Twenty distinguished global figures have jointly signed a statement condemning Iran’s use of hostage diplomacy and supporting Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi. The following is the text of the statement:
Statement Supporting Maryam Rajavi
We stand firmly with Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an inspiring and tireless leader in the quest for a democratic Iran. We know her personally — her impeccable integrity, moral fibre, and steadfast commitment to justice and human rights offer hope against decades of tyranny under Iran’s clerical regime.
Yet, as Iran releases hostages like Olivier Grondeau, a disinformation campaign has been waged against Mrs. Rajavi and the NCRI, notably through the recent Le Canard Enchaîné hit piece replete with baseless, recycled claims long debunked.
Statement in support of Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
➡️ https://t.co/efuKJNuAyp@canardenchaine @francediplo pic.twitter.com/8wGwhVawvq
— International Committee in Search of Justice (@isjcommittee) March 28, 2025
This smear exemplifies capitulation to Iran’s hostage diplomacy, a shameful bid to placate Tehran. Such appeasement by France and the EU has only emboldened the regime and will invite more terrorism and abductions. For over 45 years, Tehran has thrived on Western concessions, pairing hostage releases with assaults on the Iranian Resistance to cling to power.
Yielding to these tactics fuels Iran’s aggression, jeopardises global security, betrays the Iranian people’s struggle, and undermines Europe’s own principles.
We condemn this cowardice and call on France, the EU, and all nations to reject appeasement, side with the Iranian people and their organised resistance, and rally behind Mrs. Rajavi’s vision of a secular, democratic republic in Iran. Her courage, and the cause of a free Iran, demands our resolute solidarity.
SIGNED:
1. Guy Verhofstadt – Former Prime Minister, Belgium
2. Geir H. Haarde – Former Prime Minister, Iceland
3. Janez Janša – Former Prime Minister, Slovenia
4. Rosalía Arteaga Serrano – Former President, Ecuador
5. Avdullah Hoti – Former Prime Minister, Kosovo
6. John Bercow – Former Speaker of the House of Commons, United Kingdom
7. Peter Altmaier – Former Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany
8. John Baird – Former Foreign Minister, Canada
9. Tonio Borg – Former European Commissioner; Former Foreign Minister, Malta
10. Stanislav Pavlovschi – Former Justice Minister, Moldova
11. Lord Alton of Liverpool – Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom
12. Zorica Marić-Djordjević – Former Ambassador of Montenegro to the UN Human Rights Council
13. Ana Helena Chacón Echeverría – Former Vice President, Costa Rica
14. Ingrid Betancourt – Former Senator and Presidential candidate, Colombia
15. Candice Bergen – Former Leader of the Conservative Party, Canada
16. Bob Blackman – Member of Parliament, United Kingdom
17. Anatol Șalaru – Former Defence Minister, Moldova
18. Tony Clement – Former Minister of Industry, Canada
19. Dorien Rookmaker – Former Member of the European Parliament, Netherlands
20. Kimmo Sasi – Former President of the Nordic Council, Finland