Simay Azadi English

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.

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 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.

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.”

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.”

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?’ They dismissed the idea, repeating baseless accusations. So I asked them, ‘You keep attacking them—who are you? What do you do for your country? What is your plan?’

They had no answer. They just stared at me in silence!”

Another speaker of the event was Jacques Boutault, Deputy Mayor of Paris Centre, who condemned the Iranian regime’s alarming rate of executions: “In 2024 alone, more than 1,000 people have been executed in Iran. This is a regime that thrives on death. The silence of the international community only encourages these crimes.” He called for the prosecution of regime officials for crimes against humanity.

Among speakers of the rally in Paris were several renowned and senior opposition figures.

Zinat Mirhashemi, a leading member of the NCRI, addressed the historical continuity of Iran’s resistance: “The oppression of the Shah prevented people from breathing. This is why the people rose and created a revolution to overthrow the Shah’s regime. We see the same courage today in the Resistance Units fighting the mullahs’ dictatorship.”

Mahnaz Salimian, Senior Secretary of the NCRI, reinforced the movement’s resolve: “No power in the world will prevent the overthrow of this anti-historical and anti-Iranian clerical regime. The only function of the remnants of the traitorous Shah’s regime, as well as the fake alternatives, is to serve the survival of the mullahs.”

Kak Baba Sheikh Hosseini, Secretary General of the Khabat Organization of Iranian Kurdistan, reaffirmed the unity of all ethnic groups in the struggle: “The people of Kurdistan have fought against both the Shah and the mullahs. We will remain in this fight for a democratic republic.”

Members of the Iranian diaspora and academics also voiced their support of what they described as a viable alternative.

Dr. Sina Dashti invoked historical parallels: “The French revolutionaries did not beg Louis XVI for a peaceful transition; they stormed the Bastille. Just as the Syrian people did not wait for Bashar al-Assad to change, our youth and Resistance Units strike directly at the heart of the enemy.”

Militia Javdan, whose father was executed by the regime, declared: “This is the same struggle generations before us fought. My father, Mehdi Javdan, sacrificed his life for Iran’s freedom. We carry that torch today.”

Before the march began, young Iranians took the stage, delivering impassioned speeches that reflected the intergenerational struggle for freedom.

Arash Marandi opened, saying: “For years, we have faced two oppressive regimes. The Shah’s SAVAK committed atrocities, and then Khomeini imposed another dictatorship. But today, we are approaching the end of the regime, and we will not allow history to repeat itself.”

Mona Forouzandeh emphasized the role of women in the resistance: “We are the continuation of the generation that never bowed to the Shah or the mullahs. The bloodied doves, like Fatemeh Mesbah, only 13 years old, stood against the dictatorship. Today, the Resistance Units continue their glorious fight.”

Arvin Habibi condemned false alternatives, declaring: “Today, in this darkness, a light shines: the Resistance Units. From here, we say to the false alternatives: We will not be deceived by you! We stand in full support of the just struggle of the PMOI.”

A March Through the Heart of Paris

As the speeches concluded, the sea of demonstrators began their march from Denfert-Rochereau toward Place Vauban, their banners and flags forming a striking display of defiance.

I could hardly reach the end the line, or see the ending of this seemingly endless line of protesters calling for a free Iran.

The chants of “Death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Mullahs!” filled the streets. The seemingly never-ending procession of people, young and old, marched with unwavering determination for a free Iran, their voices echoing through the boulevards of Paris.

Upon reaching Place Vauban, the demonstration continued with music performances and additional speeches, reinforcing the themes of resistance and unity.

As night fell over Paris, the demonstrators slowly dispersed, but their message remained clear: the fight for a free and secular Iran is far from over.

For those in attendance, there was no doubt—Iran’s future lies not with the mullahs or the monarchy, but with the people who refuse to be silenced.

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