Former Italian senator draws parallels between Italy’s partisan struggle against fascism and the Iranian people’s fight for democracy
Italy’s experience in defeating fascism offers an important message of hope and encouragement to the Iranian people, former Italian Senator Roberto Rampelli said in an interview with Simay-e Azadi, emphasizing that resistance, determination, and faith can pave the way to victory.
Rampelli, who served in the Italian Senate from 2018 to 2022, highlighted the historical significance of Italy’s liberation struggle and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people’s ongoing fight for freedom and democracy.
Reflecting on a recent gathering attended by numerous Italian mayors, Rampelli described the discussion as particularly important, noting that Italy is known not only for its quality of life but also for its distinguished history of resistance.
He drew a direct parallel between Italy’s anti-fascist struggle and the resistance taking shape across Iranian cities today.
“Countless young women and men once gave life to the resistance on this soil and, through their victory, brought down a regime like fascism,” Rampelli said. “Today, we are witnessing signs of that same resistance in the streets, squares, and cities throughout Iran.”
The former senator stressed that Italy’s experience demonstrates that even entrenched dictatorships can be defeated through sustained popular resistance. He said the most important message that supporters of freedom can convey to Iranians confronting repression is that victory is possible.
“The inspiring and hopeful message we can deliver to the women and men in Iran today is this: through resistance, passion, faith, and struggle, victory can be achieved,” he stated.
Rampelli recalled that Italy won its democracy through the partisan struggle and the resistance movement that ultimately liberated the country from fascism. He expressed the hope that Iranian men and women would similarly succeed in establishing democracy in their homeland.
“Our wish is that the courageous women and men of Iran will also realize their democracy, and that we will stand shoulder to shoulder with them to celebrate freedom in the streets of Tehran,” he said.
He invoked April 25, Italy’s Liberation Day, when Italians commemorate the victory over fascism, particularly the celebrations held in the streets of Milan, as an example of the freedom he hopes Iranians will one day experience.
Rampelli’s message underscores the significance of international solidarity with the Iranian people’s struggle for democratic change. His comparison also highlights a historical lesson: democracy is not granted by authoritarian rulers but is won through the determination and sacrifice of those who resist them.
The prospect of celebrating Iran’s liberation alongside its courageous people, he said, remains a shared hope.