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Romania’s first prime minister after the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime discusses Iran’s human rights crisis and compares it to the fall of Ceaușescu.   In an interview with Simay Azadi on the sidelines of the Free Iran World Summit in Paris, Petre Roman, Romania’s first prime minister after the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu in 1989, discussed the worsening human rights situation in Iran, the wave of political executions, lessons from Romania’s democratic transition, the role of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and his message to the Iranian people.  During the interview, Roman described Iran as one of the world’s most repressive regimes, compared its current crackdown to the final days of Ceaușescu’s regime, argued that a democratic alternative is both possible and necessary, and said the NCRI’s political program could provide a viable future for Iran.  Read the full text of the interview below (edited for clarity):  Q: What are your thoughts about the situation of human rights in general and specifically about the executions of political prisoners?  Petre Roman: Well, to talk about human rights in Iran right now is almost a nonsense, because there are no human rights.  The regime doesn’t respect any human rights.  The brutality and cruelty of the executions—I mean, people are being massacred, not just executed—is beyond any human consideration.  This should be one of the most important issues before the international community, for everyone who cares not only about human rights but about the simple meaning of being human.  What is happening today is even more striking than before.  Under the pressure of the war and the attacks, the Iranian regime decided to suppress every form of protest by using every possible means, including the most brutal ones—massacres.  That is the reality in Iran today.  Nobody should indulge in propaganda or try to justify it.  There is no explanation that can excuse these actions.  I believe this is perhaps the most repressive regime in the world today, and one of the most repressive in modern history.  I speak from experience because I was the first Prime Minister of Romania after the fall of the dictatorship.  In the final days of that dictatorship, the Romanian dictator was also massacring and killing people.  Q: He had also traveled to Iran shortly before.  Petre Roman: Yes, just before.  At that time, however, we did not consider the regime in Iran to be as brutal and cruel as it has become today.  I know what dictatorship looks like.  Ceaușescu unleashed terrible violence and ordered people to be killed.  The Romanian people rose up against him.  I was there at the barricades in Bucharest.  I don’t know why I survived—I can only believe God helped me stay alive.  Only twelve hours after the massacre at the barricades, the regime collapsed completely.  [Video insert: News footage of the Romanian Revolution]  Romanian Newscaster: “…the trial of Nicolae Ceaușescu and Elena Ceaușescu…”  English Translation: The execution of the deposed Romanian leader and his wife was announced tonight on state television. The newscaster said the Ceaușescus had been tried on Christmas Day. They were charged with genocide, murdering 60,000 people, abusing their power, destroying public property, and undermining the national economy. Nicolae Ceaușescu was also accused of transferring one billion dollars of Romania’s wealth into foreign bank accounts.  Romanian Newscaster: “…for these grave crimes…”  English Translation: The newscaster said that on all charges, Nicolae and Elena Ceaușescu were found guilty and sentenced to death.  Petre Roman: Iran is a great country with a great culture and a well-educated population.  I believe a democratic government is possible in Iran.  It can take care of its people and build a modern economy.  The Iranian people are fully capable of doing that.  The alternative is defined by the opposition to this regime, and I am speaking specifically about the National Council of Resistance of Iran.  Today, the opposition—the Free Iran movement—is more important than ever.  That is my view.  Q: Could you tell us about your own experience meeting the Iranian Resistance in Paris and participating in these conferences over the years?  Petre Roman: Absolutely.  I first came here about seven years ago.  By now, I suppose I’m a veteran of these gatherings.  From the very beginning, I felt a warm and sincere spirit.  I met brave, brave fighters.  I also believe the political program offered by the NCRI has real substance.  It is a serious political program.  I believe it could work.  I truly feel that it offers a path that could benefit both Iran and its people.  Q: Finally, if you could speak directly to the Iranian people watching this interview, what would your message be?  Petre Roman: It is more than a message.  It is my profound feeling of solidarity with the Iranian people—the brave, brave fighters for freedom in Iran.  I deeply feel that solidarity.  From the bottom of my heart, I wish to see you victorious.  I wish to see you governing your own country and holding the destiny of your nation in your own hands.  Free Iran!  Q: We wish you and the people of Romania all the best. Thank you very much.  Petre Roman: Thank you very much. 

Former Canadian foreign minister discusses executions in Iran, Western policy toward Tehran, the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan, and the cancellation of the Free Iran gathering in Paris.  In an interview with Simay Azadi on the sidelines of the Free Iran World Summit in Paris, former Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird discussed the Iranian regime’s human rights record, the wave of executions in Iran, Western policy toward Tehran, democratic alternatives to the current regime, and the cancellation of the June 20 Free Iran gathering in Paris.  During the interview, Baird argued that the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses, support for terrorism, and nuclear ambitions make it impossible to negotiate or appease Tehran. He also discussed Canada’s past policy toward Iran, expressed support for the Iranian people’s aspirations for freedom, endorsed the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s Ten-Point Plan, and criticized the French authorities’ decision to cancel the Free Iran rally.  Read the full text of the interview below (edited for clarity):  Simay Azadi: Thank you very much, Mr. Minister, for accepting this interview with Simay Azadi. Let me begin with this question. Yesterday, in your speech at the Free Iran gathering, you said that Iran’s regime is evil and that nobody should negotiate with evil. Can you elaborate on that? Why do you consider this regime evil?  John Baird: I think its abysmal human rights record, its extensive use of the death penalty against political opponents, its nuclear program, and its material support for terrorism throughout the region make this regime evil.  You can’t negotiate with evil, you can’t appease evil, and you can’t work with evil.  Simay Azadi: You just referred to Iran’s ongoing human rights violations. We have witnessed a wave of executions in recent months, especially after the war broke out. Why do you think the regime has increased the number of executions, particularly targeting January protesters and members of the MEK? John Baird: Iran has shown massive political abuses and extensive use of the death penalty going back 40 years.  I think of 1988, and I think of what happened in the aftermath of January.  This regime only uses one tool against its political opponents: brutal force.  Whether it’s peaceful protesters, students, teachers, or resistance fighters, the regime responds with force.  The world has got to take note of this and recognize the true evil that we’re confronting.  Simay Azadi: When you were Canada’s foreign minister during Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government, Canada recognized the 1988 massacre as a crime against humanity and cut diplomatic relations with the regime.  What do you think the world should do today when it comes to the Iranian regime? What should Canada, the United Kingdom, and European countries do in their relations with Tehran?  John Baird: They need to do two things.  First, realize what we’re dealing with and call it what it is: evil.  Second, understand that this regime only understands one thing: power. It understands a clear and consistent message.  You can’t appease them, you can’t negotiate with them, and you can’t trust them.  They understand strength and consistency, and you don’t back down.  In Canada, one of the things we were most concerned about was not only Iran’s abysmal human rights record but also its complete lack of respect for diplomacy.  Look at what happened to the British Embassy, the American Embassy, and the Saudi Embassy.  We were not confident that Iranian security officials would protect Canadian diplomats.  That’s why even dealing with these people diplomatically doesn’t work. They have no respect for diplomatic conventions such as the Vienna Convention.  Simay Azadi: In your opinion, what is an alternative to this regime, and what is not an alternative?  John Baird: I think people in Iran—and indeed people around the world—understand one thing: the people of Iran want to get rid of dictatorship.  Whether that’s the hereditary dictatorship that existed before the religious fascists took over in 1979, the Iranian people need something that gives them hope.  They need something that can rebuild Iran and improve their lives.  That’s why people should look at the Ten-Point Plan put forward by the NCRI under the leadership of Madam Rajavi.  If we gathered a group of constitutional experts and asked them to design a ten-point plan, I don’t think we could come up with a better one.  Take six months, hold an assembly, and move from dictatorship to freedom, diversity, equality between men and women, and a system without religious hierarchy.  Simay Azadi: You spoke about appeasement and about why we should not negotiate with this regime. Yet French authorities canceled the Free Iran gathering here in Paris while Iranians were traveling from around the world to attend.  What message does this send to the Iranian regime and to the Iranian people? What should have been done?  John Baird: It’s a victory for evil, and it’s a setback for freedom.  We were very disappointed by the French government’s decision to cancel the rally.  When people think of France, the first word that comes to mind is liberté.  I think the message sent here in Paris is a very negative one for the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the Iranian people.  Simay Azadi: If you would like to send a message to the Iranian people, especially the Resistance Units who will be watching this interview on Simay Azadi, what would it be?  John Baird: We have your back.  We support you.  The world is watching.  I can speak for many millions of Canadians who dream of a better future for the Iranian people.  Canadians will continue to stand with them and support them in this great struggle.  Earlier this year, the regime was at its weakest point.  The regime remains in a very vulnerable position.  Freedom will come one day.  And hopefully we won’t have to return to Paris next year.  Hopefully we’ll hold the next Free Iran conference in Tehran.  Simay Azadi: We hope so too. Thank you very much for this interview with Simay Azadi.  John Baird: Thank you. 

Reports indicate that five political prisoners held in Ahvaz Central Prison  could face imminent execution after their death sentences were upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court. Four of them are being sentenced to death for  supporting  the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI). Reports from Iran indicate that five political prisoners — Massoud Jamei, Alireza Merdasi , Farshad Etemadi-Far, Reza Abdali, and Hassan Maslavi — face the risk of imminent execution in Ahvaz Central Prison , raising renewed concerns over the use of the death penalty in political cases.  According to the reports, Farshad Etemadi-Far, Alireza Merdasi (Hamidavi),and Massoud Jamei were arrested in the summer of 2023 and sentenced in July 2025 by Branch One of the Revolutionary Court in Ahvaz, presided over by Judge Adibi-Mehr. They were convicted on charges including moharebeh (“enmity against God”), “assembly and collusion against national security,” “membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK),” and “propaganda against the state.” They were sentenced to two death sentences and one year of imprisonment, and the ruling was upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court on November 14, 2025.  Reza Abdali, who was arrested in February 2025, was sentenced in July 2025 to death and 15 years in prison for support of the PMOI. His death sentence was also upheld by the Supreme Court in November 2025.  The prisoners come from diverse professional and ethnic backgrounds. Farshad Etemadi-Far, 31, is from Basht in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province and had previously served a 20-month prison sentence following an earlier arrest in 2018. Massoud Jamei, 49, worked for the oil industry, while Alireza Mardasi, 53, is a teacher. Both are members of Iran’s Arab community and were arrested in Ahvaz. Reza Abdali, 36, is also an Arab resident of Ahvaz and belongs to the Daghaghleh tribe.  The reports come amid growing concern over conditions inside Sheiban Prison, one of Iran’s most overcrowded detention facilities. Former prisoners and rights advocates have repeatedly reported severe shortages of water, inadequate sanitation, and living conditions far beyond the prison’s intended capacity. Reports indicate that prisoners face chronic shortages of drinking water and sanitary facilities due to overcrowding.  The threat of new executions comes amid a broader escalation in death penalty cases involving PMOI supporters. In recent weeks, courts have issued or reaffirmed death sentences against several political prisoners, including Zahra Tabari, whose death sentence was reimposed in Rasht, and Amin Farahavar, a political prisoner from Gilan whose death sentence was recently upheld by the Supreme Court. Manouchehr Fallah, another political prisoner accused of membership in the PMOI, also remains under a confirmed death sentence.  The cases follow a wave of executions involving PMOI members. Since July 2025, ten members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) have been executed. Among them were Hamed Validi and Mohammad Massoum-Shahi, who were executed on April 20, 2026, as well as Vahid Baniamerian, Pouya Ghobadi, Babak Alipour, Mohammad Taghavi, Akbar Daneshvarkar, and Abolhassan Montazar,who were executed between March 30 and April 4, 2026.  The reported risk of imminent executions in Ahvaz comes as concerns continue to grow over the increasing use of capital punishment in political cases and the growing number of prisoners facing execution because of their political activities and support for opposition organizations. 

Relatives of political prisoners and members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) have reportedly been summoned, interrogated, and threatened in recent weeks, as authorities increase pressure on families amid a continuing wave of executions and political prosecutions.  According to reports released this week, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence summoned the family of political prisoner Marzieh Farsi, who is currently held in Evin Prison, on May 24. Family members were reportedly subjected to several hours of interrogation, threats, insults, and psychological pressure.  According to the reports, interrogators warned the family against maintaining contact with other families of political prisoners or PMOI members.  The reported interrogation is part of a broader pattern affecting relatives of political prisoners and opposition supporters. Over the past two weeks, the families of political prisoners and PMOI supporters, including the families of Sedigheh Moradi, Azar Karvandi, and executed PMOI member Akbar Daneshvarkar, have also reportedly been summoned and questioned by intelligence authorities.  Reports say some family members were threatened with the confiscation of property and inheritance rights, while others were warned that additional relatives could face arrest.  According to the reports, intelligence officials also pressured family members to participate in proceedings linked to a renewed mass trial involving the PMOI and 104 members of the Iranian opposition. Relatives were allegedly asked to appear in court and give statements against the organization, while being warned that refusal could result in the seizure of assets or further arrests within their families.  The reported pressure campaign comes amid a broader escalation in political prosecutions. Since July 2025, ten members of the PMOI have been executed, including Hamed Validi and Mohammad Massoum-Shahi on April 20, 2026, as well as Vahid Baniamerian, Pouya Ghobadi, Babak Alipour, Mohammad Taghavi, Akbar Daneshvarkar, and Abolhassan Montazer, several of whom were executed between March 30 and April 4, 2026.  At the same time, at least 20 protesters linked to the January 2026 uprising have been executed since March, according to compiled reports, while additional political prisoners remain under sentence of death. Rights advocates and legal experts have warned that more detainees arrested during the uprising could face execution.  The pressure on families has coincided with increasingly hardline rhetoric from senior officials. On April 28, Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Eje’i called for faster implementation of rulings in security-related cases, arguing that delays weaken deterrence. On May 21, regime MP Hamid Rasaei urged the judiciary to establish wartime-style courts, accelerate punishments, and expand public executions. The latest reports suggest that alongside arrests, executions, and prison sentences, authorities are also extending pressure to the relatives of political prisoners and opposition supporters. 

Exclusive Interview — Simay Azadi On the sidelines of a conference at the European Parliament marking the International Day of Human Rights, Simay Azadi spoke with Dorien Rookmaker, former Member of the European Parliament (Netherlands).In this interview, Ms. Rookmaker sharply condemned Tehran’s human rights record, called on the European Union to take concrete action, voiced explicit support for Maryam Rajavi’s plan for a secular and democratic Iran, and stressed that economic interests must never take precedence over human rights. She also delivered a message of solidarity and encouragement to the Iranian people, emphasizing that the regime is weak and nearing collapse. Read the full text of the interview below. Interview with Dorien Rookmaker — Simay Azadi Simay Azadi: Thank you very much for accepting this interview with Simay Azadi. We just heard your speech at the conference here at the European Parliament. Can you just tell us what you think about today’s conference and what was its message? And if you can, in several points, say your message that was in the powerful speech that you just gave—what was it? Dorien Rookmaker:First of all, today is the International Day for Human Rights, and it’s an important day for all humankind, I think. It’s important that we all respect human rights. And the regime in Iran is, unfortunately, one of the regimes that don’t respect human rights. I think the regime in Iran is pure evil. I think the UN is doing its part, but we’re here as guests in the European Parliament, and I addressed the European Parliament and I called upon them to take action. The magnificent and very good plan of Maryam Rajavi for the freedom of Iran, for a secular democratic Iran, is extremely good. And I think as a European Union, we have to follow up on that. And I proposed a 10-point plan for the European Union in support of Maryam Rajavi, and I think it went well—it went down well with the European Union members, that is. I think it’s important that we explicitly speak out our support for Maryam Rajavi and the PMOI. I think it’s very important that we mention and state that the IRGC is a terrorist organization. And I think it’s very important that we never, ever, ever prioritize economic interest above human rights, because what you don’t want others to do to you, you shouldn’t do upon others. And if other countries would let a prolific situation of human rights violations in Europe and Iranian people wouldn’t stand up for us, we would be furious. And I admire the Iranian people that they have so much courage to stand up against a regime that is ruthless, and I admire their patience with the European Union and the international community. We should step up and do far more than we do now. Thank you. Simay Azadi: Well thank you very much. If you have any message to the Iranian people, you can address them directly and tell them. Dorien Rookmaker:Well, to the Iranian people, I would like to say that the situation in Syria and the breakdown of the regime of Assad, but also the situation in Iran—which is awful, of course, because of shortages of water and fuel prices going up sky-high, etc.—these are all signs that the regime in Iran is weak and it is on the point of breakdown. And this is why it’s so important that the international community supports you, and it’s why it’s so important that you step up and have trust and faith, because this regime will fade away, will go, and we will charge all those people that have murdered—we will hold them accountable. Thank you.

Exclusive Interview — Simay Azadi On the sidelines of the Free Iran Convention 2025: Defining the Roadmap for Iran’s Democratic Transition, held on November 15, 2025, in Washington D.C., Simay Azadi conducted an exclusive interview with the Rt. Hon. John Bercow, former Speaker of the UK House of Commons. In this interview, Mr. Bercow criticized the policy of appeasement towards the Iranian regime, calling for a firm, principled international strategy that treats Tehran as a “pariah failed state.” He also addressed MEK supporters inside Iran directly, praising their bravery and reaffirming his unwavering support for their struggle for democracy and freedom. The Washington convention brought together many Iranian American scholars, professionals, human rights advocates, youth, and community leaders from across the United States—joined virtually by supporters and dignitaries worldwide. The gathering examined Iran’s rapidly shifting internal landscape and the growing momentum for democratic transition, emphasizing the central role of youth, women, and organized Resistance units in shaping Iran’s future. Read the full text of the interview below. Interview Transcript — Simay Azadi INTV Reporter: Mr. Speaker, we’ve heard you in the past criticize the policy of appeasement towards the Iranian regime. What would the right policy be for the international community to follow? John Bercow: “The right policy is for the international community to shame the Iranian government, not to accord it respect, not to consider that it is an equal player on the field, but instead to treat it as a pariah failed state that is an abomination. So it should be subject to the most severe sanctions. It should be shamed in all international fora. And it should be, if necessary, diplomatically bludgeoned into accepting that the future must be decided by the Iranian people and no one else.” INTV Reporter: And if you have one message for MEK supporters in Iran, what would that be? John Bercow: “I say to MEK supporters across Iran, in all 31 provinces, I admire you, I revere you, I think of you constantly, and I will support you always. Every time I have the opportunity, I want to trumpet the message for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law in Iran. And I want you to know, as resistance fighters, that you are true heroes, that you will never be forgotten, and that nothing will ever succeed in stopping you, in destroying your will, or in crushing you. I know you guys well enough to know that the word bravery could have been invented to encapsulate what you do. You are very, very, very special people. You are homegrown. You are on the ground. You are in your communities. You believe in freedom. You will not rest until you achieve it. If I, coming from a very fortunate position, living in a democracy, can use my profile and voice to support you, that is what I want to do. My biggest ambition in relation to the freedom fighters of Iran and the NCRI—so magnificently, heroically, courageously, brilliantly, inspirationally led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi—is to be able to go to Iran to join in the celebrations when this bestial dictatorship is relegated to the dustbin of history, and the people of Iran can choose who leads them.”

In an interview with Simay Azadi, Helene Carreiras, Portugal’s first female Minister of Defense (2022-2024), shared her powerful reflections on the “Women, Force for Change – Free Iran 2025” conference, held by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) in Paris on February 22, 2025. The event, a prelude to International Women’s Day 2025, which brought global leaders together to honor Iranian women’s resistance against Tehran’s regime and rally support for their democratic vision. The conference had the NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi as the keynote speaker who explained her Ten-Point Plan for a secular, democratic Iran, endorsed by over 650 women leaders from 80 countries, including Ms. Carreiras. They condemned Iran’s systemic discrimination and called for the IRGC’s terrorist designation, hailing Iranian women as a global inspiration. I asked Ms. Carreiras how she assesses the role of women in the Iranian resistance and their situation in Iran. She replied, “We know from research that nations who fail women ultimately fail as well. The situation of women tells us a lot about the ability of a society to develop and give their citizens the basic rights to thrive. Women have been victims in many situations, and the case of Iran is particularly relevant because they’ve been so active, so protagonists in this fight. Their visibility is a force for change, really.” I then asked about the conference’s message and her feelings participating. “It was emotional for me because I could sense the determination, the courage, the cohesion behind this movement,” she said. “The courage, the determination of these women is an inspiration for us all. It also empowers us to fight the same fight we have in our own countries, because this is a fight about democracy, human rights, it’s a fight for justice. Iranian women are not alone fighting against tyranny, against a regime that has been depriving citizens of Iran—and women in particular—of the very basic rights they should be entitled to.” Carreiras closed with a heartfelt message to the Iranian women: “Thank you so much for what you’re doing, because you’re strong and we’ll be stronger together.”