NCRI – A session in solidarity with 1,000 women in Ashraf and women across Iran was held in Rome, Italy, with a number of Italian parliamentarians and political and cultural figures.
The Association of Democratic Iranian Women in Italy organized the meeting, in which speakers highlighted the legal responsibility of U.S. to reassume protection of Ashraf City in accordance with Article 45 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. They demanded compliance with the article and assumption of protection responsibilities by the US.
NCRI – A session in solidarity with 1,000 women in Ashraf and women across Iran was held in Rome, Italy, with a number of Italian parliamentarians and political and cultural figures.
The Association of Democratic Iranian Women in Italy organized the meeting, in which speakers highlighted the legal responsibility of U.S. to reassume protection of Ashraf City in accordance with Article 45 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. They demanded compliance with the article and assumption of protection responsibilities by the US.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the Iranian Resistance’s President-elect, sent a message to the session, inviting the Italian figures to call on their government to condemn the brutal crimes committed by the al-Maliki government in Ashraf and to support protestors in Iran.
Mrs. Rajavi said that the uprising in Iran will not stop and will continue until the regime’s downfall, adding that what is occurring in Iran marks the beginning of the end for religious dictatorship.
Elisabetta Zamparutti, Italian MP, said in her remarks: there are still worries about further and more extensive attacks which if they occur would leave more casualties. We are concerned about women in Ashraf because they are undoubtedly one of the targets of this attack. There is no justification for such an attack against the People's Mojahedin organization of Iran. In accordance with international law, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention, they are protected persons and we call on the US to protect them.
Giancarlo Boselli, Deputy Mayor of Cuneo, Italy city of resistance and sister city of Ashraf, said in his remarks: It was a great honor for me to be able to visit Ashraf along with a delegation of senators, parliamentarians, and human rights officials. The brutal attack against Ashraf deeply saddens everyone. Those that have been able to go to Ashraf even for a single day would understand why that city is a thorn in the eyes of the clerical regime. Ashraf residents are the hope and guarantee of democracy for a future Iran and the Iranian regime would do anything to annihilate them. What was fascinating for me was the role and presence of women in Ashraf city. They are the forces of hope for the resistance. Ashraf women are the symbols of life and democracy for Iran's future. On behalf of the Mayor of Cuneo, we wrote a letter to president Obama and the United Nations to avoid remaining passive with regards to the situation in Ashraf. They are responsible to prevent such brutal attacks.
He added: We ask the Italian government to adopt an active role to protect Ashraf residents and especially the women. I convey the greetings of the Mayor of Cuneo to Ashraf residents.
Reza Olia, an artist and member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, said: Ashraf enjoys extensive support inside Iran which is why Khamenei seeks to destroy it.
Gabriella Liberatore, historian and researcher in Iranian affairs, said in her speech: After seeing the videos of the attack against Ashraf I can better comprehend the catastrophe that took place there. In truth, the best description for it is crime against humanity.
She added: Today Ashraf is not only a symbol, it is the place of a new experiences for human relations, ethics and resistance in the entire world. It is a new experience for realizing democracy.
Ms. Christian Lago, Director of the Candelaria Association, emphasized the need for comprehensive support for the resilient and brave women of Ashraf City.
Moreover the Global Forum of Italian Youth, which is comprised of 80 youth associations in Italy, sent a message of solidarity with 1,000 brave women in Ashraf and in support of all its residents.
