In a video message addressed to a conference at the Italian Parliament on supporting human rights and condemning executions in Iran, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), thanked Italian senators and deputies for their solidarity with the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and democracy and outlined the current situation in Iran, the rise in executions, and the role of organized resistance.
Conference at the Italian Parliament: Support human rights and condemn executions in Iran
The Iranian people are moving toward establishing a society free from all forms of tyranny.#StopExecutionsInIranhttps://t.co/OeYM4c6hnk pic.twitter.com/O6a1sGaQuB— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) May 21, 2026
The Real Conflict in Iran
Addressing the distinguished senators and deputies of Italy, Mrs. Rajavi said Iran is facing an unprecedented and critical situation, with immense pressure imposed on millions of Iranians.
She stated that the real conflict in Iran is not external, but between the ruling regime and the Iranian people, describing it as a struggle that has continued for forty-five years through nationwide uprisings and the activities of Resistance Units.
According to Mrs. Rajavi, the Iranian people seek to establish a democratic republic based on the separation of religion and state, gender equality, autonomy for ethnic nationalities, and progressive economic and social development. She said this vision is represented by the NCRI, while the ruling establishment seeks only to preserve its rule.
Mrs. Rajavi added that the regime is using foreign conflict to conceal its deepening domestic crisis and internal divisions.
Executions and Repression
Mrs. Rajavi said the regime recently executed eight members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) in Ghezel Hesar Prison. She stated that their bodies had not been returned to their families and that some relatives had been detained for attempting to locate their graves.
She also referred to the execution of seventeen protesters arrested during uprisings over the past two months, saying the regime’s judiciary intends to intensify repression inside prisons.
Mrs. Rajavi stated that the daily executions stem from the regime’s fear of public uprisings and resistance activities, adding that these measures have failed to intimidate the Iranian people.
“Appeasement” and the Need for Regime Overthrow
Mrs. Rajavi said past policies of appeasement toward Tehran created misconceptions regarding the situation in Iran.
She outlined what she described as three proven realities:
- The ruling religious dictatorship is an enemy of the Iranian people and a threat to global peace and security.
- The only solution is the complete overthrow of the regime.
- This can only be achieved through popular uprisings and organized resistance led by the Resistance Units.
Mrs. Rajavi referred to resistance operations carried out inside Iran, including attacks targeting regime centers during uprisings and a coordinated operation by PMOI resistance units against sensitive government sites.
🚨 Iran: Italian Parliament Conference Condemns Rising Executions –
On Thursday, May 21, a conference on Iran’s increasing executions and the responsibilities of the international community was held at the Italian Parliament with the participation of lawmakers and human rights… pic.twitter.com/eI7HQIiF3p
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) May 21, 2026
Criticism of Monarchy Supporters
Mrs. Rajavi also criticized supporters of the former monarchy, saying recent demonstrations in Europe by monarchist groups featured symbols and uniforms associated with SAVAK, the Shah’s secret police.
She said their objective is to restore dictatorship and repression, while emphasizing that the NCRI represents an organized and active alternative inside Iran.
Quoting Massoud Rajavi, the leader of the Iranian Resistance, she said the struggle against both the Shah’s dictatorship and the current ruling system would continue until “the ultimate victory of the democratic revolution.”
Call on Europe to End Silence
Mrs. Rajavi said the situation in Iran and the region has reached a dangerous turning point and called on the European Union to reject policies that strengthen the Iranian regime against its people.
She urged the EU to end its silence regarding political executions in Iran, stating that such silence enables continued repression.
Mrs. Rajavi concluded by saying that peace and freedom in Iran are inseparable and called on defenders of freedom and human rights worldwide, including in Italy, to stand with the Iranian people and their resistance.
Peace and freedom in Iran are two sides of the same coin. If the European Union is truly serious in its calls for peace, it must simultaneously recognize the right of the Iranian people and their resistance to overthrow this regime and stand firmly by their side.
The people of… pic.twitter.com/1En3cxDBCV
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) May 21, 2026
