctions that are foreseen in the different resolutions of the United Nations.”  Simay Azadi’s reporter pointed out that in 2024 alone, the Iranian regime executed nearly 1,000 people, many of them under the so-called “moderate” president. Verhofstadt dismissed the idea that moderation exists within the regime.  “Well, that doesn’t exist—a moderate president, I think, in Iran. I think for years they have told us, yeah, there can maybe be a split in the regime. But nobody can believe that. The executions continue with the actual president, and there is only one good solution. There’s a solution that arrives everywhere in the world… That is a democratic era. That is what we need, and the end of the theocracy that exists today.”  When asked about the message of the rally and the thousands gathered to reject dictatorship in all forms, Verhofstadt was clear in his response.  “I think it’s mainly a message to the European leadership to change their strategy the fastest as possible and to stop the complacency that we have seen the last years.”  His Message Echoed in His Speech at the Rally  Earlier in the day, Verhofstadt addressed the rally, reinforcing these points and drawing comparisons with other global struggles against dictatorship.  “2025 will be a pivotal year because it will be the year of change in Iran—the year of liberation from the totalitarian rule of the Mullahs.”  He pointed to broader shifts in the region and the world that signal an opportunity for real change.  “The Iranian people have had enough and continue to rise up against the Mullahs. In the region surrounding Iran, something has profoundly changed: it is the end of the proxies of the Mullahs.”  In his speech, as in his interview, he called for a complete shift in strategy, moving away from decades of European complacency.  “There is, in reality, only one solution for Iran: to give the Iranian people a voice, to let them shape their own future, and to recognize that the Iranian opposition and resistance are their true representatives.” 

No to Executions Tuesday
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Iran: 56th Week of ‘No to Execution Tuesdays’ Expands to 36 Prisons 

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February 18, 2025—In a continued show of defiance against the Iranian regime’s execution spree, prisoners in 36 prisons across Iran launched a hunger strike on Tuesday as part of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign. This marks the 56th consecutive week of this organized resistance, which has become a powerful symbol of opposition to state-sanctioned killings.  For the first time, prisoners from Dizelabad Prison in Kermanshah have joined the campaign, increasing the number of participating prisons to 36. This expansion underscores the growing determination among detainees to resist the regime’s machinery of repression and death.  Outrage Over the Suspicious Murder of Amir Mohammad Khaleqi  As part of their weekly statement, members of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign expressed their condolences over the suspicious and cruel murder of Amir Mohammad Khaleqi, a Tehran University student. Holding the Iranian authorities responsible, they declared:  “We hold the regime accountable and support the legitimate protests of the students at this university. We also consider the solidarity of other universities with these students as essential.”  The campaign’s support for Tehran University students reflects a broader unity between prisoners, activists, and students in confronting the regime’s systematic oppression. Student protests over this killing have intensified, with demonstrations spreading to other universities.  The Execution Machine Continues Its Deadly Course  The prisoners’ statement also denounced the relentless execution spree that has claimed at least 55 lives since January 20, 2025, including two women.  “The execution machine of the oppressive regime, which continues to work without pause, has executed at least 55 people since January 20, 2025—two of whom were women,” the statement reads.  This staggering number adds to an already grim record of state-sponsored executions in Iran, a policy that has drawn widespread international condemnation.  Death Sentence of Political Prisoner Sharifeh Mohammadi Upheld Again  Among the latest judicial injustices is the case of Sharifeh Mohammadi, a political prisoner whose death sentence was previously overturned by the Supreme Court—only to be upheld once again by a court in Rasht. The regime’s decision to reinstate the execution order has sparked outrage among prisoners and human rights organizations.  In response, prisoners convicted of ordinary crimes at Lakan Prison have announced they will join the hunger strike in solidarity with the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign.  “In protest of this ruling, prisoners convicted of ordinary crimes at Lakan Prison have also announced they will join the hunger strike in solidarity with the ‘No to Execution Tuesdays’ Campaign this week,” the statement said.  This development highlights the growing solidarity across prison populations, demonstrating that opposition to the regime’s execution policy is no longer limited to political prisoners.  Crackdown in Dehdasht: Arrests and Use of Live Ammunition Against Protesters  Beyond the prison walls, the Iranian regime continues its violent suppression of public dissent. The No to Execution Tuesdays statement strongly condemned the brutal repression of protests in Dehdasht, where security forces have resorted to mass arrests and live ammunition to crush demonstrations.  “We are witnessing bloody repression in the city of Dehdasht, with widespread arrests and the use of firearms to kill protesting people there,” the campaign declared.  Iranian authorities have escalated their tactics against peaceful demonstrators in recent months, using deadly force to silence any expression of discontent. The events in Dehdasht are yet another reminder of the regime’s unwavering commitment to repression and violence.  The Regime’s War on the Most Vulnerable: Children Suffering from Illness  In a particularly disturbing revelation, the campaign’s statement went beyond executions and street repression, highlighting the silent suffering of Iranian children with life-threatening illnesses. Due to crippling poverty and the lack of access to medical treatment, families are being forced to abandon care for their children, condemning them to slow, agonizing deaths.  “The brutality of this oppressive regime is not limited to repression, imprisonment, executions, and the killing of unarmed protesters in the streets. It also extends to the deprivation of life of children suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses. Families, crushed under poverty, are forced to abandon treatment for their loved ones—watching their slow death in despair,” the statement reads.  This humanitarian crisis, caused by the regime’s corruption and diversion of national wealth toward repression, underscores the broader impact of state policies on ordinary Iranians.  A Call to Action  In their concluding remarks, the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign reiterated their commitment to defending the right to life, both for those on death row and for children suffering from terminal illnesses.  “Therefore, while condemning these crimes and inhumane actions, we consider it our duty to defend the right to life for those on death row, as well as children suffering from special illnesses,” they declared.  As the campaign enters its 56th consecutive week, its message remains clear: executions, repression, and systemic neglect will not go unanswered. The movement’s resilience stands as a powerful challenge to the regime’s strategy of ruling through fear and death. 

Paris Rally for Simay Azadi
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Thousands Rally in Paris Demanding Democratic Change in Iran

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‌By Iran NTV reporter from Paris The cold winter air did little to deter the sea of protesters who filled Place Denfert-Rochereau on February 8. This historic square, named after Colonel Pierre Philippe Denfert-Rochereau, a hero of the Franco-Prussian War, has long been a symbol of resistance and defiance. It was here, amid the towering lion statue representing the city’s resilience, that thousands of Iranians and supporters of democracy gathered to mark the anniversary of the 1979 revolution—an uprising that once toppled a monarchy, only to see its aspirations for freedom crushed by a new theocracy. The setting, steeped in historical significance, seemed fitting for a demonstration centered on defiance and the demand for democratic change. Today’s demonstration is being held in a historic square of Denfert Rochereau. The rally and its call for a #FreeIran2025 has been endorsed by many politicians and MPs. #NCRIAlternative pic.twitter.com/lZX586TQCd — SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) February 8, 2025 For hours, the chants echoed through the streets: “Down with the oppressor, be it Shah or Mullahs!” The crowd, composed of Iranians from different generations, stood united under a common demand—a secular, democratic republic. The rally presented a striking display of resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in a future free from dictatorship. Young children sat on the shoulders of their parents, elderly participants, clutched photographs of loved ones lost to execution, and students waved banners calling for an end to repression. The atmosphere was energetic and convoyed the message of resilience, as demonstrators of all ages—students, exiled activists, and former political prisoners—stood shoulder to shoulder, united in their vision for a free, secular republic. A Movement That Refuses to Die Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, delivered the keynote speech remotely. Her message was clear: the Iranian people’s struggle for democracy is reaching a decisive moment. “Yes, neither Shah nor Sheikh—long live the Iranian people’s democratic revolution!” she declared, met with thunderous applause. Rajavi emphasized that Iran’s ruling regime is at its weakest, plagued by domestic uprisings, economic turmoil, and international isolation. “Ali Khamenei once said, ‘If we don’t fight in Syria, we will have to fight in Tehran and Isfahan.’ Well, now they are losing Syria and Lebanon, and they are resorting to mass executions in Iran to maintain control.” She reiterated the NCRI’s vision for Iran’s future, advocating for a democratic republic, gender equality, the abolition of the death penalty, and the separation of religion from state. Her speech energized the crowd, reinforcing the belief that change is within reach. International Figures Voice Support Iranians were not the only one calling for a firm policy toward the regime. Several international figures joined the rally, urging Western governments to abandon their policies of appeasement toward Tehran and support the Iranian people’s aspirations. Guy Verhofstadt, former Belgian Prime Minister, declared: “The policy of appeasement must end. First, replace it with a policy of courage worthy of the Iranian people. Second, reestablish the sanctions under the six UNSC resolutions. Third, designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Finally, recognize the Iranian Resistance as the real representatives of the people of Iran.” The crowd erupted in approval. In part of his strong speech @guyverhofstadt said: There is no other solution than to give voice to the people of Iran, to recognize that the opposition and resistance in Iran are the real representatives of the people. #FreeIran2025 #NCRIAlternative pic.twitter.com/AYU8kH4qds — SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) February 12, 2025 In his interview with Simay Azadi, Mr. Verhofstadt told me how crucial is to adopt a firm policy toward the Iranian regime. “We have to stop complete the complacency strategy that we followed for years” he told me, adding that we should “ start to have real tough attitude toward the mullahs’ regime. Our exclusive interview with @guyverhofstadt who once again calls out the appeasement policy and calls for a firm stance against Iran regime especially with the new admin. in the US. #FreeIran2025 #NCRIAlternative pic.twitter.com/oCcmpKx78I — SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) February 8, 2025 Jean-François Legaret, former mayor of Paris’s 1st district, called for support for Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, underlining that it outlines a path toward a democratic Iran. “This resistance movement is fighting not just for regime change but for a democratic republic. We stand by your side,” he said. Following his speech, he told me: “The Iranian people suffered under the Shah’s dictatorship, and this oppression continues today. This regime must go. The situation is changing, and we must stand firmly in support of the Iranian Resistance in its struggle for freedom.” Our interview with ⁦@JF_Legaret⁩ in which he underlined the need for all freedom loving people to support Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s ten-points plan to ensure a #FreeIran2025 #NCRIAlternative pic.twitter.com/LCqkJ0C4Ew — SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) February 8, 2025 Former Colombian senator Ingrid Betancourt added a broader perspective, stating: “When the mullahs fall, it will be the beginning of the collapse of all tyrannies across the world. We are here because we believe in the resistance of the Iranian people. We are the voice of the Resistance Units, the women and men who risk their lives for freedom.” Wise words by @IBetancourtCol during a rally in Paris for a #FreeIran2025: For years, Iranians have declared that they will not submit and that they will accept nothing less than the complete collapse of the mullahs’ tyranny. #NCRIAlternative Her full remarks translated to EN:… pic.twitter.com/NKA5j1HxE3 — SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) February 10, 2025 I had the chance to interview Ms. Betancourt on behalf of Simay Azadi. Referring to decades of the regime’s demonization of the Iranian Resistance, she shared an interesting experience: “I was approached by five people on the streets who told me they were Iranians. I welcomed them with open arms and sat with them to talk. Almost immediately, they started attacking the Iranian Resistance. So I asked them: ‘Do you support the mullahs or the Shah?’ They responded, ‘Neither.’ I told them, ‘If you reject both and want democracy, why don’t you engage with the Iranian Resistance?’

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February 8: Iran Paris Rally —A Testament to the Struggle for Freedom

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“History is a vast early warning system,” wrote Norman Cousins, a reminder that the past holds lessons for those willing to heed them. On February 8, freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the Iran Resistance will gather in Paris, not merely to commemorate the anti-monarchic revolution of 1979 but to highlight the presence of a viable democratic alternative at a time when the Iranian regime faces unprecedented internal and external pressures. On Feb 8 in Paris, Iranians will gather to honor the anti-monarchic revolution and advocate for a #FreeIran2025. Join the stand against dictatorship. Simay Azadi will cover the event! #ParisFreeIranRally pic.twitter.com/5x4JTpPIgs — SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) January 29, 2025 This demonstration transcends remembrance. It is a testament to Iran’s enduring struggle against all forms of dictatorship. The streets of Paris will echo with voices rejecting both the monarchy of the Shah and the theocratic rule of the mullahs. The rallying cry, “Down with the Oppressor, be it the Shah or the Mullahs,” reflects the hard-earned lessons of history, etched into the collective memory of a nation that has faced cycles of authoritarianism. The roots of the 1979 revolution lie in widespread discontent fueled by political repression, economic mismanagement, and social injustice. The Shah’s regime was marked by a deeply entrenched authoritarianism, where political freedoms were systematically suppressed. The SAVAK, his notorious secret police, operated with impunity, silencing dissent through torture, imprisonment, and executions. Economically, Iran suffered from the Dutch Disease—an over-reliance on oil revenues that stifled domestic industries, led to rampant inflation, and widened the gap between the wealthy elite and the impoverished majority. The so-called “Westernization” was superficial, serving as a veneer that masked deep-rooted corruption, cronyism, and social inequality. The revolution, however, did not yield the democracy many had envisioned. Ruhollah Khomeini, returning from exile, capitalized on the revolutionary fervor, positioning himself as a leader without having borne the sacrifices of those who fought on the front lines. His rise to power marked the replacement of one form of autocracy with another. The Islamic Republic mirrored many of the authoritarian traits of the Shah’s regime, including suppression of dissent, political purges, and the establishment of repressive security apparatuses. Power became consolidated in the hands of the Supreme Leader, creating a system where ultimate authority was concentrated without checks or balances. On February 8, the streets of Paris will echo with the calls of freedom-loving Iranians commemorating the anti-monarchic revolution. Together, they’ll reject all forms of dictatorship and stand for a #FreeIran2025. Simay Azadi will cover this event!#ParisFreeIranRally pic.twitter.com/6ImyFOgtCe — SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) January 28, 2025 Khomeini’s regime systematically marginalized genuine revolutionary forces, including the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), which had played a significant role in opposing the Shah. Instead of fulfilling the promises of democracy and freedom, the new regime entrenched authoritarian rule under a theocratic framework. Many Iranians view this as a continuation of the same oppressive structures, with power consolidated in different hands but wielded in familiar ways. Today, attempts to revive nostalgia for the Shah’s era overlook the historical realities of repression and inequality. Such narratives risk undermining the aspirations of Iranians who seek not a return to the past but a break from all forms of dictatorship. The idea of restoring a monarchy dismisses the profound sacrifices made by those who fought to dismantle it and contradicts the democratic aspirations evident in Iran’s recent uprisings. The 2022 protests, particularly the chants in Zahedan, underscore this rejection of authoritarianism in all its forms. The slogan, “Down with the Oppressor, be it the Shah or the Mullahs,” articulates a clear message: the Iranian people seek a future unbound by the legacies of either monarchy or theocracy. Their demands are rooted in the pursuit of democratic governance, social justice, and fundamental human rights. The February 8 demonstration in Paris is not just an act of solidarity; it is a platform to showcase a viable alternative to dictatorship. It highlights the resilience of a movement that has withstood decades of repression and continues to advocate for a democratic Iran. This gathering serves as a reminder that the struggle for freedom is ongoing and that the Iranian people have both the will and the vision to shape their future. As part of this movement, the Free Iran Paris Rally 2025 stands as a symbol of hope and determination for those fighting for democracy. Simay Azadi remains committed to amplifying these voices, providing a platform for those advocating for change. This rally is not merely an event; it represents a chapter in Iran’s continuous struggle for democracy. It signals to the world that despite the challenges, the demand for freedom remains unyielding. As Vaclav Havel once said, “The power of the powerless is the ability to live in truth.” The truth is clear: the Iranian people deserve a future defined not by past tyrannies but by the principles of democracy, justice, and human dignity.

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