Freedom-Loving Iranians Rally on the Anniversary of the Iranian People’s Anti-Monarchical Revolution
Maryam Rajavi: The Revolution Is Imminent
Fellow compatriots,
It is February, the month associated with revolution, marked by the overthrow of the Shah’s dictatorship. And certainly, the overthrow of the mullahs will also occur.
No revolution in history loses its significance, regardless of how much it is distorted or denied. The people of Iran are determined to usher in another revolution in the nation’s history. The anniversary of the 1979 Revolution resonates with the fervor of freedom lovers and fighters, as they cry out, “Long live the revolution!”
Their voice is more resonant than ever that disrupting the old and reactionary order and establishing a just and democratic society is right, real and more necessary today than ever.
Their roar echoes the words of Massoud Rajavi, who proclaimed that the 1979 revolution is “neither dead, nor reduced to ashes, nor destroyed.” Instead, it courses unwaveringly through the veins of our revolutionary generation.
On the anniversary of the anti-monarchical revolution, we pay tribute to the sacrifices endured over 45 years. Let us renew our solemn oath on this sacred occasion: we will tirelessly strive to achieve victory for the democratic revolution of the Iranian people, no matter the cost.
We extend our endless gratitude to the trailblazers and pioneers of that revolution: Mohammad Hanifnejad, Saeed Mohsen, Ali-Asghar Badizadegan, Massoud Ahmadzadeh, Bijan Jazani, Amir Parviz Pooyan, Shokrollah Paknejad, and Father Seyyed Mahmoud Taleghani, who epitomized the essence of the anti-monarchical revolution. In stark contrast to Khomeini, who deceitfully usurped the leadership of the revolution, Taleghani always affirmed that the sacrifices made by these revolutionary pioneers paved the path for the February 1979 Revolution.
We extend our heartfelt greetings to Massoud Rajavi, who courageously delineated the line between revolution and regression, and between freedom and tyranny.
In his first speech following his release from the Shah’s prison, he charted the course for the Iranian people’s freedom movement, rallying with the cry of “Victory to the democratic revolution of Iran.” Since then, he has tirelessly battled against religious tyranny, unwavering in his pursuit of establishing a democratic society.
We salute Ashraf Rajavi and Moussa Khiyabani, who epitomize the profound sacrifices made by the Iranian people on the altar of freedom. Our tribute extends to them and to all the valiant heroes who fought until their last breath and gave their lives on February 8, 1982, establishing a revered tradition of resistance at any cost.
Validating the democratic alternative, the National Council of Resistance
The same formidable force that swept through Iran in the 1970s, toppling the Shah’s dictatorship, has continued unabated throughout these four decades.
From the uprising of June 20, 1981, to the PMOI’s battles in the 80s, the brilliant battles of the National Liberation Army, the Eternal Light operation, the series of profound uprisings of the 90s, the 14-year perseverance in Ashraf, the 2009 uprising, and the series of victorious uprisings from 2017 up until today, which have left no place for the remnants of the Shah’s regime or the defectors from the clerical regime.
The National Council of Resistance has firmly established itself as a genuine democratic alternative over four decades, steadfastly opposing both the Shah and the mullahs.
What stands as a source of immense pride is the invincible spirit of the heroic people of Iran, exemplified by their endless procession of martyrs. Their resilience is echoed in the unwavering resolve of countless prisoners and the strength of their courageous mothers. Above all, the mother of the martyred Rezaei’s, who has emerged as a guiding light for the nation.
Democratic plan to transfer power to the people of Iran
Fellow compatriots,
In these 45 years, our society and country have endured immense suffering. The torture of hundreds of thousands of political prisoners and detained protesters, the loss of 120,000 of Iran’s brightest children—among them the massacre of 30,000 political prisoners—the forced immigration of 6 million Iranians, the devastation of our nation, and the poverty and hunger experienced by millions, alongside countless other losses and separations.
In the face of such bitterness and disaster, there are two approaches: one of distress, depression, and despair, and the other of resistance and fierce determination to fight on.
Our Resistance is proud to have taken this glorious path and built the essential institutions and foundations for a struggle with inevitable victory.
With the National Resistance Council, the National Liberation Army, the PMOI Central Council, freedom loving PMOI members, the Resistance Units, and by laying the groundwork for a free Iran in the future with a democratic program based on the separation of religion and state, the plan for women’s rights and freedoms, the plan for the autonomy for the oppressed nationalities of Iran, and a democratic plan to transfer power to the people.
A universal slogan: “Death to the oppressor, be it the shah or the mullahs’ leader”
Fellow compatriots,
Today, alongside you and your demonstrations and gatherings in Berlin, Paris, and other countries, we declare that the Iranian people’s uprising is poised to surge forward, despite the carnage in November 2019 and the 2022 uprising.
Through the dedication of the Resistance Units, the slogan “Death to the oppressor, be it the shah or the mullahs’ leader” resonated widely during the 2022-2023 uprising. It demonstrated that this movement is ten times more powerful than before, ten times more refined and resistant against the tyranny of the Shah and the mullahs, and ten times more determined and prepared for the regime’s overthrow.
Revolutionary Readiness of Iranian Society
The major and sometimes unprecedented events in recent months signify the ongoing process of overthrowing the regime. The daily protests and strikes erupting across Iran serve as the footsteps of the revolution.
Observe the activities and operations of the Resistance Units and witness the heroism of these dedicated rebels! This is one of the most significant outcomes of the revolutionary readiness of Iranian society.
What clearer sign could there be that the volcano of the Iranian revolution is on the verge of eruption? Yes, the revolution is imminent.
Consider the fear palpable in Khamenei and his few accomplices! Despite their ruthless tactics—executions, eye-gouging, and limb amputations—to suppress uprisings, the revolution is inevitable.
Prosecution of the PMOI for Striving to Overthrow the Regime
Where can the helplessness of the mullahs be more evident than in the midst of this clamorous trial, they have orchestrated against the PMOI?
They aim to condemn not just a group, but the spirit of struggle, the historical resolve of a people to alter their fate. Yet, revolution is imminent.
We remind them that amidst the thousands of pages of their indictment against the PMOI/MEK, they failed to acknowledge the greatest crimes committed by the leadership of the PMOI and the Iranian Resistance against the inhumane reign of Khomeini and Khamenei:
The Resistance’s leader has educated successive generations of knowledgeable and courageous youth, leading them into the fray against religious tyranny. Is this a crime or a source of pride?
We have empowered successive generations of girls and women to rise against oppression, humiliation, and inequality, taking the forefront in the battle against this misogynistic regime. And we proudly embrace this so-called crime.
Our ‘crime’ lies in carrying the banner of the regime’s overthrow for over four decades, with this flag proudly waving over the ruins of Velayat al-Faqih.
Yes, we are proud of this and hundreds of other ‘crimes’ we have committed during our struggle against the mullahs’ inhuman regime.
Sham Election Reveals a Moribund Regime
Look at what is happening within the regime.
The mullahs once staged election theatrics, but now they reveal their faltering state.
As Massoud Rajavi eloquently put it: “There is no place for elections in this regime; the time has come for a revolution.”
The Iranian people loudly proclaim that the elections are nothing but a magic trick by Khamenei.
They vote for the overthrow of the Velayat al-Faqih regime.
They vote for the triumph of the democratic revolution, and it will certainly be realized.
The Head of the Snake of Warmongering and Terrorism
Compatriots,
Khamenei resorted to warmongering in the region to avoid any uprising in Iran. However, it is impossible for him to profit from this war.
Had this regime not been in power, the entire region would not be engulfed in the flames of war today.
What the Iranian Resistance has been asserting for years is now evident to all: the head of the snake of warmongering and terrorism lies in Tehran.
A Call to Campaign for the Abolition of the Death Penalty
Inside Iran, Ali Khamenei, along with individuals like Ebrahim Raisi and Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejeii, have formed a cabinet that thrives on executions and massacres. Last year alone, their record included the execution of 860 individuals, with thousands more sentenced to death in various prisons. Additionally, oppressed fuel and weight carriers in Kurdistan and Baluchistan, as well as defiant youth across the country, have been subjected to successive killings and imprisonments.
During this period, rebellious youths have responded to these executions by targeting the regime’s centers of crime, and they will continue to do so.
Today, I call upon all Iranians, particularly the rebellious youth, to join the campaign to abolish the death penalty. This universal campaign aims to confront the daily execution of young people, challenge Khamenei’s tyranny, organize protest gatherings outside prisons, mobilize demonstrations and uprisings throughout Iran, and stage incessant protests around the world as part of a nationwide movement to overthrow the Velayat al-Faqih regime.
The Failure of Appeasement Policy with the Regime
In recent days, we have witnessed the most disgraceful failure of appeasement policies on the international stage. Fortunately, individuals with awakened consciences worldwide have recognized the right path.
I salute the over 500 parliamentarians in Germany, including 180 members of the Federal Parliament. In a joint statement, they have called upon the international community to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in their quest for change.
The number of legislators supporting the Iranian people’s Resistance and their demands for change, from Europe to America, Canada, and Australia, has now surpassed 4,000 parliamentarians from 41 countries worldwide. We salute all of them!
On the anniversary of the anti-monarchical revolution, we renew our commitment to the cause of its martyrs and all the courageous individuals who have tirelessly fought over the past four decades, pledging to continue until the overthrow of religious tyranny in Iran.
The Iranian people, the Iranian Resistance, and the rebellious youth and women, are determined in their pursuit of victory for the democratic revolution in Iran. Together, they shall overcome.
Long live the people of Iran.
Long live freedom.