IRAN. D'ELIA- EUROPE’S CONDESCENSION DOESN’T HELP RESPECT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

October 24, 2007: "It lacks consistency and credibility that countries, like Italy, support the UN Moratorium on capital punishment and then maintain commercial and political relations with countries that are second on the list of state executioners, like Iran is,” Sergio D'Elia, secretary of Hands Off Cain and Rosa nel Pugno Parliamentarian, said during a meeting on the state of human rights in Iran at the Capranica Theatre in Rome.
“The EU Governments’ condescension isn’t necessary. What is needed to put an end to this grave situation are initiatives, urgent interventions, pressure. We need a more unified European foreign policy against a regime that doesn’t allow any progress, and that impedes any change or reform. This is a state that talks about elections, elections at which the regime’s opponents are not allowed to participate, nor are candidates that haven’t sworn loyalty to the Islamic Republic or that are deemed not respectful to of the teachings of the Islamic religion." He continued "I don’t know if, today, Iran’s nuclear research constitutes a danger. I’m not an expert on the International Atomic Energy Agency. However, I can say with certainty that a daily danger that confronts the Iranian people is the hundreds of executions every year by hanging, as well as the beatings and torture. It is a danger that already exists and it requires intervention."
According to D'Elia, non violence is the answer.
"The strength of non violence can create change and provide the strong foundations for a society, one that is based on respect for human rights. And in eastern countries, eastern democracies can intervene by helping the Iranian opposition with information, TV satellites and radio, like London Radio during the Second World War, spreading the principles of respect for human rights and democracy."
"The answer to the question of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and to the madness of a president like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad can’t be a world war like the American President dreads. The alternative is non violence. Regarding the madness of destroying Israel, the alternative is to protect Israel, making it a part of a big community like the European Union. This would ridicule the Iranian President, who would find himself facing not just a ‘little’ country but a large group. This alternative may be a visionary solution, but it is also an opportunity, a possibility, a non violent solution."
In the 10 months of 2007, there were at least 238 executions carried out in Iran. In 2006 there were 215 and in 2005 there were 113. This is an escalation that seems destined to increase further.
The data was explained during the meeting by Elisabetta Zamparutti, treasurer of Hands Off Cain and of the Italian Radicals. Zamparutti noted that the Iranian government doesn’t supply data or numbers on those condemned to death or executed. Information collected by Hands Off Cain comes from news published in the Iranian newspapers.
Iran also sentenced 7 minors to death in 2006, a fact that puts the country in open violation of the Convention of Rights of the Child that the country has ratified. (Sources: Adnkronos, 24/10/2007)