“Stop killing your people.” “We demand freedom for the people in Iran.” These are the calls that ­– with the vote on today’s resolution – the European Parliament is strongly addressing to Iranian authorities. This follows the ruthless crackdown against women, men and young people who oppose the brutality of the regime and the lack of freedom and democracy in the country.

Majid Reza Rahnavard, Mohammad Mehdi Karami, Mohsen Shekari, Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini, Hamed Salahshoor. Many more girls, boys, women and men have been sentenced to death in mock trials since Jina Mahsa Amini, 22, was murdered in police custody in September. We say their names. We remember their fight for freedom and democracy. Their fight is our fight.

S&D rapporteur and MEP, Evin Incir, said: 

“Words of the international community are not enough anymore. It´s high time to consign the brutal violence of the regime of Iran to the dustbin of history. Actions, though, are crucial if we want to stop delaying the moment of freedom.

“We urge the EU Council and member states to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.

“We call on the EU to adopt new sanctions against the leadership of the regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including their families.

“The oppression must end. The women of Iran have had enough. The whole population has had enough. Let´s listen to their voice. Let´s send a clear message to the Mullahs:  Women, life, freedom.”

S&D Coordinator in the Foreign Affairs Committee, Tonino Picula, stressed:

“The Iranian regime is brutal, cynical and barbaric. Europe cannot stay silent on what is happening in Iran.

“Death, punishment and torture are weaponised on young people, women and men – who are fighting for their basic rights after years of brutal oppression. It is crucial to ensure a bold EU response: the revolutionary guard must be put on the list of terrorist organisations.

“Our message to the regime needs to be loud and clear: Stop killing your people!”