Paris Police Bans MEK Gathering Citing Security Risks

According to Reuters, based on a letter to the organizers of the annual gathering of the "National Council of Resistance of Iran" that Reuters has seen, France has banned the upcoming gathering of this group due to the risk of an attack on it. This letter was sent following the release of an Iranian diplomat named Assadollah Assadi, who had been convicted of plotting a bombing against this group in 2018. A few days prior, Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, had a 90-minute phone call with Ibrahim Raisi, the President of Iran. According to Reuters, Western powers are seeking to reduce tensions with Iran. The "National Council of Resistance of Iran," based in Paris, is the political wing of the "People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran" and has held regular gatherings in the French capital over the years. Its annual gathering was scheduled for July 1. High-ranking former American, European, and Arab officials critical of the Islamic Republic have often participated in these gatherings. In response to Reuters, the Paris police issued a statement confirming that the organizing committee of the Iranian opposition group was informed of the decision to ban the gathering. The police stated that holding the gathering could "disrupt public order due to geopolitical conditions." The police statement added: "Moreover, given that the terrorist threat cannot be ignored, holding such an event complicates its security and also the security of sensitive guests." Shahin Kabadi, a senior official of the "National Council of Resistance of Iran," condemned the police's decision in response to a question from Reuters. According to Reuters, the Paris police stated that since the end of May, three buildings of the "National Council of Resistance of Iran" in the suburbs of Paris have been targeted in attacks, which are under investigation. Two sources indicated that these attacks involved gunfire, incendiary bombs, and other means. The Islamic Republic claimed: "Assadi and Nouri have devoted their lives to freedom, peace, and establishing security for humanity." Amnesty International criticized the release of Assadollah Assadi, stating that this action endangers opponents of the Islamic Republic. The "Committee for the Freedom of Iran" strongly condemned the release of Assadollah Assadi. Iran and Belgium exchanged two prisoners; a Belgian aid worker and the imprisoned diplomat Assadollah Assadi were released. Prince Reza Pahlavi stated that the prisoner exchange with the Islamic Republic encourages the regime to take more hostages. Darya Safai told Voice of America that Assadi is a released terrorist and that this day is a "very bitter and dark" one.