Defiance in Tehran. Ever since the news of Mahsa Amini's arrest and death spread in September, protests in support of the women in Iran and their fight for equality and basic human rights have been held both in Iran and across the globe. Although many organisations and institutions, including the European Women's Lobby, have called for immediate cease of violence against women, dozens of protesters have been killed by the Iranian authorities in the last three weeks, and even more have been unlawfully detained.
Taking a stance. In her speech during the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg last Tuesday, Swedish MEP Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew) called for an end of violence against the people of Iran. Al-Sahlani ended her speech by cutting her hair, which has become a symbol resistance to oppression and the rules of compulsory hijab for women.
MEPs speak up. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, the MEPs strongly condemned the mistreatment of Mahsa Amini and called for an impartial, effective and independent investigation into her tragic death. The resolution urges the EU to sanction Iranian officials involved in both Mahsa Amini’s death and the violence against protestors, under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
Today, MEPs on the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and guest speakers will discuss women’s role in the ongoing rights and freedoms protests in Iran. The discussion can be followed live here from 16h45 CEST.