Debate: EU response to the protests and executions in Iran
Date: TUESDAY, 17 JANUARY 2023
Speaker: Didier Reynders
Language: EN

I cannot begin my intervention without condemning once again the execution of Alireza Akbari last Saturday. He was a British-Iranian national, a citizen of Europe. The European Union and its Member States were united in their response. The statement by High Representative Borrell, on behalf of the European Union, condemned the execution in the strongest terms and called on the Iranian authorities to pursue a consistent policy towards the abolition of capital punishment.  The internal situation in Iran continues to be a source of great concern. The current uprisings reveal deep frustration. The key demands of the current protests are respect for fundamental human rights, dignity and real change. However, the intensity of the protests seems to have decreased in the past weeks. This is probably also due to mass arrests and execution of protesters. The crackdown has now moved to the courtrooms, where harsh sentences, including death sentences, are used as a tool of repression. Four protesters were executed, one of them publicly. Capital punishment is an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity, and we aim at its universal abolition. As part of a strong and coordinated reaction, the European Union and most Member States summoned their respective Iranian ambassadors last week to strongly demand an end to this unacceptable course of action. The people of Iran, as anywhere else, have the right to peaceful protests. Fundamental rights must be respected in all circumstances.  It is still unclear how many people have been killed or arrested in connection with the protests. NGOs estimate that at least 500 people have died. Unofficial data speak of over 18 000 people arrested. Reports of abuse and mistreatment perpetrated against protesters while in custody are also a matter of serious concern.  This debate is a timely opportunity to discuss the response of the European Union and its Member States to the way the Iranian regime is handling these protests, as well as to reflect on the way forward. The declaration of High Representative Borrell of 25 September 2022, issued on behalf of the 27 Member States, and the EP resolution of 6 October 2022 testify to the quick reaction of the European Union and its Member States to any attempt to crack down on fundamental rights and freedoms.  Over the past three months, the Council added 60 individuals and entities to the list of those subject to restrictive measures due to their role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to the ensuing demonstrations. And let me state clearly that this approach will continue as long as necessary, as outlined in the Council conclusions adopted last December. At the same time, we welcome the establishment of a fact-finding mechanism by the UN Human Rights Council, as well as the appointment of its three experts. We now look forward to seeing the fact-finding mechanism at work.  Strengthening accountability for human rights violations across the world is at the core of our external policy approach. It is crucial that the European Union and its Member States continue to send strong and clear messages to Iran in line with what has been done so far. Iran will feature again on the agenda of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council. And I assure you that all options for the European Union to respond to events in Iran remain on the table. I thank you, of course, for your attention, and I look forward to our debate and to receiving your observations and proposals.