Paris, June 29, 2024 – At the Free Iran 2024 World Summit in Paris, Italian Senator Raffaele Speranzon expressed strong support for the Iranian Resistance, highlighting the lack of genuine democracy in Iran under its oppressive regime. Representing the Italian Senate, Speranzon emphasized the importance of global solidarity with Iran’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
Speranzon condemned the Iranian regime for stripping away liberties and rights, asserting that the international community must stand firm in supporting the Iranian people’s fight for a future where they can freely develop their talents and aspirations.
He announced that both the majority of the Italian Chamber of Deputies (Parliament) and the Senate have united in a joint declaration supporting a free and democratic Iran. This declaration signifies Italy’s commitment to defending human rights and fundamental freedoms against authoritarianism and religious fundamentalism.
Speranzon lamented the ineffective policies of appeasement over the past 40 years, which have only emboldened the regime to increase internal repression and external terrorist activities. He highlighted the alarming statistic of over 850 executions in Iran in 2023 alone, criticizing the international community and media for not adequately informing the public about such atrocities.
Reiterating the Iranian people’s clear desire for democratic change, Speranzon endorsed Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, which envisions a secular state, freedom of religion, free elections, gender equality, and respect for individual rights. He called on the international community to recognize and support the efforts of the Iranian people in their struggle against theocratic rule.
A translated version of Italian Senator Raffaele Speranzon’s speech follows:
Carlo just mentioned that democracy doesn’t work very well in Iran if only 40% go to vote. In reality, Carlo, democracy does not exist in Iran at all. It is a fake democracy. There is an oppressive regime that strips away freedoms and all rights, putting me in a position right now where I can proudly represent the Italian Senate on this occasion. So, I want to thank you for the invitation as an Italian and as a member of one of the two chambers of the Italian Parliament.
I would like to take this opportunity to offer the utmost support, not only personally but also from all Italian parliamentarians to your cause. It is a cause of civilization, a cause of freedom, a cause that receives support not only from parliaments but also from people around the world who are willing to give up something to see the affirmation of rights—human rights, women’s rights, children’s rights, the right to have a future, and the rights of all those who dream of living in a free environment where they can develop their abilities and realize their aspirations.
Italy has always defended the principles of democracy and freedom. I am pleased to announce, as we did earlier during this event with Maryam Rajavi—whom I greet and thank—that we have garnered support from a majority of Italian parliamentarians in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic. They have signed a joint declaration in support of a free and democratic Iran, one that fights against and liberates itself from all forms of authoritarianism and religious fundamentalism. This heartfelt declaration demonstrates our commitment to defending the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people.
Italian Sen. @RSperanzon: "I’m delighted to announce that the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies have issued a statement in support of a free and secular Iran."#MaryamRajavi4FreeIran #FreeIran2024 https://t.co/dMhzvhvE6P
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 29, 2024
In the past 40 years, the policy of appeasement and compromise with the mullahs has unfortunately only favored their destabilizing activities and support for terrorism, in which the regime has proven itself a master. Any concession to this regime has made it more aggressive, driving it to increase internal repression and intensify terrorist attacks even beyond Iran’s borders.
When I read that in 2023 alone, there were over 850 death sentences, achieving this grim world record, I wondered why, in the face of such barbarity occurring in Iran, the international community, the international media, and newspapers worldwide have not been able to vehemently and effectively disseminate this information to our peoples. These are facts that the vast majority of our fellow citizens do not know, and events like this help us gather useful information and tools to bring back to our communities and inform our fellow citizens.
The Iranian people have clearly demonstrated through street protests, public demonstrations, and unfortunately, through the sacrifice and loss of many lives, that they are tired of a regime that systematically tramples on freedoms. We know that a democratic alternative to the status quo exists and is well-represented by the National Council of Resistance of Iran, led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, who embodies the desire for freedom and democracy shared by all Iranians.
Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan is a model for a free society after decades of darkness—a secular state and freedom of religion for all faiths, free elections, substantial equality between men and women, and respect for all individual rights. This is what the Iranian people have been demanding and shouting for decades.
The duty of the international community and democratic countries is to recognize and support the efforts of the Iranian people in their fight for freedom and democracy against the theocratic regime. Only through determined and unwavering support for the Iranian people can we achieve a free, democratic Iran that truly looks to the future. Continue to be courageous and determined. As you can see, you are not alone. The Italian people are with you, and anyone in the world who believes in freedom and democracy stands by your side.
Long live the Iranian people, long live a free Iran!