MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas debate recent events in Iran, where authorities have been responding to nationwide protests with lethal force.
A resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday.
Iranian authorities have intensified their violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrations, resulting in a dramatic increase in deaths in recent days. Human rights organisations estimate that hundreds of protestors have been killed. Although the country faces an almost total internet shutdown and severe restrictions on telephone communications, information continues to emerge from the country, including authenticated footage showing protesters being killed and rows of bodies placed in bags outside medical facilities.
European Parliament President Metsola has voiced her support for ‘the courageous people of Iran’ and urged the EU to swiftly broaden its sanctions to include all individuals who are sustaining the regime through repression, violence, and killings. On 12 January, she announced a ban on all diplomatic staff and any other representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran from entering European Parliament premises. ‘This House will not aid in legitimising this regime that has sustained itself through torture, repression and murder’, President Metsola said.