The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in Iran, calling for the revocation of the death sentences imposed on Taraneh Rahimi and Leila Abolhasani. The resolution also emphasizes the need to halt the use of the death penalty, expand sanctions against human rights violators, and refer cases involving crimes committed by the Iranian government to the International Criminal Court.
Iran Human Rights Society, October 9, 2026 – On Thursday, October 8, 2026, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions concerning the human rights situation in Iran, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. The section relating to Iran focuses on the rise in executions, the suppression of protests, unfair judicial proceedings, and the cases of Taraneh Rahimi and Leila Abolhasani.
The resolution was approved by 541 votes in favor, 11 against, and 25 abstentions. The overwhelming support reflects widespread concern among Members of the European Parliament regarding the continued violation of human rights, the issuance of death sentences against protesters, and increasing pressure on women, journalists, human rights defenders, and ethnic and religious minorities.
Warning Over the Increase in Executions and State Violence
In its resolution, the European Parliament stated that Iran has the highest rate of executions per capita in the world. Members of the Parliament condemned what they described as the unprecedented scale of violence used by Iranian authorities against citizens and civilians since January 2026.
The resolution highlights the growing use of the death penalty alongside increasing social discontent and public protests. Members of the European Parliament stressed that death sentences in a number of political and protest-related cases were issued following trials that failed to meet internationally recognized standards of due process and fair trial.
The European Parliament also warned of increasing pressure on human rights defenders and journalists. Arrests, politically motivated prosecutions, severe sentences, and restrictions on individuals reporting human rights violations were among the key concerns addressed in the resolution.
Call for Revocation of the Sentences Against Taraneh Rahimi and Leila Abolhasani
A significant portion of the European Parliament’s resolution is dedicated to the cases of 20-year-old Taraneh Rahimi and 43-year-old Leila Abolhasani. Both women were sentenced to death after being arrested in connection with protests.
Members of the European Parliament called for the immediate revocation of what they described as politically motivated sentences issued against the two prisoners. They also condemned judicial proceedings based on confessions allegedly obtained through torture or severe interrogation pressure.
In cases involving the death penalty, any denial of access to a lawyer of one’s choice, restrictions on full access to case files, forced confessions, or closed court proceedings can place the accused at irreversible risk. The implementation of a death sentence permanently removes any possibility of correcting judicial errors or reviewing violations that may have occurred during arrest and interrogation.
The European Parliament also referred to the situation of Romina Rahimi, Taraneh Rahimi’s sister, who has reportedly been sentenced to a lengthy prison term. The inclusion of these three women in the resolution has elevated their cases within international institutions and increased scrutiny of the Iranian judiciary regarding their health, safety, and legal rights.
Condemnation of Sham Trials and Confessions Obtained Under Torture
Members of the European Parliament condemned sham trials of protesters based on confessions allegedly extracted under torture. A confession obtained in solitary confinement, under pressure from interrogators, or in the absence of an independent lawyer cannot constitute a credible basis for a conviction.
In a number of security-related cases, defendants have reportedly been denied contact with their families and access to legal counsel of their choice for extended periods. Recorded statements are then broadcast by state-controlled media before court proceedings begin. Such actions portray defendants as guilty before a final verdict is issued and violate the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence.
The European Parliament emphasized that judgments issued under such circumstances should be overturned and the cases reviewed in accordance with fair trial standards. This demand is particularly important in cases where a death sentence has been imposed or where there is a risk of imminent execution.
Call for the Complete Abolition of the Death Penalty
In its resolution, the European Parliament called for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran. Members also expressed deep concern over the increasing number of women sentenced to death.
The growing issuance and implementation of death sentences against women, protesters, political prisoners, and members of ethnic and religious minorities has intensified concerns that capital punishment is being used as a tool to instill fear within society. The European Parliament urged Iranian authorities to halt executions and revoke existing death sentences.
Condemnation of Gender Discrimination and the Repression of Minorities
Another section of the resolution addresses institutionalized discrimination against women. Members of the European Parliament condemned laws and structures that deny women equal rights and called for the recognition of “gender apartheid” as a crime against humanity under international law.
The European Parliament also condemned the harassment and repression of ethnic and religious minorities. Arbitrary arrests, severe sentences, executions, and social and cultural restrictions are among the pressures faced by citizens living in minority-populated regions.
The institution further warned about the expansion of transnational repression targeting dissidents, critics, political activists, and journalists living abroad.
Call for Sanctions Against Human Rights Violators and Strengthening the Fact-Finding Mission
The European Parliament called for the expansion of sanctions against officials and institutions responsible for human rights violations. This could include judicial, security, and law enforcement officials, as well as authorities involved in arrests, torture, death sentences, or the suppression of protests.
Members also emphasized strengthening the mandate of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran. The objective is to provide greater resources for collecting, examining, and preserving evidence related to human rights violations and identifying those responsible.
The preservation of documents, testimonies, photographs, medical records, and judicial rulings is essential to prevent the destruction of evidence and to facilitate future accountability for those who ordered or carried out human rights violations.
Call for Referral of Iran’s Case to the International Criminal Court
The European Parliament called for the referral of cases concerning crimes allegedly committed by the Iranian government to the International Criminal Court for investigation and prosecution. This request reflects the view of European lawmakers that domestic accountability mechanisms are insufficient to independently address allegations of serious human rights violations.
Although European Parliament resolutions are not legally binding, they can influence European Union foreign policy, contribute to the adoption of additional sanctions, and strengthen support for international mechanisms dedicated to documentation, accountability, and justice.
See also the below articles:
- UN Rapporteur Mai Sato Condemns Fair Trial Violations Behind Iran Executions
- Bahareh Aghaei Sentenced to 20 Years as Pressure on Iranian Lawyers Intensifies
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