Italian Legislators Condemn Defamation Against Maryam Rajavi, Highlight Tehran Hostages’ Diplomacy
Italian Parliamentarians Condemn Defamation Campaign Against Iranian Resistance Leader
Table of Contents
- Italian Parliamentarians Condemn Defamation Campaign Against Iranian Resistance Leader
- Italian Parliamentarians Stand Against Defamation of Iranian Resistance Leader
- Introduction
- Italian Parliament’s Condemnation: Key Questions and Answers
- Why did Italian parliamentarians condemn the defamation campaign?
- What specific actions triggered the condemnation?
- Who issued the condemnation?
- What is the alleged motivation behind the defamation campaign?
- What is “diplomacy of hostages” and why is it relevant?
- What is the ”Plan in 10 Points for the Future of Iran”?
- How does the Italian Parliament support the NCRI?
- How does this relate to the release of hostages?
- Summary table
Rome – March 21, 2025 – A group of Italian parliamentarians has issued a strong condemnation of what thay describe as a defamation campaign in the French press against Maryam Rajavi, the elected president of the National Council of the Resistance of Iran (NCRI).
The Interparent Committee for a Free Iran, comprised of senators and deputies from across the Italian political spectrum, released a statement expressing their outrage.
We react with indignation to the repeated disinformation and hatred campaign against the Iranian resistance which, in recent days, marked the umpteenth episode of defamation.
The statement referenced a report published on March 18 by the satirical weekly Canard Enchaîné, alleging it contained serious accusations against Rajavi that had been previously debunked. The committee suggests this reflects a intentional strategy by the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, which has been sanctioned by the european Union as 2019, to discredit dissent.
The parliamentarians raised concerns about the timing of the publication, noting it preceded the release of French hostage Olivier Gontadeau.
The committee welcomed Gontadeau’s liberation and echoed the concerns of other European parliaments regarding Iran’s diplomacy of hostages,
a practice previously denounced by the European Parliament in January.
The statement cited the case of Assodollah Assadi, an iranian diplomat convicted of terrorism by a Belgian court for plotting an attack on an NCRI rally in 2018. Assadi was later released in exchange for two Western hostages and reportedly received a hero’s welcome in Iran.
The Italian parliamentarians reaffirmed their support for Rajavi and the NCRI’s Plan in 10 points for the future of Iran,
which they described as being inspired by principles of freedom, democracy, universal human rights, gender equality, and separation of religion and state.
We renew full solidarity with Maryam Rajavi,elected president of CNRI,and we will continue to support the ‘Plan in 10 points for the future of Iran’ inspired by the principles of freedom; democracy; safeguarding universal human rights; of gender equality and separation between religion and state,and which constitutes the point of reference for the values and credibility of this movement.
Italian Parliamentarians Stand Against Defamation of Iranian Resistance Leader
Introduction
This article delves into the recent condemnation by italian parliamentarians of a defamation campaign targeting maryam Rajavi, the elected president of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). The following Q&A format provides a thorough look at the situation, addressing key concerns and providing context.
Who is Maryam rajavi?
maryam Rajavi is the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).
What is the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)?
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) is an umbrella institution of Iranian opposition groups advocating for a free and democratic Iran.
Italian Parliament’s Condemnation: Key Questions and Answers
Why did Italian parliamentarians condemn the defamation campaign?
Italian parliamentarians condemned the campaign, describing it as a series of disinformation attacks on Maryam Rajavi and the Iranian resistance. They expressed outrage at the attacks themselves, noting that it was another instance of defamation against the Iranian resistance.
What specific actions triggered the condemnation?
The condemnation specifically referenced a report published on March 18th by the satirical weekly Canard Enchaîné. The report allegedly contained serious accusations against Maryam Rajavi that had been previously debunked.
Who issued the condemnation?
The condemnation was issued by the interparent Committee for a Free Iran, which includes senators and deputies from across the Italian political spectrum.
What is the alleged motivation behind the defamation campaign?
The Italian parliamentarians suggest that the campaign is part of an intentional strategy by the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence to discredit dissent. The Ministry had been sanctioned by the European Union as of 2019.
What is “diplomacy of hostages” and why is it relevant?
The parliamentarians raised concerns about the timing of the report’s publication, noting it preceded the release of French hostage Olivier Gontadeau. There are also concerns regarding Iran’s “diplomacy of hostages,” a practice where hostages are detained to pressure other nations. The European Parliament previously denounced this practice in January.
What is the ”Plan in 10 Points for the Future of Iran”?
The “Plan in 10 Points for the Future of Iran” is a framework proposed by the NCRI. The Italian parliamentarians reaffirm their support in the “Plan in 10 points for the future of Iran” inspired by the principles of freedom; democracy; and safeguarding universal human rights.
How does the Italian Parliament support the NCRI?
The Italian parliamentarians issued a statement in Rome that reaffirmed their support for Maryam Rajavi and the NCRI. They stated that they would continue to support the NCRI’s “Plan in 10 Points for the Future of Iran”.
How does this relate to the release of hostages?
The parliamentarians also referenced the case of Assodollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat convicted of terrorism by a Belgian court for plotting an attack on an NCRI rally in 2018. Assadi was later released in exchange for two Western hostages and was reportedly welcomed as a hero in Iran,further highlighting the issues relating to hostage diplomacy.
Summary table
| Aspect | Details |
| ———————– | ——————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Target | Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of NCRI |
| Action Condemned | Defamation campaign in French press |
| Source of Defamation | Canard Enchaîné – satirical weekly |
| accusation | Disinformation and hatred campaign against the Iranian resistance. |
| Concern | Timing of publication before the release of French hostage Olivier Gontadeau + Iranian strategy to discredit dissent. |
| Context | Iranian Ministry of Intelligence sanctioned by the European Union. Hostage diplomacy concerns. |
| Action | Reaffirmed support Maryam Rajavi and NCRI’s “Plan in 10 Points for the Future of iran”. |
| Issued by | Interparent Committee for a Free Iran. |