MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the death sentences imposed on pro-democracy protesters in Iran and on the execution of minors in Iran

20.10.2009

with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 122 of the Rules of Procedure

Struan Stevenson, Charles Tannock, Geoffrey Van Orden, Tomasz Piotr Poręba, Ryszard Antoni Legutko, Adam Bielan on behalf of the ECR Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0104/2009

B7‑0124/2009

European Parliament resolution on the death sentences imposed on pro-democracy protesters in Iran and on the execution of minors in Iran

The European Parliament,

A.  whereas Behnoud Shojaee was executed in Iran on 11 October 2009 for a crime committed as a minor,

B.  whereas three unidentified defendants in Iran's mass trial, conducted in the aftermath of protests undertaken after the elections in June, have been sentenced to death,

C.  whereas more than 100 opposition figures and activists are being tried in similar circumstances,

D.  whereas the elections held in Iran for the election of their President have been widely regarded as deeply flawed, with many doubts about the legitimacy of the declared results,

E.  whereas the rights to peaceful protest, to free speech and to be able to oppose governments and their policies are fundamental,

 

 

1. Deplores the execution of minors in Iran, irrespective of the crimes committed;

2. Condemns the imposition of death sentences upon those whose offence was to express opposition to the government or regime, merely exercising the right of freedom of expression and of protest that would be recognised and upheld in any civilised country;

3. Calls on the government of Iran immediately to cease the application of the death penalty to those whose offences were committed when they were minors, irrespective of the gravity of the crime;

4. Calls on the government of Iran immediately to commute the death sentences imposed on those taking part in protests against the government;

5. Calls on the government of Iran to stop the mass trial of protesters and to release the defendants;

6. Calls on the government of Iran to respect the rights of free speech, peaceful protest and opposition, and the right of assembly of its citizens;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the parliaments and governments of the Member States, and to the government and parliament of Iran.