Mouloud Aounit, Honorary Chairman of the Movement Against Racism and for Friendship Between Peoples (MRAP), renowned human rights activist known especially for his defense of refugees’ rights in France and a great supporter of the Iranian Resistance and Ashraf residents, passed away in Paris on Friday after fighting cancer.
Known as a prominent French political and social figure and an elected representative of the people of Paris and its vicinity, Aounit condemned the June 17th coup d’état in 2003 against the Iranian Resistance as a disgraceful conspiracy and cooperation with the mullahs’ regime. He actively participated in conferences and gatherings organized by the Iranian Resistance, loved the Ashraf residents and never missed a moment to show his support for their brave perseverance, even during the hard days while struggling with the excruciating pains of cancer.
Iranian Resistance President-elect Mrs. Maryam Rajavi expressed her deepest regret on the passing of Mr. Mouloud Aounit, saying Ashraf residents and the Iranian Resistance have lost a prominent friend and humanity has lost one of its brave consciences. However, until the struggle for human rights is alive, the name of Mouloud Aounit will also live on.
Remembering Mr. Aounit’s tireless efforts during the campaign of delisting the PMOI from the European terror list, condemning the June 17th plot against the Iranian Resistance and worldwide solidarity with Ashraf, Mrs. Rajavi said:
The voice of Mouloud Aounit will never be forgotten where he said, ‘The criminal siege against Ashraf disparages the international community and is a disgrace that will not be tolerated by any of us’.
We will not forget his words where he said, ‘The Iranian Resistance’s campaign has revived the true values of France’.
And we will not forget his faith in the victory of nations where he said, ‘Whatever the materials of battles may be, and whatever interests may be on the line that may not have anything to do with laws and fundamental freedoms, the will of a nation and its resistance for specific values can lead to victory’.
Mrs. Rajavi expressed her condolences to the honorable Aounit family, especially his wife, the MRAP organization and its Chairwoman Ms. Rene Luminio along with all human rights activists.
Mouloud Aounit, born in 1953 in Algeria, immigrated to France with his family during his childhood years. Due to his motives and the significant humane values that thrived in his spirit, he quickly became involved in social and political activities seeking justice and human rights, and began his cooperation with the French Socialist Party. In 1979 he established the Movement Against Racism and for Friendship Between Peoples and little later became the chairman of this movement in the St. Denis district located north of Paris. From 2004 to 2008 he was elected as Chairman of MRAP by the movement council.
One of the most renowned measures carried out by this anti-racism dignitary was organizing and taking part in a famous march from Marseille to Paris in 1983 in a show of support for equality and against racism. For his tireless efforts in this cause, Mouloud Aounit received the National Medal of Competence in 2000 and France’s Legion of Honor Medal in 2003.
He also participated in the regional council elections of Paris and its vicinity, elected as a member of this council.
Mouloud Aounit was also one of the supporters and defenders of the Iranian Resistance and Ashraf residents, especially following the 17 June 2003 coup d’état. Condemning this conspiracy and the disgraceful cooperation with the mullahs’ dictatorship, he rose in support of the Iranian Resistance President-elect and time and again delivered passionate speeches in defense of the goals of the Resistance and the PMOI.
Prominent French film director Jean-Michel Riera is producing a documentary on the life of this immigrant rights activist.
This loyal friend of the Iranian Resistance and Ashraf residents passed away on Friday, August 10th, after a three-year long struggle with cancer, leaving all refugee rights activists in grief. His memory will live on.