On November 8, an online conference convened leading European and international figures to mark the first anniversary of the failed assassination attempt on Professor Alejo Vidal Quadras, former Vice President of the European Parliament and advocate for Iranian democracy. Hosted by the International Committee in Search of Justice (ISJ), the conference, titled “From Madrid to Brussels and London: The Urgent Need for a New EU Policy Against Iran’s Escalating Terrorism in Europe,” brought together a diverse lineup of distinguished speakers from across the globe, as well as a significant media presence.
The speakers included Ingrid Betancourt, former Colombian presidential candidate; Bob Blackman, UK Member of Parliament; Struan Stevenson, former MEP for Scotland and chair of the ISJ Committee on the Protection of Political Freedoms in Iran; Paulo Casaca, former MEP from Portugal; and Dr. Matthew Levitt, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. High-profile figures such as Geir Haarde, former Prime Minister of Iceland; Tony Clement, former President of Canada’s Treasury Board; Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, former Minister of Culture of Luxembourg; and Avdullah Hoti, former Prime Minister of Kosovo, also joined to show their support for renewed EU policies on Iran.
The conference attracted broad media interest, with many journalists from Spain, Europe, and international outlets joining the call to report on the high-stakes discussion. Stevenson highlighted the significance of this press presence, noting that “over two dozen European parliamentarians and former officials” attended, reflecting widespread concern about Iran’s growing use of state-sponsored terrorism against its critics abroad.
🚨 Join us for an online conference: "Iran's Rising Terrorism in Europe & the Need for a New EU Policy"
🗓 Date: Friday, 8 November, 2024
🕒 Time: 3:00 pm CETHear insights by experts on #Iran's escalating threats & an effective @eu_eeas response.https://t.co/Df285NiYQk
— International Committee in Search of Justice (@isjcommittee) November 7, 2024
Struan Stevenson opened the conference with a call for a strong EU response to Iran, marking it as “the imperative of a new EU policy on Iran.” Recalling the assassination attempt on his friend, Professor Alejo Vidal Quadras, Stevenson described how Vidal Quadras was “shot at point-blank range” in Madrid, yet “miraculously survived.”
In his critique of the Iranian regime, Stevenson recounted its violent record, stating, “Since hijacking the revolution in 1979, the mullahs’ regime has done everything in its power to eliminate anyone who opposes their theocratic tyranny,” especially targeting groups like the People’s Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI/MEK). He condemned Tehran’s actions abroad, including its “hostage-taking and international terrorism,” which he described as “their unique perversion of diplomacy.”
Criticizing the West’s “failed policy of appeasement,” Stevenson argued that this approach has “made the West complicit in the suffering” of Iranians. He urged conference speakers to help “redefine Western policy on Iran,” advocating a decisive break from lenient strategies.
@STRUANSTEVENSON in Konferenz mit @VidalQuadras Das #Iran-ische Regime stellt mit Staatsterrorismus und Atomplänen eine direkte Bedrohung für die Sicherheit Europas dar. Wir dürfen nicht wegsehen. #BlacklistIRGC #ShutdownIranTerrorEmbassies @Bundeskanzler @SpainMFA @MAECgob… pic.twitter.com/rLFNCxqdnP
— Javad Dabiran (@JavadDabiran) November 8, 2024
Professor Alejo Vidal Quadras began his remarks by acknowledging the one-year anniversary of the attempt on his life, describing it as his “first birthday” since surviving the “vicious attack in Madrid.” Recalling the harrowing details, he shared that he was shot in the head by a hitman, Merez Ayari, a French citizen of Tunisian origin, whom he stated was “hired by the Iranian regime.” He noted that Ayari was later arrested in the Netherlands, where he was allegedly preparing to target another Iranian dissident. For Vidal Quadras, this is clear evidence of Iran’s direct involvement in such acts, signaling an alarming escalation in its tactics.
Vidal Quadras then highlighted a “qualitative jump” in Iran’s terrorism strategy, noting that in recent years, it has extended beyond targeting Iranian dissidents to attempting to kill “Western political figures.” He cited the 2018 Villepinte bombing attempt and an attempt on U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton as examples of this shift. He warned that this increasingly aggressive stance underscores a “failed policy” by Western nations, particularly the EU, whose efforts to engage Tehran through dialogue, incentives, and the nuclear deal have only “encouraged the regime to become more and more hostile.”
In response, Vidal Quadras proposed a new policy for Western democracies, beginning with the “international isolation of the regime.” He called for a cessation of diplomatic and trade relations with Iran and urged the EU to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, following the lead of the U.S. and Canada. Financial measures were another key component of his proposal; he argued for “hardened sanctions” and cutting off all possible financial sources for the regime.
He also called for amplified “diplomatic, political pressure” on the regime in international organizations, emphasizing human rights violations documented by UN Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman. Concluding his proposals, Vidal Quadras advocated for the West to formally recognize the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its leader, Maryam Rajavi, as legitimate representatives of the Iranian people. He noted that Rajavi’s “Ten-Point Plan” could serve as the foundation for a peaceful transition to democracy in Iran, which he described as “the best instrument to lead” the country from dictatorship to true democracy.
Excellent on line international conference on the Iranian dictatorship terrorist actions worldwide. The contribution of Matthew Levitt extremely informative and convincing. Western Governments must wake up.
— Alejo Vidal-Quadras (@VidalQuadras) November 8, 2024
Ingrid Betancourt delivered a powerful speech at the conference, addressing both the personal and political implications of Iran’s alleged actions. She emphasized that the attack on Vidal Quadras is part of a “long chain of criminal plots against democracy” and stated, “This is personal. This is against our lives, against our freedom, against the way we think.” She criticized the lack of consequences from European countries following a 2018 bomb plot on a rally in Villepinte, France, which she claimed would have been “the biggest, most destructive terrorist attack in Europe” if successful. Despite the conviction of an Iranian diplomat involved, she lamented that he was later released in a prisoner swap, a decision she said “underscores the weakness of our democracies.”
Betancourt argued that the EU’s ongoing policy of appeasement, motivated by “dark interests” and “corruption,” has emboldened Iran. She called on the EU to take concrete steps, such as designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. She called on European leaders to acknowledge the Iranian Resistance and expose Maryam Rajavi’s work for Iranian freedom on an international stage, describing her as the only leader capable of “fighting for the values and principles we believe in.”
Betancourt concluded by calling for the closure of Iran’s “centers of espionage and terrorism in Europe” and a unified approach to supporting Iranian citizens, stressing that “appeasement is not the answer.”
.@IBetancourtCol at @isjcommittee conf
We need to close the regime’s embassies throughout Europe. We also need to engage with the people of Iran directly through the organized Iranian Resistance.#BlacklistIRGC #Iran pic.twitter.com/BkpfcDb5ur— Shahin Gobadi (@gobadi) November 8, 2024
Dr. Matthew Levitt delivered a sobering overview of Iran’s use of international terrorism to suppress dissent and project power beyond its borders. Levitt revealed that there are “upwards of 450 instances” of the Iranian regime’s external plots, including assassinations, kidnappings, and surveillance, which target dissidents worldwide. “The regime is incredibly aggressive,” he explained, highlighting how Tehran often operates through criminal networks to carry out attacks, particularly across Europe. He described this strategy as a way for Iran to extend its reach while complicating law enforcement efforts.
Levitt emphasized that the regime’s actions are driven by internal fears of instability and opposition, particularly as younger generations in Iran reject its ideology. He warned that Iran’s support for regional militant groups, such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, is part of a broader strategy to exert influence across the Middle East, with ripple effects felt globally. According to Levitt, “Iran has caused…upheaval around the world” through its sponsorship of these groups, creating pain and instability far beyond its borders.
On Western policy responses, Levitt criticized the lack of consistent action, arguing that sanctions, while impactful, “are powerful when they are used in tandem with other tools.” He called for a multi-faceted approach combining economic sanctions with diplomatic and intelligence measures, as well as a “credible military threat” to deter the regime’s actions effectively. Reflecting on past successes, he cited the need for more robust diplomatic efforts, such as recent moves by Germany to reduce Iran’s diplomatic presence, suggesting that sustained pressure could curb its aggressive tactics.
Here's the interactive map and timeline of Iranian external operations I've built. Check it out@isjcommittee https://t.co/NWRCrYw6ze @WashInstitute https://t.co/BDXfeSDvPl
— Matthew Levitt (@Levitt_Matt) November 8, 2024
Bob Blackman underscored the dangers posed by Iran’s regime, describing its influence as reaching “from Argentina to Thailand” and now, increasingly, into Europe. He emphasized the direct threats to the UK, mentioning that “at least 20 terrorist attacks” by the Iranian regime have been foiled in Britain alone.
Blackman criticized the West’s inaction, specifically condemning Belgium’s release of convicted Iranian diplomat Asadollah Assadi, who was found guilty of plotting a 2018 bomb attack on a gathering of the Iranian opposition in Paris. “Had that bomb plot been successful,” he warned, it could have been a global crisis, likening it to “World War 3.”
Calling for concrete actions, Blackman argued that both the UK and EU should designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. He described the IRGC as “the private army of terror and oppression of the supreme leader,” advocating for strict measures to “isolate the regime diplomatically” and “impose crippling sanctions.”
He concluded by voicing hope for a future in which Western democracies “stand shoulder to shoulder” with the Iranian people to achieve “a free, democratic, and secular republic.”
Very powerful and excellent speech by @BobBlackman MP, a staunch defender of democracy, human rights and the Iranian Democratic opposition #ShutdownIranTerrorEmbassies #BlacklistIRGC https://t.co/F4eK0ZV5ow
— Hossein Abedini (@HoAbedini) November 8, 2024
In his remarks, Paulo Casaca reflected on the significance of Professor Alejo Vidal Quadras’ survival, calling it “a miracle.” Casaca emphasized that the Iranian regime targets only those they view as formidable opponents, describing Vidal Quadras as the regime’s “biggest enemy on European soil.”
Casaca linked Tehran’s recent actions directly to the controversial release of convicted Iranian diplomat Asadollah Assadi, who had received “the longest possible sentence” for his role in a 2018 bomb plot against Western leaders. He argued that Assadi’s release “is a green light for Iran to pursue its criminal activities.” Casaca called such deals “shameful” and held those responsible as “co-responsible” for further aggression from Iran.
In closing, Casaca expressed his support for the Iranian people’s struggle, stating, “We must do all we can to make their nightmares reality” by helping to free Iran from the current regime.
