Ingrid Betancourt, former Colombian senator, presidential candidate, and survivor of guerrilla captivity, is once again in the global spotlight—this time, for her unwavering support of the Iranian Resistance. Her advocacy for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its President-elect Maryam Rajavi stems from a deeply personal journey marked by skepticism, research, and a resolute search for truth.
Betancourt recalls an unsettling experience in Paris, where individuals claiming to be Iranians attempted to dissuade her from supporting the NCRI. “They had no argument. Only slander,” she said, describing how they labeled the MEK—a core organization within the NCRI—as a cult. It was one of many encounters with what she calls the Iranian regime’s “disinformation machine.”
Speaking at a February 2025 rally in Paris, Betancourt declared this year a turning point for Iran. “The regime’s house of cards is collapsing,” she said. “We must stand beside the Iranian people.” Her speech underscored the urgent need for international solidarity with those opposing the theocratic government in Tehran.
Why does @IBetancourtCol stand with Iran's Resistance? Watch her compelling interview on Simay Azadi where she details her investigation into the Iranian Resistance (PMOI) & confronts the regime's propaganda & lies spread against them. #FreeIran2025 pic.twitter.com/hCOivYvZKc
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) March 28, 2025
Betancourt’s support did not come easily. At a 2023 conference in the French National Assembly, she recounted her initial doubts and backlash. “I was frail after my release [from captivity],” she said. “When I supported the Resistance, I was buried in insults. So, I decided to investigate.” Through her research, she saw a pattern of misogynistic attacks against Rajavi—an experience she found all too familiar as a woman in politics.
Her empathy for Maryam Rajavi is both political and personal. “We are both women who suffered,” she said. “I want to see her in Iran, leading the transition to democracy.”
Betancourt warns that the regime’s smear campaigns are not confined to Iran. “They use infiltration and disinformation to manipulate foreign governments,” she cautioned. Recognition of the MEK, she argues, would strike a decisive blow to the regime.
During our exclusive interview with @IBetancourtCol she shared a very interesting experience of encountering those who blindly attack the Iranian opposition @Mojahedineng and @iran_policy. When asked what is “their” plan and alternative they were speechless! pic.twitter.com/T5i1UBXaea
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) February 8, 2025
Citing the NCRI’s exposure of Iran’s nuclear program and its broad international support—including over 230 bipartisan U.S. lawmakers and 500 British MPs—Betancourt asserts the movement’s legitimacy and impact.
Her message is clear: “The lies didn’t deter me. And if you listen to the truth, they won’t deter you either.” As global attention increasingly turns to Iran’s future, Betancourt’s voice continues to call for courage, clarity, and alignment with the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people.
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
