Brussels – Belgium: The European Parliament adopted on Thursday a resolution condemning the deterioration of the human rights situation in Iran, calling for stricter international action that includes imposing additional sanctions and strengthening accountability mechanisms against officials involved in violations.
European MPs affirmed their solidarity with the Iranian people in light of what they described as “the largest wave of mass killing of protesters in the country’s history,” criticizing the use of the death penalty as a tool to suppress political movement and opponents.
European Condemnation of Executions and Demand for Releasing Political Prisoners
The European Parliament condemned the execution of secret death sentences against political opponents, including minors, demanding that the Iranian authorities immediately release all political prisoners and halt suppression campaigns against demonstrators.
The resolution also emphasized the necessity of respecting fundamental rights and freedom of expression, calling on the international community to intensify pressures on Tehran to improve its human rights record.
Calls to Expand Sanctions on the Revolutionary Guard and Support Secure Internet Access
The Parliament called on the European Union to expand the scope of sanctions imposed on Iran to include additional officials, among them members of the Revolutionary Guard, with travel bans and asset freezes imposed on them.
European lawmakers also demanded support for Iranians’ secure access to the internet, in light of the restrictions and measures imposed by Iranian authorities on communication services during protests.
A Broad Majority Supports the Resolution Amid Escalating International Tensions with Tehran
The resolution was adopted by a large majority within the European Parliament, with 469 MPs voting in favor, compared to 38 opposing votes, while 62 members abstained from voting.
The resolution comes amidst escalating tension between Iran and Western countries against the backdrop of human rights files and the Iranian nuclear program, in addition to European and American sanctions imposed on Tehran.
European countries accuse the Iranian authorities of continuing widespread violations against opponents and activists, while Tehran asserts that the security and judicial measures it takes are based on domestic laws and the protection of national security.
