France bans anti-Iran rally after security warnings over monarchist threats
French authorities prohibited a gathering organized by the political arm of an anti-Iran terrorist group after intelligence services warned that escalating tensions and threats from monarchist groups could trigger security incidents and unrest.
Paris police on June 20 canceled the planned demonstration by the so-called National Council of Resistance (NCRI) just hours before it was due to begin, citing a tense domestic and international security environment and concerns over potential violence.
The NCRI serves as the political arm of the Mujahedeen-e Khalq Organization (MKO), which is designated as a terrorist organization by Iran.
A security assessment pointed to an intensifying struggle for influence between the PMOI and monarchist groups supporting Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's deposed shah.
The intelligence assessment cited a prominent monarchist figure who reportedly encouraged supporters to “block the route of the PMOI march” ahead of the planned event.
It also referenced social media footage showing the individual handling of a semi-automatic handgun, while another video reportedly showed a 3D-printed weapon being fired.
The assessment further noted threats made by individuals displaying symbols associated with SAVAK, the shah-era secret service, including warnings that a bomb could be planted if the rally proceeded.
Those security concerns ultimately contributed to the decision to ban the event and strengthen security measures around the planned protest site.
The MKO has carried out numerous bombings, assassinations, and armed attacks since the 1980s in Iran which has resulted in the killing of at least 17,000 Iranian citizens.
Both the PMOI and monarchist groups publicly supported the US-Israeli aggression against Iran which was launched in late February and called on US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue the attacks until the Iranian government was overthrown.
The US-Israeli aggression against Iran resulted in the martyrdom of at least 3,500 people and left more than 26,500 others wounded.
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