{"id":330830,"date":"2025-04-24T12:23:43","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T11:23:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=330830"},"modified":"2025-04-24T12:23:43","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T11:23:43","slug":"kimmo-sasi-1952-2025-a-statesman-who-stood-where-others-stayed-silent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-resistance\/kimmo-sasi-1952-2025-a-statesman-who-stood-where-others-stayed-silent\/","title":{"rendered":"Kimmo Sasi (1952\u20132025): A Statesman Who Stood Where Others Stayed Silent\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_330831\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-330831\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-330831\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Kimo-Sassi-Free-Iran-Rally.jpg\" alt=\"Kimmo Sassi, former Finnish Minister of European Affairs\" width=\"1000\" height=\"599\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Kimo-Sassi-Free-Iran-Rally.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Kimo-Sassi-Free-Iran-Rally-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Kimo-Sassi-Free-Iran-Rally-768x460.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Kimo-Sassi-Free-Iran-Rally-701x420.jpg 701w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Kimo-Sassi-Free-Iran-Rally-150x90.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Kimo-Sassi-Free-Iran-Rally-696x417.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-330831\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kimmo Sassi, former Finnish Minister of European Affairs, speaking at a Free Iran World Summit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kimmo Sasi did not just witness history\u2014he shaped it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">He was a Finnish statesman, yes. A legislator, a minister, a Nordic Council leader. But for those who have long lived under the shadow of dictatorship in Iran, Kimmo Sasi was something far greater: a voice for the voiceless, a moral compass in a cynical world, and a fighter for freedom whose legacy reaches far beyond Finland\u2019s borders.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For nearly two decades, Kimmo Sasi stood shoulder-to-shoulder <a href=\"https:\/\/fr.ncr-iran.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/FOFIAF-Statement-13-February-2023.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">with the Iranian Resistance<\/a>, defending their right to exist, to speak, and to fight for a democratic future. While m<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">any politicians hesitated\u2014trapped by diplomacy, apathy, or self-interest\u2014Sasi was clear, consistent, and courageous. He did not shy away from calling the regime in Tehran what it is: a blood-soaked tyra<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nny, responsible for the execution of over 120,000 political prisoners.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">He did not stay neutral in the face of injustice. He chose sides\u2014and he chose the people of Iran.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">With profound sorrow, I have learned of the passing of Mr. Kimmo Sasi, a distinguished Finnish statesman, former Member of Parliament, former Minister of Transport and Communications, and a devoted friend of the Iranian Resistance.<br \/>On behalf of myself and the Iranian Resistance,\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/5nlymoXVOj\">pic.twitter.com\/5nlymoXVOj<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Maryam_Rajavi\/status\/1912865681013383467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 17, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sa<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">si was a relentless advocate for removing the Iranian Resistance from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.delistmek.com\/court-rulings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EU\u2019s terrorist blacklist<\/a>\u2014a major obst<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">acle engineered by Tehran\u2019s regime and its appeasers to criminalize its most feared opposition. He worked tirelessly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-protests\/nordic-lawmakers-and-politicians-support-irans-people-resistance-and-revolution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">with lawmakers<\/a> across Europe, built alliances across party lines, and challenged ministries and courts until justice prevailed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When the lives of PMOI members were under threat in Ashraf and Liberty camps in Iraq, Kimmo Sasi was among the first to raise his voice internationally. He invited Mrs. Maryam Rajavi to Finland, gave her a platform in Parliament, and stood before his colleagues to say: \u201cThis is a democratic alternative for Iran\u2014and it must be recognized.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">He was not moved by political calculation, but by moral conviction. In Maryam <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryam-rajavi.com\/en\/viewpoints\/plan-for-future-of-iran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rajavi\u2019s Ten-Point Plan<\/a>, he saw not just a political blueprint, but a roadmap to restore the dignity of a people stripped of their rights. He believed in a secular republic, in equal rights for women and minorities, in the disbandment of the IRGC and the establishment of a democratic Iran. And he never hesitated to say so.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/4FreedominIran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@4freedominiran<\/a> opposition gathers  in Albania Last year Iranian government tried to bomb the meeting No freedom of speech in Iran, only prison Iranian economy in chaos It is time for the people to take power and bring <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/democracy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@democracy<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/AqGd54vavJ\">pic.twitter.com\/AqGd54vavJ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Kimmo Sasi (@KimmoSasi) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KimmoSasi\/status\/1150036041438547968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 13, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In every international forum\u2014from Helsinki to Strasbourg, from the Nordic Council to the halls of the European Parliament\u2014Kimmo Sasi <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/ncri-statements\/iranians-protest-in-stockholm-on-the-33rd-anniversary-of-the-1988-massacre-of-political-prisoners-in-iran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">carried a torch<\/a> for Iranian freedom. He called for the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist entity long before it became a mainstream policy demand. He warned that regime embassies were not diplomatic missions, but operational hubs for terror and espionage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">He never minced his words.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe cost of the regime\u2019s terrorism must become unbearable,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd that cost begins with the truth.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Today, as tyrants still rule in Tehran and the Iranian people rise again and again for freedom, the memory of Kimmo Sasi is not just honored\u2014it is carried forward. In every act of resistance, in every rally where the cry of \u201cWoman, Resistance, Freedom\u201d echoes, in every political breakthrough the Resistance achieves, his legacy endures.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"fi\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Iran<\/a> diplomaatti Assadollah Assasi tuomittiin 4.2. Belgiassa 20v vankeuteen terrori-iskun yrityksest\u00e4 pommilla Iran opposition kokoukseen, jota min\u00e4kin olin tukemassa. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/EU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#EU<\/a> ulkoministerien pit\u00e4\u00e4 osoittaa, etteiv\u00e4t hyv\u00e4ksy Iran toimintaa. Business kokouksen pit\u00e4minen olisi h\u00e4pe\u00e4. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/lNI3QGdjSt\">https:\/\/t.co\/lNI3QGdjSt<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Kimmo Sasi (@KimmoSasi) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KimmoSasi\/status\/1362374011632685056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 18, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kimmo Sasi was not Iranian. But he stood with Iran\u2019s people as one of their own.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The people of Iran will never forget this man. Not because he promised them freedom, but because he fought for it. Because he never let them stand alone.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One day, when Iran is free and the history of its long and painful march toward democracy is written, Kimmo Sasi\u2019s name will not be a footnote.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It will be a chapter.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Mariam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@mariam<\/a>-rajavi Peace in Middle East is possible only if there is democracy and Human Rights in Iran<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Kimmo Sasi (@KimmoSasi) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KimmoSasi\/status\/595675246394507267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 5, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kimmo Sasi did not just witness history&mdash;he shaped it.&nbsp; He was a Finnish statesman, yes. A legislator, a minister, a Nordic Council leader. But for those who have long lived [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":330831,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[222],"class_list":{"0":"post-330830","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-iran-resistance","8":"tag-iranian-resistance"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Kimmo Sasi (1952\u20132025): A Statesman Who Stood Where Others Stayed Silent\u00a0 - NCRI<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Kimmo Sasi did not just witness history\u2014he shaped it.\u00a0 He was a Finnish statesman, yes. A legislator, a minister, a Nordic Council leader. 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