Speaking at the “Iran Beyond War – Human Rights and the Power of the People as the Solution” conference in Rome, Italian human rights advocate Rita Bernardini condemned the Iranian regime’s extensive use of the death penalty and praised Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as a blueprint for democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.
Rita Bernardini Condemns Iran’s Execution Crisis at Rome Conference
ROME – Rita Bernardini, former Member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies and a leading human rights advocate, delivered a strong message of solidarity with the Iranian people during the international conference “Iran Beyond War – Human Rights and the Power of the People as the Solution” in Rome.
Representing the Italian human rights organization Hands Off Cain (Nessuno Tocchi Caino), Bernardini emphasized that the organization’s decades-long campaign against capital punishment naturally places it alongside those fighting against the Iranian regime’s widespread use of executions and systematic human rights abuses.
Iran at the Center of the Global Execution Crisis
Bernardini recalled that Hands Off Cain, founded in 1993 to promote the worldwide abolition of the death penalty through an initial moratorium on executions, has consistently opposed capital punishment wherever it is practiced.
She stressed that Iran remains one of the world’s leading executioners and described the situation as an extreme concentration of state violence.
“Iran truly represents the concentration of capital executions—a concentration of violence and a profound lack of respect for fundamental human rights.”
She explained that these realities are precisely why her organization stands in solidarity with the Iranian people and those working to end repression and defend human dignity.
Praise for Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan
Bernardini also highlighted the democratic vision presented in Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, describing it as a practical framework for Iran’s democratic future.
She said the plan provides a clear path toward free elections, democracy, and the rule of law.
“These ten points are essential for Iran—to achieve free elections, democracy, and the rule of law.”
According to Bernardini, the principles outlined in the plan extend beyond Iran and offer valuable guidance for democratic societies at a time of increasing global instability.
Democratic Principles Needed Worldwide
Bernardini argued that the international community faces growing geopolitical uncertainty and that democratic nations must remain committed to the universal values of freedom, justice, and human rights.
“Those ten points are especially necessary at this moment, when geopolitics seems to be losing its way.”
She added that these principles are important not only for countries striving to achieve democracy but also for established democracies seeking to uphold their own foundational values.
“They are needed by democratic states so that they continue to respect these fundamental principles, and by other nations so they can achieve democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.”
Renewed Solidarity with the Iranian People
Concluding her remarks, Bernardini thanked the participants for their determination and courage in defending freedom and human rights despite the ongoing repression in Iran.
Her address reinforced the conference’s central message that respect for human rights, opposition to executions, and support for democratic principles remain essential to achieving a free and democratic Iran.
