Paris Conference – 4 years after June 17th, 2003 attack on Iranian Resistance

Paris based “Human Rights League” held a conference Thursday titled “4 Years after June 17th, 2003.” Speakers talked about the violation of human rights of Iranian Resistance members and refugees by the 17 June raid on the office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran and a number of homes of Iranian refugees.The conference was chaired by Mr. Dubois, the President of French Human Rights League. Other Speakers were Mr. Henri Leclerc (lawyer and honorary president of Human Rights League), Mr. Patrick Baudouin (Lawyer and honorary president of International Human Rights Federation), Mr. William Bourdon (lawyer), Mr. Alain Vivien (former deputy minister of European affairs and president of anti-sect commission), Mr. Francis Colcombet (judge and former French MP) and Mr. Mehdi Abrishamchi (chair of Peace committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran).
Mr. Dubois, President of the French League of Human Rights discussed the importance of public and media attention in the judicial case of the Iranian Resistance in France. He said: this case that started with the attack of French police and major human rights violation of citizens has dragged on for a long time and must end immediately.
Mr. Dubois continued that the objective for this conference is to discuss different dimensions of a case which is being kept unresolved because of political intentions. He said the French League of Human Rights has always stood up against the undermining of the laws by the judicial system and believes that the case of Iranian dissidents is an obvious violation of the law.
Mr. Patrick Baudouin, attorney and the honorary president of International Human Rights Federation was the next speaker. He stated: 4 years ago with the order of Judge Jean-Louis Bruguiere, the Iranian Resistance was the target of an extensive attack by the French police. They accused this organization of terrorism but what is really interesting is the timing of this attack parallel to the economic talks between France and Iran for trade contracts. ¼br /> Baudouin continued: Since the beginning it was obvious that this was a political case. Soon after, the Paris Court of Appeals ordered the release of those who have been detained, a judicial slap in the face of Mr. Bruguiere who was in charge of the case. The rationale showed that this was not a terrorism case. Unfortunately, 4 years after this event, the case is still kept open and the only reason is political motivation. Another blow to the architects of this case came after the EU Court in a ruling annulled the terrorism allegation on PMOI.
Mr. Henri Leclerc, the renowned lawyer and honorary president of French Human Rights League was the next speaker. He said: 4 years ago on this day I was following up the case of Iranian detainees in different branches of Judiciary. Since the beginning there were doubts about the motivation behind such an extensive assault. It was then revealed that this attack took place at the same time as the Foreign Minister, Mr. Dominique de Villepin’s trip to Iran to sign contracts for Total.
He said: The interesting thing is that this case is empty of any terrorism charges. Therefore most of the accused in the case have hardly been called to testify in the court. The only thing they cited was that residents of Ashraf had threatened Iranian regime. ¼br /> Mr. Leclerc continued: Because of lack of evidence of terrorism in the case, they are trying to give it a financial dimension. This is meant to stretch the case which is purely political. I have asked those in charge to take us to court if they have any evidence and we will defend ourselves but they cannot continue this forever. Establish an open court, bring your evidence if you have any and we will explain to you why there should be resistance against the Iranian regime.
Mr. William Bourdon, a renowned French lawyer stated: I think the judge must immediately order to seize the prosecution. Dragging the case into financial matters has no reason but to stretch it because of political motivation.  The right to resist against dictatorship is recognized by international laws and the judge cannot rule against this well-known international right. We have also realized the attempt of Iranian regime’s agents to infiltrate in this case but fortunately they did not succeed and could not get a hold of it.
He continued: We have reminded the judge on numerous occasions that those testifying against PMOI are agents of Iranian regime and lack credibility. What happened in Paris a few days ago proves this concern. On June 17th, Iranian exiles were attacked and beaten up by the Iranian regime’s agents. One of the attackers was Mohammad Hossein Sobhani who is still in detention. He is one of the people who testified against PMOI in the past and tried to influence the case. This clearly shows that since the beginning the witnesses against Iranian dissidents were directed by Iranian regime trying to manipulate French judiciary.
In his speech, Mr. Alain Vivien stated: The rights of Iranian dissidents have obviously been violated and this undermines all the principles France is founded on. That is the reason a group of MPs and judges have formed a committee to look into the secret relationship between the former government of France and Iranian regime. We have witnessed the violation of the rights of Iranian dissidents as a result of economic interests. It is vital that the Parliamentarians question the government on this issue. We must remember that in the past, we also resisted against oppression and stood up for freedom. In our country, resistance has a special meaning, we therefore support Iranians who struggle against dictatorship and whose rights have been violated.
Mr. Kolkombe, judge and former MP declared: What is obvious is that justice has always been on the side of PMOI since every time a court has judged, they have been acquitted of all the accusations. The last verdict by the EU court is clear evidence. I have closely followed the case of Iranian Resistance in France and after talking to a lot of those involved such as police officers and judges I can tell that all of them believe this case has been going on for too long and must end.
He said another point we must stress on is inaction of the Foreign Ministry with regards to this case. I think the new administration must announce their position. The French government and the new President must end this case. I hope that justice prevails.
Mr. Mehdi Abrishamchi, the chair of Peace committee of NCRI thanked French League of Human Rights for their position against injustice and against violations of the rights of Iranian Resistance. As a result of nuclear and terrorist adventures of the mullahs the world is on the verge of a far-reaching international crisis. Iranian Resistance believes that another war in the Middle East could be prevented. The solution lies with Iranian people’s resistance for peace and democracy.
Unfortunately, the terrorist list and the June 17th case, have acted as obstacles for the Iranian Resistance in achieving its goals for peace and democracy in Iran. This situation not only blocks the establishment of democracy in Iran but also hurts the international peace and stability.
Mr. Abrishamchi also warned against the increased terrorist activities of the Iranian regime in Europe and talked about the attack on the Iranian exiles by regime’s agents. He noted that 3 of the agents of the Iran’s Information Ministry are still in detention. One of the detainees is Mohammad Hossein Sobhani who was a witness of Prosecutor Broger in the case against people attacked on June 17th.