What is happening in Iran "is unacceptable to us and we do not intend to tolerate it any longer".
This is what Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said during her year-end press conference.
"We have always had a dialogue approach but, if these repressions" in Iran "do not cease and there is no turning back - added Meloni -, Italy's attitude will have to change, with which provision will have to be the subject of an interlocution at international level".
Speaking of Iran's chess champion
Sara Khadim al-Sharia, who took part in the 2022 World Championship in Kazakhstan without wearing a veil,
the prime minister said she was struck
by the girl's story, who in fact decided to di participating in the World Chess Championship unveiling herself in front of the world: "It made me think. We are used to symbolic gestures but, usually, ours do not have potentially as serious consequences as this could have. This concerns you and others who in Iran they are making symbolic gestures, knowing that they can pay very high prices. This should make us reflect on the value of freedom, which we take for granted".
According to the latest update by the Iranian human rights news agency Hrana, 508 people have been killed during protests in Iran, including 69 children.
The number of people arrested is more than 18,000.
More than 1,200 protest rallies have taken place in 161 cities so far, the report said.
The new data provided by the agency refer to the period from 26 September to 7 December.
