MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the violent crackdown on the recent protests in Iran

17.12.2019 - (2019/2993(RSP))

to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
pursuant to Rule 132(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Michael Gahler, Željana Zovko, Sandra Kalniete, David McAllister
on behalf of the PPE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0271/2019

B9‑0275/2019

European Parliament resolution on the violent crackdown on the recent protests in Iran

(2019/2993(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Iran,

– having regard to the declaration by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the EU of 8 December 2019 on the recent protests in Iran,

– having regard to the statement by the Spokesperson of the European External Action Service of 21 November 2019 on the developments in Iran,

– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948,

– having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966,

– having regard to the Iranian President’s Charter on Citizens’ Rights,

– having regard to Rule 132(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas tens of thousands of people in Iran have exercised their fundamental right to assemble and expressed their economic grievances;

B. whereas the Iranian security forces used disproportionate force against the protestors;

C. whereas the protests have, according to reports, led to serious loss of life and left many people injured;

D. whereas the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that at least 7 000 people have reportedly been arrested;

E. whereas Iranian authorities started disrupting internet connections and social media;

F. whereas human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and online activists in Iran continue to face harassment, arbitrary arrest, detention and prosecution;

1. Condemns the widespread and disproportionate use of force against non-violent protestors; urges the Iranian authorities to ensure transparent and credible investigations to clarify the number of deaths and number of people arrested; expects all perpetrators of violence to be held accountable;

2. Extends its condolences to the families of the victims; wishes a speedy recovery to those injured;

3. Calls for the release of all those detained who have exercised their right to demonstrate peacefully and calls on the authorities to ensure their right to due process, including access to a lawyer of their choice;

4. Condemns Iran’s decision to shut down internet access to global networks for over a week, thereby preventing communication; expects the Iranian authorities to ensure the free flow of information and access to the internet;

5. Underlines that freedom of expression and assembly are fundamental rights that must be respected; calls on the Iranian authorities to respect their international obligations, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

6. Calls on Iran to cooperate with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Members of the Iranian Majlis.