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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2026/2565(RSP))

On the brutal repression against protesters in Iran

B-10-2026-0095

on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Yannis Maniatis, Lucia Annunziata, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Francisco Assis, Evin Incir, Daniel Attard, Alessandra Moretti

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

The European Parliament condemns the brutal repression of protests in Iran, demands release of detainees, and calls for accountability and sanctions against the regime. It urges the UN to establish an investigative mechanism, supports the Iranian people and diaspora, and calls for EU measures including sanctions, visa facilitation, and support for civil society.

Key points

  1. Condemns the Iranian regime's brutal repression and mass killings of protesters, and expresses outrage at attacks on families of the killed.
  2. Demands immediate and unconditional release of all persons imprisoned for peacefully exercising rights in connection with the protests, and dropping of charges.
  3. Urges the UN Human Rights Council to establish an international investigative and accountability mechanism for human rights violations in Iran.
  4. Calls on Member States to hold Iranian officials directly involved in repression accountable under international law.
  5. Rejects claims that protests were instigated by foreign agents, attributing them to domestic discontent and opposition to the authoritarian system.
  6. Expresses solidarity with the Iranian people, diaspora, and minority communities, and calls for release of those detained for exercising freedom of religion or belief.
  7. Calls on EU institutions to exert diplomatic influence, expand restrictive measures, and designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
  8. Calls for targeted sanctions against officials responsible for repression, and for legal action against the IRGC at national level.
  9. Demands tighter controls on export of surveillance technologies and measures to counter internet shutdowns and support information dissemination.
  10. Calls for strengthening intelligence services to avert threats, and for visa, asylum and emergency grant facilitation for those fleeing Iran.
  11. Urges Iran to grant UN Special Rapporteur and Fact-Finding Mission full access, and calls for extension of the mission beyond April 2026.
  12. Calls for a strategy to counter hostage-taking, release of EU nationals, and better enforcement of sanctions against Iran and Russia cooperation.

Who is affected

  • Iranian protesters and civil society: face repression but receive EU solidarity and calls for their release.
  • Iranian diaspora: targeted by disinformation and intimidation, but supported by EU calls for protection and inclusion in dialogue.
  • Iranian regime and IRGC: subject to condemnation, sanctions, and calls for terrorist designation.
  • EU Member States and institutions: called upon to implement sanctions, legal actions, and support measures.

Figures and deadlines

  • More than 10 000 people estimated arrested in the protests.
  • Nearly 60 % of Iran's population is under the age of 39.
  • Executions in 2025 reached a level not seen since 1989.
  • More than 500 people killed and over 22 000 arrested in the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement.
  • Tehran, home to 10 million people, may have to be evacuated due to water shortages.