Italy Pledges Support for Iranians, Reviews Residence Permits Amid Repression Concerns

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani affirmed Italy's commitment to supporting the people of Iran and defending democratic values during a Senate session on May 25. Addressing concerns raised by Senator Marco Lombardo, Tajani announced that the Ministry of Interior is evaluating legal solutions for Iranian citizens whose passports may not be renewed by the Islamic Republic due to their opposition activities. Public security offices have been ordered to review residence permit extensions on a case-by-case basis to ensure the safety of the approximately 24,000 Iranians living in Italy. Tajani strongly condemned the Iranian government's violent suppression of protests and ongoing executions, stating his opposition to the death penalty. He indicated plans to raise these issues at the European Union level to strengthen protection for those fleeing repression. The article also notes similar protective measures recently announced by Canada and highlights recent reports of property confiscations against Iranian dissidents by the Iranian judiciary, underscoring the risks faced by expatriates and their families.