Iranian government plot to assassinate an opposition activist in Copenhagen

By: Hassan. Mahmoudi

Denmark disclosed this week that its intelligence service had foiled an Iranian government plot to assassinate an opposition activist in Copenhagen.

Top Danish Authorities called for sanctions against Iran over the plot. Denmark summoned its ambassador to Tehran back to Copenhagen on Wednesday for consultations, an Iranian official said.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen on Tuesday both described an alleged Iranian attack in Denmark “totally unacceptable.” The country will respond and speak with European partners about “further steps,” they said in separate statements, according to the Associated Press.

During a televised press conference, Borch Andersen noted that Iran already was suspected of targeting opposition groups abroad. He cited a foiled bombing attack that targeted a June rally organized by an Iranian opposition group near Paris.

The Foreign Ministry says it will be discussing “the issue of an Iranian intelligence agency’s illegal activities in Europe” with international allies.

In July, Germany foiled another Iranian plot to bomb dissidents in Paris. Denmark wants the EU to impose new sanctions on Iran. Federica Mogherini, the EU’s pro-Iran foreign-policy chief, replied blandly that “we are following events.”

Even as Iranian hit squads are setting up shop across the Continent, the European Union is displaying a fundamental lack of seriousness about a country uninterested in distinctions between bombs, missiles, and assassinations.

the European Union vowed to follow the failed policy of appeasement under the pretext of economic relation with Iran.

Press reports said then that Western intelligence services were concerned about the possibility of Iran stepping up terrorist attacks in Europe and the U.S.

In a recent video message to a session held on October 4 focusing on the Iranian regime’s new wave of terrorism and reactions from Europe and the United States, Iranian opposition President Maryam Rajavi emphasized how the mullahs have said time and again that their victory relies on spreading terror. As a result, forcing Western governments to remain silent would be a major victory for them. The most destructive type of appeasement in the face of the Iranian regime’s religious dictatorship is remaining silent following terror attacks, she added. Unfortunately, this policy is widely witnessed today in Europe. This is a mistake and Iranian refugees and Europe’s security will be paying the price.” A firm policy is necessary against the Iranian regime” and ” Close this regime’s embassies, known espionage/terror centers” and “Do not remain silent in the face of executions, prisoners being tortured and human rights violations in Iran”.…she added.

Targeting opponents of a regime on foreign soil is precisely the kind of behavior that is happening inside Iran now.  the people are facing high inflation, corruption and  The wave of unemployment and closure of factories while the Iranian regime resorted to dispatching a large number of security forces affiliated to IRGC and plain cloth of Intelligence service (MOIS) and “military maneuvers and widespread repressive measures in various cities to Crackdown, Fearing Mass protests.

Hassan Mahmoudi is a human rights advocate, specializing in political and economic issues relating to Iran and the Middle East. @hassan_mahmou1