Maryam Rajavi visits Ypres to advocate for peace and democracy in Iran
by Alexandre De Bruyne
Maryam Rajavi visits Ypres, highlights peace and democracy
Exiled Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi visited Ypres on Friday. She made a speech at city hall, visited the In Flanders Fields Museum and attended the nightly Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, reports 24brussels.
Rajavi was invited by Ypres resident and former prime minister Yves Leterme after their meeting in Paris, according to reports from VRT. Leterme stated, “The large crowd that came to the city hall shows that she represents what Iranians in exile think about the need for change in their country, the restoration of democracy and an end to executions and terrible persecution. She is someone who is greatly appreciated by the Iranian people.”
In her speech, Rajavi, the president of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, praised Ypres for its role in promoting peace. She remarked, “Ypres is a city whose history still speaks to the world.” Today, Ypres, which suffered immense damage during World War I, is recognized for its advocacy of global peace.
Historically significant, the city was one of the first sites where chemical warfare was employed. Rajavi emphasized this legacy of suffering: “Through remembrance of brutal battles, total destruction and nameless soldiers lost to deadly mustard gas, it has become a moral reminder of the cost of war and the value of peace. The world will never forget the sacrifices Ypres made.”
Ypres mayor Katrien Desomer acknowledged Rajavi’s influence, stating, “I think Mrs Rajavi symbolizes something we fought for so many years ago: our freedom. She is now doing the same from Paris, where she lives in exile as president of the movement against the regime in Iran. She stands up for democracy and women’s rights. We are very happy and honoured that Mrs Rajavi visited Ypres today.”
In September, Rajavi made a notable public appearance at a rally in Brussels, drawing an estimated 10,000 attendees. Participants urged the European Union to impose tougher sanctions on Tehran and to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
The visit highlights ongoing discussions around democratic values and human rights, shedding light on the Iranian opposition’s struggle against oppressive regimes. Rajavi’s engagement with the historic city of Ypres serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of war and the ongoing need for advocacy in favor of peace.
As this narrative unfolds, the implications for relations between Iran and the broader international community, particularly in the context of European support for democratic movements, continue to emerge.
In a world where historical lessons converge with contemporary struggles, Rajavi’s visit underscores the persistent dialogue surrounding democracy and human rights. The echo of Ypres’s past remains a vital context for understanding current global issues.
