Paris, June 29, 2024 – Speaking at the Free Iran 2024 World Summit in Paris, Carlo Ciccioli, Italian MEP, expressed his longstanding support for the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) and the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), recognizing them as the true representatives of Iran’s resistance movement. Ciccioli recalled his pride in introducing Maryam Rajavi, the NCRI President-elect, to the Italian Parliament over fifteen years ago, breaking what he called “the spell of the regime’s legitimacy in Italy.”
Ciccioli highlighted the unique and paradoxical nature of the Iranian regime, which he described as a terrorist entity that accuses others of terrorism. He reflected on the battles fought and won against attempts to criminalize the Iranian resistance movement, both in the judicial arena and through public opinion.
Addressing the recent death of the regime’s president Ebrahim Raisi, Mr. Ciccioli drew parallels with historical incidents in Italy, such as the state-sanctioned murder of Enrico Mattei. Ciccioli emphasized that regimes often fall when internal conflicts intensify, leading to self-destruction. He noted the severe economic, social, and political challenges facing Iran, suggesting that the regime is approaching its final chapter. Expressing hope for imminent change, Ciccioli conveyed his best wishes for the Iranian people and their right to a better future, affirming Italy’s solidarity with their cause.
A translated version of some excerpts of Carlo Ciccioli’s speech follows:
It is an honor for me to be here. For many years, I have stood by your side in the recognition of the Mujahedin Movement and the National Council of Resistance of Iran as the sole and authentic representative of Iran’s Resistance. Our fight is for the legitimacy of your struggle. It is indeed peculiar that the regime in power in Iran, a terrorist regime, accuses others of terrorism—a rather ridiculous situation.
I proudly recall the time over fifteen years ago when I first accompanied your heroic leader, Maryam Rajavi, to the Italian Chamber of Deputies. She was received by then-President Gianfranco Fini, and this marked the beginning of the recognition of your movement in Italy. I remember the battles against the regime that sought to criminalize your movement, both through judicial means and public pressure. These battles were won, and thus I would rather not dwell on them.
🔵 Al Free Iran World Summit 2024 assieme all’ex vicepresidente degli USA Mike Pence @GovPenceIN, al senatore @RSperanzon, all’onorevole Carlo Ciccioli: sempre dalla parte della libertà, contro la tirannia islamista e terrorista degli ayatollah! #FreeIran2024 🍀🌍 pic.twitter.com/GGU2fQRIiH
— Emanuele Pozzolo (@EmanuelePozzolo) June 29, 2024
What happens in Iran has been said many times, and everyone knows it—the whole world knows it. However, I would like to briefly reflect on what lies just around the corner, on what is happening now. Firstly, the death of President Raisi, which is shrouded in mystery. It was not just an accident, but perhaps something more—an incident possibly born from internal regime competition. This death brings to mind the state-sponsored murder of Enrico Mattei in Italy.
I am unsure what the final results will be, but regimes always fall when there is significant internal strife. Parties self-destruct when they fight within, and regimes collapse when there is internal division. This is what is happening to the Iranian regime.
I do not know how much longer they can cover up the internal issues, whether economic, social, or political, among the regime’s components. However, we all have the feeling that we are reaching the final chapter. I wish the movement and the Iranian people a change that is very near in the future because the Iranian people deserve it.
Italy stands with you!