Since the beginning of the year, nationwide protests have erupted across Iran. What began as anger about exploding prices and an unbearable economic situation has now openly turned against the Iranian regime.
The regime has lost all legitimacy. Its only response to the legitimate demands of the people in Iran is brute violence. Tear gas, shooting protesters, mass arrests, executions. Thousands are assumed to be dead. In addition, the regime has imposed targeted internet shutdowns. As a result, very little information reaches us from the people inside Iran, while the regime can spread its propaganda unhindered. The full extent of the violence will only become visible once internet communication is restored.
The European Union has to stand united with the people in Iran who are resisting the oppression of the Iranian regime at the risk of their lives. This includes finally placing the IRGC on the EU terrorist list, consistently enforcing sanctions, supporting the restoration of internet access, and expelling Iranian diplomatic personnel from the EU.
As Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the People of Iran, I will continue to advocate for these demands in the European Parliament. In the coming week, I also expect a plenary debate and a resolution on the current situation in Iran, in which I will put these demands forward.
Mehr zum Thema findet ihr in folgenden Beiträgen von FAZ, Politico, Zeit, Iran International, Merkur, Table Media, BBC Persian, BBC News, SWR Aktuell, Phoenix, EurActiv, Watson, NTV, Deutschlandfunk, Deutsche Welle, Handelsblatt und Euronews.
