On May 16, 2025, the city of Cuneo hosted a major conference titled “Maryam Rajavi’s Call – No to Executions in Iran”, bringing together elected officials, political leaders, and human rights activists. The event strongly condemned the Iranian regime’s rising number of executions, its support for terrorism, and its expansionist policies. Participants voiced support for the democratic goals laid out in the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s (NCRI) Ten-Point Plan.
The conference was chaired by Cristina Clerico, Cuneo’s Culture Assessor, and included contributions from city council members and members of the Italian Parliament.
Speakers expressed lasting solidarity with the Iranian people and firm opposition to the regime’s human rights abuses.
Cuneo Mayor Patrizia Manassero highlighted the city’s long-standing rejection of dictatorship and its continued support for the Iranian Resistance. She recalled Cuneo’s symbolic sister-city relationship with Ashraf in Iraq and confirmed that this solidarity had remained steady through different city administrations. She reaffirmed her commitment to freedom and democratic values.
MP Monica Ciaburro spoke about the regime’s persecution of ethnic minorities and religious groups, especially the Kurds. She emphasized the suffering of women in Iran and described the recent protests as signs of growing support for democratic change. She also noted that both houses of Italy’s Parliament have passed resolutions backing the Iranian people.
Senator Giorgio Maria Bergesio, Vice President of the Senate’s Industry and Commerce Committee, addressed Iran’s use of violence at home and its support for terrorism abroad. He praised the courage of ordinary Iranians—students, artists, journalists—who continue to resist the regime. He called on Italy not to remain silent and to stand with those fighting for freedom.
MP Chiara Gribaudo expressed deep concern over Iran’s worsening human rights situation. She urged Italy to move beyond symbolic gestures and actively defend the democratic principles that are part of the Italian Constitution.
City Councilor Giancarlo Boselli, reflected on nearly 20 years of support for the Iranian Resistance. He recalled visiting Camp Ashraf, where NCRI members built a resilient community under difficult conditions. Boselli compared the group’s democratic ideals to the anti-fascist movements in Europe’s history. He criticized the regime for its record of torture, executions, and terror, and called on the international community to support Iran’s democratic opposition rather than pursue deals with Tehran.
Noemi Mallone, also a Cuneo City Councilor, spoke about her participation in women’s rights conferences in 2023 and 2025. She described the gatherings as inspiring and full of determined voices from around the world. Mallone praised the values of freedom of expression, religion, and gender equality reflected in the NCRI’s platform. She noted that the Cuneo City Council had repeatedly shown official support for these values.
Dr. Khosrow Nikzat, president of the Iranian Doctors and Pharmacists Association in Italy, said that while the Iranian people will lead the effort to bring change, European governments have a role to play. He called on Italy to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, close regime-linked centers used for radical activities, and expel Iranian regime diplomats.
Elham Nikzat, head of the Iranian Democratic Women’s Association in northern Italy, warned about the regime’s growing use of executions and reminded the audience of the 1988 massacre of political prisoners, many of whom belonged to the PMOI and NCRI. She said that resisting tyranny is a moral duty and called for stronger international action.
The Cuneo conference sent a clear message of unity and determination. Italian leaders and human rights defenders reaffirmed their support for the Iranian people and their right to live in freedom and dignity. They pledged continued support for the NCRI’s democratic vision for Iran’s future.
