Thread by @KJTorrance

I’m in NYC covering this event, which comes days before President Trump chairs a U.N. Security Council meeting on Iran here. I mentioned to an organizer that the turnout was impressive; I’d wondered if the Paris plot might scare people off. “We’ve seen worse,” he said wryly.

https://twitter.com/OrgIAC/status/1043560369627770880

The hashtags for the event: #FreeIran, #FreeIran2018, #NoToRouhani

A tribute to the recently deceased senator John McCain, quoting many of his words of friendship for the Iranian people and his support of freedom fighters in Iran. It’s unfortunate he won’t one day celebrate in Tehran next to a statue of Neda. #FreeIran #FreeIran2018 #NoToRouhani

Now @Maryam_Rajavi addresses the crowd via video. She reports Iran regime analysis say of protests, “So-called Units of Rebellion have been created, which have both the ability to increase their forces and the potential to replace leaders on the spot.” #FreeIran #FreeIran2018

A powerful speech from General James L. Jones, a legendary Marine who left as U.S. national security adviser in 2010. He says now, “Today, as when I resigned in 2010, the Iranian regime remains mankind’s most existential threat to peace and stability.” #FreeIran #FreeIran2018

And General James L. Jones, who served as national security adviser under President Barack Obama, just gave a shoutout to the current national security adviser, @AmbJohnBolton. #FreeIran #FreeIran2018

General James L. Jones noted the administration’s decision to withdraw from the JCPOA, Iran nuclear deal, was controversial. But he thinks it was unquestionably the right move. Some might be surprised to hear this from one of Obama’s former national security advisers. #FreeIran

This isn’t a Yankees game. @RudyGiuliani gets a standing ovation as he takes the stage. He’s fired up. He spoke at the Paris event targeted by Iranian regime terrorists and U.S. events at which spies took photos. ”Am I bad luck, @A_Jafarzadeh?” #FreeIran #FreeIran2018

And @RudyGiuliani is not happy Iranian president and murderer Hassan Rouhani is coming to NYC for the U.N. next week. A reformer? “He reformed the methods of murder and murdered more people.” True: More people have been executed under Rouhani. #FreeIran #FreeIran2018 #No2Rouhani

Of course, @RudyGiuliani made a few jokes. He was pleased President Trump tweeted his support of Iranian freedom fighters when they began protesting. “I know his tweets can be controversial. And as his lawyer, I don’t want to say anything more about that.” #FreeIran #FreeIran2018

Many of us were brought to tears by the performance of two California siblings, a 13-year-old flautist and 15-year-old singer and percussionist. “We have never visited Iran, but we hope to visit it as a free country one day,” the sister said. #FreeIran #FreeIran2018

Bernard Kouchner, founder of Doctors Without Borders and former foreign minister of France, admits following Gen. Jones, @RudyGiuliani & musical kids is tough. Rudy should be in the movie, he says. “I will write the scenario.” Then he jokes, “Do you want me to sing?” #FreeIran

Bernard Kouchner then got serious, with a talk urging all to work together for a free Iran despite differences. Europeans and Americans have some policy differences but he says they’re not as far apart as pundits often claim. #FreeIran #FreeIran2018

Bernard Kouchner ended on a strong note. “I know about the Middle East. You are the only ones to put delicious, beautiful, and clever ladies at the front.” (He echoed his fellow Frenchman Macron there!) “The women are the future of Iran!” he declared. #FreeIran #FreeIran2018