Iranian pro-democracy protest in Brussels

7 November 2005

BRUSSELS — Some 2,500 Iranians protested in the European quarter in Brussels on Monday against the Iranian government of ultra-conservative President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The protestors demanded greater democracy for Iran, Flemish newspaper ‘De Standaard’ reported.

Organisers of the protest said some 4,000 people participated in the demonstration, while police estimated that 2,500 people descended on the EU quarter.

Members of the Iranian opposition party People’s Mujaheddin of Iran descended on Brussels from the four corners of Europe to also demand the party be taken off the list of known terrorist groups.

The movement was placed on the European Union list of terrorist groups in 2002, but the party claims the decision was unjust because it does not commit violence against civilians or outside of Iran.

Meanwhile, the protestors also wanted to add greater pressure on Iran now that the country’s possible referral to the UN Security Council over its nuclear programme is on the international agenda.

The very active and well-financed Iranian opposition party was supported by various MEPs and British singer Bob Geldof.

Subject: Belgian news