Despite the harshest repressive and preventive measures, closure of borders and raids on homes by the French government, 10,000 Iranian staged the largest-ever gathering by Iranians in France.

The demonstration was held in the Human Rights Square (Trocadero) in Paris at noon today "in protest to Khatami’s trip and in support of the heroic uprising of the people of Tehran, Tabriz and other Iranian cities," a statement by the National Council of Resistance of Iran said.

The rally was held while, due to harsh and unlawful measures by the French government more than 5,000 Iranians on their way to France from other countries to participate in the demonstration, were returned from the borders.

"Mr. Massoud Rajavi, President of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, congratulated Iranians for the success of their demonstration today. He added: Today’s crackdown in Paris is a reminder and the continuation of the suppression ordered by Khatami and other mullahs in July in Tehran. In the same way, the demonstration by Iranians in Paris was the continuation of the uprising by the students and the people of Tehran for freedom and sovereignty," the statement added.
 

Rajavi Calls for Immediate Release of Detained Dissidents, Iran Zamin News Agency, October 27

The following text is excerpts from the telegram sent to French President Jacques Chirac this morning by NCR President Massoud Rajavi:

"With utmost regret, four hours before the beginning of an authorized, peaceful and legal rally in Paris by Iranians against the visit to your country by mullah Khatami, French police raided this morning several buildings in and around Paris and has arrested and taken away many of our fellow Iranians….

"In addition, there are reports that many of our compatriots have been held and arrested in Paris airports.

"In the name of the Iranian people and Resistance for freedom and popular rule, I urge Your Excellency to intervene personally and call for the immediate release of my fellow Iranians and prevent all acts of harassment with regard to their lawful and peaceful demonstration.

"I urge you, Mr. President, not to allow that the people of Iran would see your government alongside the mullahs anymore than this."
 

France Shelters Khatami from "Several Thousand" Protesting the Visit, Agence France Presse, October 27

PARIS - France Wednesday took drastic measures to shelter Khatami from dissident protestors.

With Khatami under fire from hardliners at home and opponents abroad, the French authorities tightened border controls, swooped on dissidents’ premises and boosted security to try to ensure a trouble-free three-day visit.

But as Khatami’s jet landed hundreds of opponents massed in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, and rights campaigners pledged more trouble to denounce Tehran’s record on human rights.

Interior Minister Jean-Pierre Chevenement justified the dawn raids in and around the capital, saying Tehran’s opponents had been planning "violent demonstrations" with "thousands of opponents from across the world."

The swoops, in which dozens of people were briefly detained and others searched, followed France’s rare decision to reinstate border controls, a measure that caused hundreds of Iranians to be turned away from frontier crossings in the past week.

Areas of the capital were also cordoned off, with three central subway stations closed to the public.

Massoud Rajavi, leader of the dissident People’s Mujahedeen and head of the movement’s political wing, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), qualified the raids as "a blatant and outrageous contravention of the principles of human rights, freedom of expression... and the sacred right of asylum."

Meanwhile as Khatami settled in at the official Marigny residence for visiting heads of state and government, several thousand dissident Iranians massed to protest against his visit.

Waving Iranian flags as well as yellow opposition flags, the protestors on the Trocadero square by the Eiffel tower chanted "Khatami murderer" and "down with Khatami". "If the border police had not prevented many Iranians from entering France, there would be at least 15,000 people here," said Behzad Naziri, one of dozens of protestors briefly detained earlier. "This is not like France which is a champion of human rights."

Another demonstration that included politicians and human rights advocates was later held in front of the Paris courthouse to demand the release of 13 Iranian Jews imprisoned in Iran.

A planned speech on Thursday before the UNESCO general conference was cancelled.

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