European Parliament Overwhelmingly Adopts Strong Resolution Condemning Iran’s Repression

Staff Writer2 hours ago
European Parliament Overwhelmingly Adopts Strong Resolution Condemning Iran’s Repression
European Parliament hemicycle, Strasbourg. Photo: David Iliff

European Parliament hemicycle, Strasbourg. Photo: David Iliff (Diliff), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Written by
Shahriar Kia

Strasbourg, May 21, 2026 — The European Parliament today passed a decisive resolution with a large majority condemning the Iranian regime’s systematic repression, secret executions of political prisoners and protesters, and widespread human rights abuses. The vote took place during the official plenary session in Strasbourg on Thursday, May 21, 2026. It resulted in 516 votes in favor, 14 against, and 39 abstentions. This is considered one of the strongest positions taken by the European Parliament against the Iranian regime in recent years.

The resolution expresses solidarity with the Iranian people and their struggle for freedom, democracy, and human rights. It strongly condemns the secret executions carried out in March and April 2026, pays tribute to the “remarkable courage” of those executed, and warns that the scale of repression may amount to crimes against humanity.

Key Demands of the Resolution:

Immediate halt to all executions and the unconditional release of all political prisoners.
Expansion of EU sanctions against Iranian officials and entities responsible for repression, including the judiciary, prison authorities, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and institutions linked to the Supreme Leader. This includes asset freezes and travel bans.
Closure of Iranian diplomatic missions involved in transnational repression and closing loopholes in sanctions enforcement.
Pursuit of universal jurisdiction so that Iranian officials can be prosecuted in European courts.
Condemnation of internet shutdowns in Iran, with calls on the EU and partner countries to provide tools for secure internet access for Iranians.
Ensuring that human rights, the release of political prisoners, an end to executions, and accountability for victims remain central to any EU engagement with Iran.

The text also notes Iran’s position as the country with the world’s highest execution rate and criticizes the regime’s use of the death penalty to suppress political organizing. It supports the UN independent international fact-finding mission on Iran.

This resolution reflects broad cross-party concern in the European Parliament over the human rights situation in Iran.

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