On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the Italian Parliament hosted a significant conference titled “Iran: No to Executions – A Call for Justice”, bringing together senators, members of Parliament, and international advocates for Iranian human rights from across Italy’s political spectrum. The event, organized to address the Iranian regime’s rampant use of executions as a tool for repression, featured speeches from prominent Italian politicians and a virtual address from Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).
In her address via videoconference, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi emphasized that the Iranian regime and its Supreme Leader Khamenei have systematically used executions to cling to power, describing the judiciary as an “execution machine.” She highlighted that the clerical regime holds the world record for executions, with 180 people executed in the short period since the new president took office.
“Execution is not merely a punishment under this religious dictatorship; it is a strategic tool for the survival of an illegitimate regime,” Mrs. Rajavi stated. She drew attention to the plight of political prisoners, many of whom have engaged in weekly hunger strikes to protest the death penalty. “The courageous statements issued from torture chambers and execution grounds echo the voice of a resilient and defiant nation,” she added, expressing her hope for a future where Iran is free from torture and executions.
Mrs. Rajavi also underscored the NCRI’s commitment to abolishing the death penalty in a future democratic Iran, calling on international governments to hold the Iranian regime accountable. “We urge governments to condition their diplomatic and trade relations with the clerical regime on the cessation of executions and torture,” she declared, urging the United Nations to investigate Iran’s prisons and the ongoing massacre of political dissidents.
With executions occurring every few hours, Khamenei manipulates the level of repression.
Over the past four decades, these executions have targeted all the populace, including political dissidents, Baluchis, Turkmens, Arab compatriots, and Kurdish compatriots, with particularly… pic.twitter.com/jllJ8ycIry— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) September 25, 2024
MP Naike Gruppioni, who chaired the conference, opened by stressing the importance of standing up against the atrocities of the Iranian regime. She noted that the regime’s escalation of violence and repression, particularly against women, has reached alarming levels. “In this short period, at least 160 executions have been recorded. Furthermore, two protesters, after being arrested and imprisoned, died under torture,” MP Gruppioni stated, highlighting the Iranian regime’s systematic abuse of power.
Vice President of the Italy-USA Foundation also referred to the 1988 massacre of 30,000 political prisoners, most of whom were members of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI). “This atrocity, condemned by the UN Special Rapporteur and classified as a crime against humanity and genocide, reveals the ruthless face of a regime that is relentless,” she said, adding that the international community must take decisive action. “The international community cannot remain silent in the face of these atrocities. We must continue to call for the release of political prisoners and the immediate cessation of executions in Iran.”
Senator Cinzia Pellegrino, an outspoken advocate for human rights, reaffirmed Italy’s strong stance against the death penalty and political repression in Iran. “Earlier, we said ‘Stop the executions in Iran,’ even with a brief flash mob. But for us, this is not just a slogan. We truly believe that democracy must be restored as soon as possible,” Pellegrino said. She also emphasized the importance of Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for Iran’s democratic future, noting, “We hope this can happen as soon as possible. We reaffirm as the other European Union representative did this morning, our stance: no to torture, no to the death penalty, no to political discrimination.”
Senator Pellegrino also acknowledged the personal impact of Mrs. Rajavi’s leadership, having met her and seen her vision for a future of freedom in Iran. “We know that in your eyes is the vision of the future that is coming. That is the future we want to see in the coming decades.”
La comunità internazionale non può rimanere in silenzio di fronte alle atrocità e al genocidio perpetrati dal regime iraniano.
Dobbiamo intraprendere azioni decisive per rendere il regime responsabile dei suoi crimini contro l'umanità.
Sanzioni mirate, forti pressioni… pic.twitter.com/v6lxyDJs9j— Naike Gruppioni (@naike_gruppioni) September 25, 2024
In his speech, Senator Raffaele Speranzon reflected on the shared humanity between the Italian people and Iranians suffering under the regime’s oppression. “Your people represent humanity, and the tortures your people endure are well matched by the courage, determination, and strength with which you continue to shout to the entire world, calling on them to keep hope alive for a free Iran,” he said. Senator Speranzon highlighted the bravery of Iranian dissidents who, despite the fear of death, continue to resist the regime’s tyranny.
Senator Marco Scurria expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and urged them to continue fighting for freedom, emphasizing the importance of hope. “Tell your people that hope must never die! Tell them that the wind of freedom is stronger than any wall, any court, any strange Ayatollah,” Scurria declared. He drew parallels between the Iranian people’s struggle and Italy’s historical fight for democracy, reminding the audience of the shared values that unite both nations.
“Iran: No alle esecuzioni https://t.co/z3OKVn1ehr
— mahmoud hakamian (@HakamianMahmoud) September 25, 2024
MP Emanuele Pozzolo highlighted the Iranian regime’s role in fostering international instability. Pozzolo referred to the clerical regime as the “head of the serpent” in global terrorism, explaining how the regime uses both defamation and violence to maintain its power. “Iran is increasingly revealing itself to be what many of us, including the MEK, Mrs. Rajavi, and many others, have long recognized as the head of the serpent,” he said.
Member of the Italian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee warned that Tehran’s involvement in funding and supporting terrorist groups in the Middle East poses a direct threat to global security. He also criticized the regime’s efforts to discredit dissidents both inside and outside Iran, noting, “There has been a relentless defamation campaign against Mrs. Rajavi, the dissidents, and anyone who opposes the regime.”
Pozzolo emphasized the enduring power of the Iranian Resistance, stating that despite the regime’s efforts to silence and eliminate its opposition, the movement remains resilient. “The fear of death has not broken the opposition. Mrs. Rajavi and the MEK are living proof that they will never win,” he concluded.
No alle esecuzioni in #Iran . convegno alla camera dei deputati sala Refettorio. 25 settembre 2024 pic.twitter.com/VgpiODE7SD
— mahmoud hakamian (@HakamianMahmoud) September 25, 2024
Former Senator Roberto Rampi, a long-time supporter of the Iranian Resistance, emphasized the need for non-interventionist approaches to the situation in Iran. He made it clear that the Iranian Resistance does not seek foreign military involvement, but rather support for their internal struggle for freedom. “None of us wish for interventions of any kind in Iran, and the Iranian Resistance has made this very clear,” Rampi stated. He highlighted the negative outcomes of past interventions in the region and reinforced the importance of allowing the Iranian people to determine their future.
Manuele Vescovi echoed the commitment of Italian parliamentarians to the Iranian cause, reflecting on his longstanding involvement in supporting the Iranian people. “I remember the first time I came to support you in Albania,” Vescovi remarked, recalling his engagement in key international efforts to bring attention to the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses. He emphasized that the fight for democracy in Iran is not only Iran’s struggle but also Italy’s and the world’s. “These are not just your battles, they are also ours,” he said, adding, “I’ve been there, I am here, and I will always be there for you.” Vescovi praised the courage of the Iranian Resistance and reaffirmed his ongoing support for the movement.
