France Bans Iran Opposition Rally in Paris After Monarchist Threats, Says Report
French Authorities Respond to Security Threats at NCRI Rally
By John Irish
Background of the NCRI Rally Ban
PARIS, June 30 (Reuters) - French authorities banned a major rally by the Paris-based NCRI Iranian opposition after security services warned of a heightened threat from rival monarchist activists, according to an intelligence assessment seen by Reuters.
Paris police cancelled the June 20 protest hours before it was due to begin, citing a particularly tense national and international context and risk of violence.
History of NCRI Rallies
Past NCRI rallies, organised by the political arm of the People's Mujahideen Organisation of Iran (PMOI/MEK), which bring in people from across the Europe and the world, have generally passed without incident.
Details of the Security Assessment
However, the intelligence assessment pointed to a growing "war of influence" between the PMOI and Iranian monarchists backing Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the toppled shah, with each camp seeking to embody the sole legitimate Iranian opposition.
Monarchist Threats and Police Concerns
French authorities' concerns were reinforced by warnings about monarchist-linked threats. The note cited an activist, described as a prominent monarchist figure known for threatening rhetoric against French officials, who urged supporters to "block the route of the PMOI march."
Evidence of Potential Violence
It also referenced to social media videos showing him handling a semi-automatic handgun and a 3D-printed weapon being fired. The assessment added that individuals using symbols associated with the Shah-era SAVAK security service threatened to plant a bomb if the demonstration went ahead.
Official Responses and Unanswered Questions
The Paris police, Interior Minister's office and France's domestic intellgence agency, the DGSI, did not respond to a request for comment on the authenticity of the document.
Broader Implications and Reactions
While the PMOI's support inside Iran is difficult to gauge, it remains, alongside monarchist groups backing Pahlavi, one of the few opposition organisations capable of mobilising supporters internationally.
Potential for Wider Participation
The assessment suggested the march could extend beyond the PMOI's traditional base, with Kurdish, Arab and Baluch groups, as well as members of various tribes and communist and socialist organisations expected to participate.
Additional Threats and International Context
The document also warned that threats could also have originated from the Iranian ruling authorities, "acting through opportunistic proxies."
Tehran, which has outlawed the NCRI in Iran, has long called for a crackdown on its activities in Paris, Washington and the Saudi capital Riyadh.
Iranian state media regularly denounce the organisation.
Additional Reporting
(Additional reporting by Juliette JabkhiroEditing by Alexandra Hudson)
