On January 23, 2025, the European Parliament adopted a resolution strongly condemning the Iranian regime’s systemic human rights violations. Passed with 556 votes in favor, 6 against, and 42 abstentions, the resolution underscores growing international concern over Iran’s widespread abuses, including its increased use of executions and “hostage diplomacy.”
Key Demands of the Resolution:
- Release of Political Prisoners:
The European Parliament called for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights defenders and unjustly imprisoned political prisoners, including Pakhshan Azizi, Varisha Moradi, Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani. It also emphasized the plight of 56 other political prisoners currently facing execution. - Designation of the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization:
MEPs urged the European Council to classify the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization due to its role in suppressing dissent and violating human rights. - Expansion of EU Sanctions:
The resolution called for broader sanctions targeting key individuals responsible for orchestrating human rights violations, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Massoud Pezeshkian, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei (Head of Judiciary), Mohammad Movahedi Azad (Attorney General), and Judge Iman Afshari. - End to Executions and Torture:
MEPs demanded a halt to all executions in Iran and condemned the regime’s use of torture and forced confessions in its judicial system. - Release of European Nationals:
The European Parliament demanded the release of European nationals unjustly detained in Iran, including French citizens Olivier Grondou, Cécile Kohler, and Jacques Paris, as well as Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian scientist.
Broader European Condemnation:
The European Parliament condemned the execution of German-Iranian dual citizen Jamshid Sharmahd, demanding clarity about the circumstances of his death and the return of his body to his family. Additionally, MEPs called for increased EU financial support for Iranian civil society to strengthen democratic movements within the country.
Solidarity with the Iranian People:
In a unifying statement, MEPs pledged their support for the Iranian people’s fight for freedom, democracy, and human rights. The resolution reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to holding the Iranian regime accountable for its ongoing abuses, including mass executions, torture, and suppression of dissent.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to MEPs who joined photo action @Europarl_EN for #StopExecutionsInIran.
Your solidarity resonates deeply w/ Pakhshan, Behrouz, Mehdi, Pouya, Vahid,Ali Akbar &all political prisoners facing execution.
They hear your support & draw strength from it pic.twitter.com/RSKTlGnfMX— Friends of a Free Iran – EP (@FOFI_EP) January 23, 2025
