Representing nearly one million lawyers from the Council of Europe, Konopacka delivered a powerful message of solidarity with the Iranian people’s fight for freedom and justice. She drew poignant parallels between the current situation in Iran and the historic fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the collapse of oppressive regimes in Eastern Europe.
Konopacka praised Maryam Rajavi’s leadership and her Ten-Point Plan for a democratic Iran, underscoring that its principles align with the fundamental values upheld by any democratic state, values often taken for granted in the European Union.
Amidst a backdrop of troubling government silence in the face of severe human rights abuses in Iran, Konopacka reassured the audience that lawyers dedicated to justice and the rule of law would not remain passive.
Konopacka called on Interpol to reject Iran’s misuse of its mechanisms, stressing that Interpol must uphold justice and human rights, rather than become an instrument of Tehran’s persecution. She urged the international community of lawyers to recognize and denounce the regime’s violations and manipulative legal practices.
In her speech, Konopacka reflected on her experiences as a Polish lawyer and drew comparisons to the fall of communism in Poland. She emphasized that the Iranian people, too, would see their wall of oppression crumble. She recounted her recent meeting with Maryam Rajavi, highlighting Rajavi’s dedication, courage, and intellect. Konopacka was particularly impressed by Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, which envisions a democratic Iran based on principles fundamental to any democratic state.
Konopacka expressed deep concern that despite clear evidence of severe human rights abuses, some governments remain silent, fearing the consequences of defying an oppressive regime. She assured the audience that lawyers committed to justice and the rule of law would not stay silent in the face of injustices perpetrated by the Iranian regime. The European Bars Federation stands united in condemning the Iranian authorities for their mock trials against dissidents living abroad.
🌍🇮🇷 At the Free Iran World Summit 2024 held in Auvers-sur-Oise, the European Bar Federation (#FBE) was proudly represented by Immediate Past President Izabela Konopacka and Past President Dominique Attias. pic.twitter.com/VCDjk4lFhz
— FBE · Fédération des Barreaux d'Europe (@EuropeanBars) July 4, 2024
The Tehran Criminal Court’s public disclosure of 104 individuals associated with the PMOI/MEK in Albania on July 29, 2023, is a stark example of the regime’s attempts to stifle dissent and silence opposition through fear and intimidation. By fabricating charges and manipulating legal cases, the Iranian regime seeks to influence European countries’ decisions and misuse Interpol by issuing arrest warrants or red notices.
Konopacka emphasized that Interpol must reject these red notices and publicly denounce the misuse of its mechanisms. Interpol has a solemn duty to uphold justice and human rights and must not become an instrument of Tehran’s persecution.
Drawing from Poland’s history, Konopacka highlighted how brave individuals from all walks of life stood against tyranny and fought for freedom, ultimately leading to the fall of oppressive regimes. She invoked the words of Nobel Prize winner Czesław Miłosz, addressing Tehran’s regime: “You who harmed a simple man, bursting to laughter at the crime, do not feel safe, we will remember.”
With unwavering hope and determination, Konopacka conveyed the solidarity of European lawyers with the oppressed people of Iran in their quest for freedom and justice. She expressed a firm belief that, like the fall of communism in Poland, the tyranny of the Iranian regime would eventually come to an end.
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
