Iran Rejects European Parliament Resolution on Human Rights Violations

Iran has strongly condemned a recent resolution passed by the European Parliament on January 21, 2025, which calls attention to the systematic repression of human rights in the country. The motion specifically highlights the cases of Kurdish activists Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, both of whom have faced severe mistreatment by Iranian authorities.

Tehran dismissed the resolution, arguing that it constitutes foreign interference and lacks legal validity. In a statement from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marzieh Afkham, Director General of Human Rights and Women, criticized the European Parliament’s actions as “irresponsible” and affirmed that Iran’s judicial system is independent and operates within the confines of national law.

Key Points of the European Parliament Motion

The European Parliament motion focused on multiple human rights issues in Iran, including the arrests and ongoing judicial mistreatment of Azizi and Moradi. According to the motion, Azizi has been sentenced to death for “armed rebellion against the state” and “membership in opposition groups” after enduring torture in solitary confinement. Moradi, who was sentenced to death in 2024, faces similar allegations and has reportedly been tortured, with her legal rights ignored.

The motion also called for the European Council to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This demand was partly based on a 2022 ruling by the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court, which linked the IRGC to terrorist activities. Tehran responded by defending the IRGC as a “legal and popular institution” crucial to the country’s defense and national security, particularly during conflicts like the Iran-Iraq War.

Iran’s Rejection of Foreign Interference

Afkham reiterated that Iran views any foreign intervention into its judicial matters as a violation of international law, asserting that the country would take decisive action in response to any such efforts. Iran’s position is that the motion’s inclusion of the IRGC and its portrayal of the country’s human rights record is “completely unjustified.”

In addition to Azizi and Moradi, the resolution highlights the arbitrary arrests of dual nationals in Iran, as well as the diplomatic efforts by Germany and Italy to secure the release of activists Nahid Taghavi and journalist Cecilia Sala. These cases have drawn significant international concern regarding Iran’s treatment of foreign nationals and dissidents.

The European Parliament’s motion is part of ongoing efforts by international bodies to hold Iran accountable for its human rights violations. While the resolution is unlikely to result in immediate changes within Iran, it has added to the growing pressure on the country from both European and international governments. Tehran’s rejection of the resolution could further exacerbate tensions with the West, particularly as diplomatic efforts continue to address Iran’s human rights abuses.