Sekai Holland Madame Maryam Rajavi, distinguished guests; From Africa I bring our Solidarity message from the National Peace Trust, one of Zimbabwe’s strong civil society and from Pillars of Peace in Africa. I salute this Great Paris Gathering. I also salute our people in Zimbabwe engaged in the ongoing non violent ‘Stay Home’ Resistance, to disable 50 years of dictatorship as we like you ache for Freedom.
This is my first grand rally. We had heard of your struggle, role of National Council of Resistance of Iran, Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI), its leadership of the Movement, from our Australian friends, Dr Meredith Burgmann, former President of the New South Senate for 10 years, present here with a strong delegation.
I as most Zimbabweans walk the same path for Freedom as you do. From late 60s through the 70s until our own independence I participated in our Liberation struggle to end the racist Smith dictatorship in Rhodesia until we gained 1980 independence. Our victory was hijacked and indeed on March 11, 2007, with 140 fellow opposition party and civiI society leaders we were severely tortured. Today we are part of Zimbabwe’s 1 million torture survivors. Despite this it is impossible to be silent about what goes on in our beautiful country.
I add my voice to condemn religious dictatorships ruling Iran and against gender apartheid. Our work going forward is to convince African Union, United Nations and Anti-Apartheid Movements survivors that supported us until we won, to turn their full attention to this Iran struggle.
In conclusion: Women in Africa struggle for liberation. Today we extend our solidarity to your struggle as Iranian women, against Religious fundamentalism. Yesterday I was empowered by the panels where I heard in context the story of the captives in Camp Liberty, a symbol of Iran’s condition! I heard Madame Maryam Rajavi communicate to us an inspiring message today!
I know now that Freedom is coming in Iran!
Until we meet in Teheran soon. I thank You!
Senator Sekai Masikana Holland,
Chairperson of Board of Trustees – National Peace Trust, Zimbabwe
PARIS, JULY 9, 2016 GRAND GATHERING – FREE IRAN – 2016