The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the increased number of executions in Iran, in particular the case of Mohammad Ghobadlou.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, ECR, the Left groups and Members.
Over 800 individuals were executed in Iran in 2023, the highest figure since 2015, and over 500 protesters were killed as part of the ongoing suppression of the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement.
The appeal by Mohammad Ghobadlou, a 23-year-old with intellectual disabilities, against his death sentence was rejected on 23 January 2024 and he was executed. His unfair trial was marred by torture allegations and secrecy.
According to the UNHRC, at least 54 people were executed in January 2024 and according to Human Rights Watch, at least 11 prisoners are currently at risk of imminent execution.
Parliament strongly condemned the executions of peaceful demonstrators in Iran, including that of Mohammad Ghobadlou. It also reiterated its condemnation of Iran’s brutal repression of peaceful protesters, in particular women and minorities and condemned the appalling detention conditions, widespread use of torture, including sexual violence, and lack of access to medical treatment and legal representation.
Members deplored the regime’s extensive use of the death penalty to terrorise society and stamp out dissent. They stressed that it amounts to state-sanctioned killing and urged Iran to commute all death sentences and completely abolish the death penalty.
The resolution called for:
- the unconditional and immediate release of everyone arbitrarily on death row and all prisoners of conscience;
- an impartial, independent and transparent investigation into allegations of human rights violations against protesters;
- a new and bold EU strategy on Iran, including countering its hostage diplomacy.
Parliament reiterated its unwavering call on the Council to designate the IRGC a terrorist organisation and impose further EU sanctions on officials and entities involved in serious human rights violations, including the Supreme Leader, the President and the Prosecutor-General.
Member States are called on to:
- monitor trials and organise visits to prisons where prisoners of conscience are detained;
- initiate criminal investigations into officials responsible for serious human rights violations, including under universal jurisdiction;
- support the renewal of the mandates of the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission at the upcoming UN Human Rights Council session;
- facilitate visas, asylum and emergency grants for those who need to flee Iran.
Lastly, the Commission is urged to increase technical and budgetary support for a strong and independent Iranian civil society.