European Parliament Condemns Iran’s Execution Spree and Calls for Tougher Action Against the Regime By Mahmoud Hamidi -4th April 2025

April 3, 2025 — In a powerful rebuke of Iran’s escalating repression, the European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning the Iranian regime’s widespread use of capital punishment, with a particular focus on the recent death sentences handed to political activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani. Approved by a large majority through a show of hands on April 3, the resolution underscores mounting frustration among EU lawmakers toward Tehran’s brutal campaign to silence dissent.

A Strong Response to Systematic Repression

The vote followed an intense parliamentary debate in which Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) delivered a series of impassioned speeches denouncing the Iranian regime’s systematic human rights abuses. Lawmakers expressed outrage over the cases of Ehsani and Hassani—both reportedly tortured, denied due process, and sentenced to death in trials that lasted no more than five minutes.

Several MEPs characterized the executions as politically motivated, describing them as examples of the regime’s ruthless strategy to intimidate opposition voices and cling to power.

MEPs Speak Out

• Petras Auštrevičius condemned Iran’s use of “mass executions and hostage diplomacy” as instruments of state control. He described the cases of Ehsani and Hassani as particularly alarming examples of fabricated charges used to punish activism.

• Milan Zver called the Islamic Republic “one of the world’s most oppressive regimes” and denounced Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s rule as a “reign of terror.” Zver urged for international efforts to end Iran’s impunity and to seek justice for victims of state violence.

• Daniel Attard referred to the regime’s execution spree as “state murder,” highlighting that nearly 1,000 executions were carried out over the past year. He emphasized the use of torture and fake trials as tactics to instill fear among Iranians.

• Veronika Vrecionová described the sentencing of Ehsani and Hassani as “textbook examples” of politically motivated sham trials. She warned that many more political prisoners in Iran now face a similar fate.

• Danuše Nerudová expanded the criticism to include the suppression of independent journalism, urging European support for media outlets working to counter regime propaganda.

• Davor Ivo Stier went further, labeling Iran’s use of executions a form of “state terrorism.” He called on the EU to officially designate the Iranian regime as a terrorist state and to increase protection for dissidents inside and outside Iran.

• Francisco Assis underscored the urgency of condemning Tehran’s methodical use of capital punishment to crush dissent. He pointed to the hundreds of prisoners currently awaiting execution under a judicial system tailored for repression.

Commissioner Calls for Execution Halt

In a significant development, Hajaa Lahbib, European Commissioner for Crisis Preparedness, Management, and Equality, issued an official statement during the debate, urging Iran to immediately halt the executions of Ehsani and Hassani. This marked the first time a European Commission official directly addressed the fate of these two activists, adding further weight to the EU’s condemnation.

Beyond Borders: Assassination Attempts Abroad

The resolution also addressed Iran’s operations beyond its borders, citing the attempted assassination of Alejo Vidal-Quadras, former Vice-President of the European Parliament. Lawmakers linked the attack to the regime’s broader strategy of targeting political dissidents and critics even in Europe—an alarming trend that has drawn increasing scrutiny.

Resolution Demands Stronger Measures

The adopted resolution includes several concrete demands:

• The immediate release of all political prisoners in Iran.

• The abolition of the death penalty.

• Official designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

• Continued targeted sanctions against Iranian officials implicated in human rights violations.

While many MEPs voiced dissatisfaction with the lack of decisive action by European governments, the resolution marks a unified step toward greater accountability. The European Parliament’s firm stance signals growing momentum within the EU to confront the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses with tangible measures.

As Iran’s internal repression continues to escalate, pressure is building on European institutions to move beyond statements—and toward action.