Hosted by the International Committee in Search of Justice (ISJ), the conference, titled “From Madrid to Brussels and London: The Urgent Need for a New EU Policy Against Iran’s Escalating Terrorism in Europe,” highlighted concerns over Iran’s increasing use of state-sponsored terrorism to silence opposition abroad.
Esteemed speakers, including former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and UK MP Bob Blackman, voiced their support for tougher EU policies to counter Tehran’s aggression.
🚨 Join us for an online conference: "Iran's Rising Terrorism in Europe & the Need for a New EU Policy"
🗓 Date: Friday, 8 November, 2024
🕒 Time: 3:00 pm CETHear insights by experts on #Iran's escalating threats & an effective @eu_eeas response.https://t.co/Df285NiYQk
— International Committee in Search of Justice (@isjcommittee) November 7, 2024
During the conference, Struan Stevenson, former Scottish MEP and Chair of ISJ’s Committee on Political Freedoms in Iran, called for a robust EU response to the attempted assassination of Vidal Quadras. Recalling that Vidal Quadras was “shot at point-blank range” yet survived, Stevenson emphasized the critical need for a policy shift, citing Iran’s “unique perversion of diplomacy” in targeting dissidents abroad. He argued that the West’s current lenient approach, which he characterized as “appeasement,” has emboldened the regime, placing European values and safety at risk.
@STRUANSTEVENSON in Konferenz mit @VidalQuadras Das #Iran-ische Regime stellt mit Staatsterrorismus und Atomplänen eine direkte Bedrohung für die Sicherheit Europas dar. Wir dürfen nicht wegsehen. #BlacklistIRGC #ShutdownIranTerrorEmbassies @Bundeskanzler @SpainMFA @MAECgob… pic.twitter.com/rLFNCxqdnP
— Javad Dabiran (@JavadDabiran) November 8, 2024
Professor Vidal Quadras reflected on his experience and the broader implications of Iran’s terrorism, suggesting a shift in strategy that includes severing diplomatic and trade ties with Iran and designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. He urged Western democracies to pressure Iran economically and politically, arguing that sanctions must be strengthened and financial avenues cut off to curb the regime’s international aggression. His call for EU action follows similar U.S. and Canadian designations of the IRGC as a terrorist group, reflecting a growing consensus among Western allies on the need for stronger measures.
.@IBetancourtCol at @isjcommittee conf
We need to close the regime’s embassies throughout Europe. We also need to engage with the people of Iran directly through the organized Iranian Resistance.#BlacklistIRGC #Iran pic.twitter.com/BkpfcDb5ur— Shahin Gobadi (@gobadi) November 8, 2024
Ingrid Betancourt’s address underscored the personal and political stakes of Iranian aggression, referring to it as an “attack on our lives and freedoms.” She criticized European responses to past terrorist plots, notably the 2018 Villepinte bomb plot in France, where a convicted Iranian diplomat was later released in a prisoner exchange. Betancourt warned that such actions reflect weakness and endanger democratic principles, calling on the EU to formally recognize the Iranian resistance and support the leadership of Maryam Rajavi in advocating for Iranian freedom.
Dr. Matthew Levitt, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, highlighted Iran’s extensive network of global terrorist plots. He warned that Tehran’s influence, which often operates through criminal organizations, poses a significant threat to stability worldwide. Levitt argued that only a comprehensive strategy combining economic, diplomatic, and intelligence measures, alongside a credible military threat, could effectively deter Iran’s aggressive tactics.
Excellent on line international conference on the Iranian dictatorship terrorist actions worldwide. The contribution of Matthew Levitt extremely informative and convincing. Western Governments must wake up.
— Alejo Vidal-Quadras (@VidalQuadras) November 8, 2024
The conference concluded with a call for unity among Western democracies. UK MP Bob Blackman emphasized the urgency, noting Iran’s escalating actions against Europe. The attendees underscored the importance of solidarity with the Iranian people in their quest for a democratic and secular republic, marking the event as a powerful moment of advocacy for policy change.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
