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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2020/2914(RSP))

On Iran, in particular the case of 2012 Sakharov Prize laureate Nasrin Sotoudeh

B-9-2020-0439

on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group · Rapporteur: Cornelia Ernst, Malin Björk, Nikolaj Villumsen

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 29 Sept 2026

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Parliament's resolution on Iran focuses on the case of 2012 Sakharov Prize laureate Nasrin Sotoudeh, urging her immediate release and medical treatment. It calls on Iran to withdraw the death sentence against Ahmadreza Djalali, release political prisoners and dual nationals, and end restrictions on freedoms. It condemns the murder of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh and the execution of journalist Ruhollah Zam, and calls for a moratorium on the death penalty. It urges the EU and member states to counter US extraterritorial sanctions, make INSTEX operational, and facilitate COVID-19 assistance to Iran. It calls on the EU to work with President-elect Biden to revive the JCPOA and end the policy of maximum pressure on Iran.

Key points

  1. Expresses deep concern that Nasrin Sotoudeh's life is at risk and urges her immediate release and home recuperation before medical treatment of her choice.
  2. Urgently calls on Iranian authorities to withdraw the death sentence against Ahmadreza Djalali and ensure prompt medical care.
  3. Condemns the murder of Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh as a criminal act and expresses condolences to his family.
  4. Notes severe shortages of COVID-19 capacities in Iran and stresses that continued US sanctions bear high responsibility for shortages of medical equipment.
  5. Calls on member states to double efforts to make INSTEX fully operational and facilitate COVID-19 assistance to Iran from global institutions like the World Bank.
  6. Expresses deep concern at the situation of human rights defenders, trade unionists, lawyers and political prisoners, and calls for their release during the pandemic.
  7. Urges Iran to end restrictions on freedom of expression, opinion, association and peaceful assembly, and to stop harassment of activists, journalists and minorities.
  8. Calls on the Iranian judiciary to enforce the law ratified on 11 May 2020 to reduce prison sentences of political prisoners.
  9. Demands immediate and unconditional release of all EU-Iranian dual nationals unless retried in accordance with international standards.
  10. Urges Iran to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, welcomes the draft law on violence against women but deplores its shortcomings.
  11. Condemns the execution of journalist Ruhollah Zam and calls for an immediate moratorium on death sentences in Iran.
  12. Calls on the EU to work with President-elect Biden to revive the JCPOA, end maximum pressure and sanctions, and establish dialogue with Iran.

Who is affected

  • Nasrin Sotoudeh, whose release and medical treatment are demanded.
  • Ahmadreza Djalali, whose death sentence must be withdrawn.
  • EU-Iranian dual nationals detained in Iran, who should be released.
  • Iranian authorities, urged to release prisoners and end restrictions.
  • EU member states, called to make INSTEX operational and facilitate aid.

Figures and deadlines

  • thirty-eight years in prison if served consecutively, the sentence for Nasrin Sotoudeh.
  • twelve years, the minimum time Sotoudeh must serve.
  • 18 September 2020, when Sotoudeh was released along with ten other political prisoners.
  • November 24 2020, when Djalali was transferred to solitary confinement.
  • more than 50,000 deaths from the coronavirus out of more than a million confirmed cases in Iran.
  • 11 May 2020, the law ratified by the Iranian parliament to reduce prison sentences.