Image: European Parliament, Strasbourg (© Cayambe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
STRASBOURG — European Parliament Condemns Iran’s Brutal Repression of Nationwide Protests
The European Parliament on 22 January 2026 adopted a sweeping resolution condemning what lawmakers described as the “brutal repression and mass killings” by Iranian authorities against nationwide protests. The resolution passed with an overwhelming majority, with 562 votes in favour, only 9 against, and 57 abstentions, reflecting deep concern in Europe over the violent crackdown.
Observers highlighted that the resolution was adopted with an overwhelming majority, underlining broad political support within the European Parliament for the Iranian people’s nationwide protests and for urgent, concrete action by EU institutions against Tehran’s repression.
🚨 @Europarl_EN just adopted a resolution on Iran supporting the #IranProtests & calling on the @EUCouncil to “proceed without delay with the full designation of the IRGC, including the Basij militia and the Quds Force, as terrorist organisations”
CC: @eucopresident @vonderleyen pic.twitter.com/T5lE7gDTi3
— M. Hanif Jazayeri (@HanifJazayeri) January 22, 2026
Calls for Stronger EU Measures and IRGC Terrorist Designation
The Parliament’s resolution not only condemns the use of lethal force, arbitrary detention, executions and internet shutdowns but also includes a clear call for the European Union to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including the Basij and Quds Force, as terrorist organizations. This demand intends to increase accountability for the security forces responsible for repression.
Lawmakers further urged the expansion and strict enforcement of EU sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes against Iranian officials and entities linked to human rights abuses. The resolution also stressed that any future normalization of EU–Iran relations must be conditioned on genuine progress in human rights and democratic freedoms.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola welcomed the vote, reiterating the decision to bar Iranian regime representatives from Parliament premises and underlining the need for sustained European pressure on Tehran.
People in Iran deserve to live free.
The European Parliament will keep pushing to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
It would mean further degradation of the IRGC's ability to operate with impunity, disrupt their cash flow,… pic.twitter.com/XW2XABoP6i
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) January 17, 2026
Immediate Demands: End to Violence and Respect for Rights
MEPs demanded that Iranian authorities:
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Immediately end violence against peaceful protesters, halt all executions, and cease all repressive measures.
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Unconditionally release all detained protesters, journalists, human rights defenders, and political prisoners.
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Restore full internet access and end efforts to censor public expression.
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Provide unhindered access for UN-mandated investigations into alleged crimes under international law.
The resolution also emphasized the importance of supporting Iranian civil society, women’s rights movements, and democratic opposition forces in their struggle for dignity and freedom.
Context: Heightened International Pressure
The European Parliament’s resolution aligns with broader international concern over the Iranian regime’s handling of protests that have spread across hundreds of cities and involved demonstrators from diverse backgrounds. The EU and other bodies have repeatedly called for respect for human rights and an end to systematic repression.
European lawmakers view this resolution as a significant step toward coordinated European action, strengthening diplomatic, economic, and legal pressure on Tehran in response to what they describe as continuing violations of fundamental freedoms.
At the conclusion of the vote, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), expressed support for the European Parliament’s resolution, calling it a strong message of solidarity with the Iranian people and their nationwide uprising, and urged continued international pressure on the regime.
The European Parliament’s resolution condemning the brutal repression of protesters in Iran is a courageous and timely act of solidarity with the Iranian people’s uprising.
I sincerely thank President @RobertaMetsola and the Members of the European Parliament for standing with… pic.twitter.com/VGYwnDby0x— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) January 22, 2026