Any counter-measures targeting us or the EU taken by the brutal regime of Iran will not stop us from denouncing the lack of democracy, freedom and respect of human rights in the country. We, Socialists and Democrats, strongly condemn the Iranian authorities’ decision to impose sanctions against EU and United Kingdom individuals and entities; among others our S&D MEPs Thijs Reuten and Dietmar Köster, who have our strongest solidarity.

S&D Group president, Iratxe García, commented:

“This reckless decision does not intimidate us. Sanctions will not silence our voice. On the contrary, they just reinforce our commitment and conviction to stand up against the ruthless crackdown targeting women, men and young people who oppose the brutality of the regime in Iran.

“As expressed in the European Parliament resolution, we urge the regime of Iran to stop killing its own people and respect human rights and democracy. The new package of sanctions approved by the European Council this week goes in the right direction.

“As a further and much needed step, we now urge member states to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.

“Jina Mahsa Amini, Majid Reza Rahnavard, Mohammad Mehdi Karami, Mohsen Shekari, Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini, Hamed Salahshoor, and all the girls, boys, women and men that have been sentenced to death in mock trials since: we will continue saying their names and honour their fight for freedom and democracy. Their fight is our fight.”