Giving the Iranian People a Voice in the Finnish Parliament

On 17 April 2026, representatives of Atossa Association met with Sebastian Tynkkynen, Member of the European Parliament, together with several members of the Iranian community in Finland to exchange views on the situation in Iran and the role that Finnish policymakers can play in supporting the Iranian people's aspirations for freedom and democracy.

Among the participants was Reza Azizi, Iranian national karate champion and a representative of the Association of Iranian Athletes in Exile (AIAF), who joined the discussion and shared his perspective on the importance of international solidarity with the Iranian people.

During the meeting, participants discussed the importance of strengthening cooperation between Finnish decision-makers and the Iranian diaspora. Atossa Association highlighted the need for continued dialogue with Finnish political leaders and encouraged greater engagement with representatives of Iran's democratic opposition.

Atossa Association also reiterated its view that King Reza Pahlavi should be invited to the Parliament of Finland as a representative of millions of Iranians seeking a peaceful and democratic transition. The Association believes that such an invitation would provide Finnish policymakers with an opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading voices advocating for a free and democratic Iran.

The meeting reflected the shared commitment of those present to raising awareness of the situation in Iran and strengthening cooperation between the Iranian community in Finland and Finnish public representatives.