Paris Protest Against Iranian Executions Ends in 20 Arrests

Hundreds of Iranian regime opponents gathered on Saturday in central Paris, near the Invalides and in Vauban Square, to protest political executions in Iran. The rally went ahead despite a ban imposed by French police, and organizers said officers dispersed the crowd and arrested 20 people.

Police had banned the demonstration over fears of clashes between rival activist groups. Iranian opposition organizers rejected that explanation as “fake.” They appealed the decision, but a Paris court upheld the ban on Saturday and left it in force.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran said the ban was linked to a conversation between ministers, but France’s Foreign Ministry denied any connection. The NCRI, which is described as the political wing of the Iranian Mujahedeen-e Khalq, has regularly held rallies in Paris over the years.

Those events have drawn thousands in the past, including former officials from the United States, Europe and Arab countries who are sharply critical of the Iranian government. Separately, the opposition said more than 10,538 people have been summoned to court since January.