In a strong and unified statement of solidarity and backing, a significant majority of the Italian parliament, comprising 204 parliamentary representatives, has come together to support the aspirations of the Iranian people. They advocate for the establishment of a democratic republic founded on the principle of separating religion from the affairs of the state.
This bipartisan declaration includes three Deputy Ministers, a Vice President of Parliament, five Secretaries of the Parliament, eight Commission Chairs, six Parliamentary Group Leaders, numerous Deputy Chairs of various commissions, and six former ministers.
The Italian MPs’ support extends beyond words to the promotion of fundamental human rights, as well as a commitment to holding the Iranian regime accountable for its serious violations against humanity. Notably, the signatories also endorse the classification of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
Furthermore, the statement expresses full support for the visionary Ten-Point Plan put forth by Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), almost two decades ago.
This comprehensive plan encompasses crucial elements such as ensuring free and fair elections, protecting freedom of expression and assembly, abolishing capital punishment, promoting gender equality, separating religion from state affairs, granting autonomy to Iran’s diverse ethnic groups, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to a non-nuclear Iran.
It is worth noting that this resolute declaration follows a previous affirmation on April 12, 2023, where the majority of the Italian Senate also expressed support for the Iranian people’s uprising and Maryam Rajavi‘s Ten-Point Plan in a joint statement, transcending party affiliations.
The full statement signed by the majority of the Italian parliament is as follows:
Support the Iranian People in Their Struggle
For a Secular and Democratic Republic
February 2023
For the past six months, the world has witnessed a sweeping popular uprising in Iran, demanding freedom and democracy. Some 750 protesters have been killed and 30,000 arrested. While any change should come from the Iranian people and their own resistance, the international community has its own responsibility.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Iran in their desire for a secular and democratic republic where no individual, regardless of religion or birthright, has any privilege over others. Through their slogans, the Iranian people have made it clear that they reject all forms of dictatorship, be it the deposed Shah or the current theocratic regime, and thus reject any association with either.
We believe it is for the Iranian people to decide their future. However, we recognize the fact that over the past four decades, the democratic coalition of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has constantly and tirelessly pursued democratic change. In this respect, we believe the Ten-point Plan articulated by the NCRI President, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, deserves our support. It stands for free elections, freedom of assembly and expression, abolition of the death penalty, gender equality, the separation of religion and state, autonomy for Iran’s ethnicities, and a non-nuclear Iran.
The Iranian people’s courageous uprising can be attributed, on the one hand, to the explosive state of Iranian society, a product of suppression, poverty, discrimination, and government corruption, and, on the other hand, four decades of nationwide organized resistance. Tragically, in the summer of 1988 alone, over 30,000 political prisoners – the vast majority of whom were members of the MEK – were brutally massacred.
We condemn the Iranian regime’s meddling in the Middle East region and Europe, including its terrorist attempts and cyber-attacks in Albania.
We urge the international community to stand with the Iranian people in their quest for change and to take decisive steps against the current regime. This includes blacklisting the IRGC and holding regime officials accountable for their crimes against humanity.
