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Parliamentary question - E-007294/2014Parliamentary question
E-007294/2014

VP/HR — Freedom of expression in Iran

Question for written answer E-007294-14
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Javi López (S&D)

We learnt a few days ago, at the same time as the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was in New York to attend the General Assembly of the United Nations, that an Iranian court had sentenced the young people arrested in May for emulating the videoclip ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams to six months imprisonment and 91 lashes.

The young people concerned were found guilty of taking part in the production of ‘a vulgar clip’ and of illegal relationships. Although the sentence has been suspended for three years (so they will not be deprived of their liberty nor be whipped), the sentence is nonetheless an infringement of the right to freedom of expression.

It is furthermore known that they were mistreated while being held at the police station in May.

1. Has the High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission asked the Iranian authorities for information on this specific case?

2. Has the Commission received any guarantees that the sentence imposed will not be carried out at the end of these three years?

3. What measures can the Commission take to influence and improve the human rights situation in Iran?