Message to the Iranians’ Rallies in Berlin and Stockholm on the Anniversary of June 20, 1981, the Beginning of the Iranian Resistance
The Real War in Between the People of Iran and the Mullahs’ Regime
Fellow compatriots,
Courageous supporters of the Iranian Resistance,
Today marks the Day of nationwide Resistance — a day to honor the martyrs, political prisoners, and the founding of the National Liberation Army.
Today, We Are on the Threshold of a Great Transformation
I want to begin with the words I spoke 21 years ago, in my message to your rally in Berlin on February 10, 2005:
“Our message is clear: The Iranian people’s resistance for freedom must be recognized. We say no to appeasement and saving the mullahs’ regime, and no to war.” Instead, “there is a Third Option: regime change by the people of Iran and the Iranian resistance.”
“Democratic change is the will of the Iranian people and the verdict of history.”
Isn’t this the demand of the vast majority of the Iranian people today?
As we have repeatedly stated, the policy of appeasement emboldens the mullahs’ regime and imposes war on Western countries — and now that is exactly what has happened.
So once again, I emphasize: The key to peace and security in this region is regime change by the Iranian people and the Iranian resistance.
Today, we are on the threshold of a great transformation.
Not a change that comes by itself or without cost, but a change through organized resistance.
With maximum sacrifice in the real battle — the battle between the Iranian people and the religious dictatorship of Velayat-e Faqih.
This battle has continued for 44 years, from June 20, 1981, until now, and it will continue until the day of the regime’s overthrow and the day of victory.
Not for a single day or a single hour has it stopped. It has been relentless. It has been steadfast.
Even after the ceasefire in the Iran-Iraq war, we clearly and loudly declared that the real war — between the Iranian people and the Khomeini regime — still remained, strong and unresolved. And the struggle for freedom goes on…
June 20th Marked the Beginning of the Iranian People’s Just and Legitimate Resistance
Fellow compatriots, brothers and sisters,
On the 44th anniversary of the June 20 uprising, both history and present realities attest that the vision and path that gave rise to June 20 and this just resistance were right and necessary. Why?
Because, as Massoud Rajavi said, the most monstrous reactionary force in Iran’s history had risen, and the beast was devouring everything in the grip of a religious dictatorship.
Our resistance was that valiant force which refused to bow to tyranny.
It kept the flame of freedom burning. It forced Khomeini to swallow the poison chalice in the anti-patriotic war. And it passed through countless trials and tribulations.
Salute to the blazing flames of love like Sedigheh Mojaveri and Neda Hassani, whose martyrdom we remember these days.
Indeed, the turning point on June 20, 1981, was a crossroads of destiny for the Iranian people and all PMOI freedom fighters.
On one side was surrender and passivity before the demon that was roaring, a demon intent on completing the unfinished mission of the Shah through repression and dictatorship.
Khomeini openly expressed regret for not setting up the gallows from day one, the day after the Shah’s fall.
On the other side was resistance for freedom, and a firm “no” to surrender. No to bowing down.
We chose full-fledged resistance and to “lay our heads at freedom’s feet.”
That is the very crime of you, me, and all of us. All the demonization and smearing campaigns are because of this.
That’s why, even after 44 years, the cleric-judge presiding over the trial of 104 (PMOI members and officials) still declares: “From now on, if any Iranians living abroad hold a gathering anywhere in the world at the invitation of the defendants or the organization involved in this case, it will be considered as supporting the People’s Mojahedin Organization and subject to prosecution in this court… and the court is obliged to take legal action.”
Just like the day after June 17th, after being freed from prison, we continue to say: “If resistance for freedom is a crime, then we proudly embrace this great crime. We take pride in going to prison for freedom, and we honor martyrdom for freedom.”
Change and Revolution Are Not Forces That Can Be Stopped
Fellow compatriots!
Those who prefer this very regime claim there is no alternative. Naturally, within that mindset, they reject the recognition of the Iranian Resistance.
A resistance whose program, history, and 44 years of actions are known to all. The price it has paid is also clear to everyone.
Truly, it has been—and remains—the largest, longest, most complex, and bloodiest organized resistance in Iran’s history, guided by the principle of “Neither Shah nor the mullahs.”
But it seems that, unless they create and impose their alternative, some will never accept that our country, along with its brave youth and oppressed people, has its own democratic and independent alternative with a strong, well-established structure.
Yet, who doesn’t know that an artificially made and imposed alternative leads to nothing but dictatorship?
Just imagine—what if, 100 years ago, General Ironside hadn’t created a king for us from the Cossack Brigade?
What if, in September 1941, the Allies had supported democracy and a republic for Iran instead of the deposed Shah’s son?
If on August 19, 1953, Dr. Mossadegh hadn’t been demonized so severely, and if the United States and Britain hadn’t carried out the coup, and finally, if the Shah hadn’t executed the founders of the Mojahedin and the Fedai guerrillas or imprisoned the rest, then truly—could Khomeini have seized all power and hijacked the anti-monarchy revolution? Never!
Just for a moment, imagine—if over the past 46 years, the policy of appeasement hadn’t been fully enforced against us and our nation, how different would Iran and the Middle East be today?
Indeed, change and revolution are not forces that can be stopped.
Freedom, the right to vote, and free elections have been strong demands of the Iranian people since the Constitutional Revolution until today. And without a doubt, they will achieve it through the determination and struggle of the PMOI at Ashraf 3, you— supporters of the Iranian Resistance— the brave fighters in the Resistance Units, and your beloved people.
We have risen up to overthrow the regime and to establish a democratic, non-nuclear republic, based on the separation of religion and state, gender equality, respect for the rights of all nationalities, an independent judiciary, and the abolition of the death penalty.
We are fighting for a pluralistic system that promotes peace in the Middle East.
From the onset, we stood up against the misogyny of Khomeini and Khamenei and any form of coercion, raising our voices: No to compulsory Hijab, No to compulsory religion, and No to compulsory governance.
Yes, the democratic revolution of the Iranian people will prevail.
Long live the people of Iran, long live freedom!
