European liberals condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing repression of women in Iran and their peaceful protests with excessive use of force, following the murder of Mahsa Jina Amini, who died after being arrested in Tehran by Iran's “morality police”.

In the European Parliament, the Renew Europe Group has called for individual EU sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations in this case, and for better coordination between the EU and Member States in implementation of human rights guidelines with a gender perspective. The Group also called for the United Nations Human Rights Council to conduct an independent investigation, as those found guilty for the loss of innocent lives should be held accountable.

Moreover, during last week’s European Parliament plenary debate on the murder of Amini and the repression of women's rights protesters in Iran, Soraya Rodríguez Ramos MEP, of Spanish ALDE Party member Ciudadanos said:

“Mahsa Jina Amini didn’t die. Mahsa Jina Amini was killed. Her murder is neither exceptional nor accidental, but it is part of the repressive policies against women's human rights in Iran.

The EU must give a categorical response, which must include individual sanctions for those responsible of violence and widespread repression during protests. It is time to accompany the women who are risking their lives and walking without fear to conquest their future: a democratic and free future for all Iranians.”

Abir Al-Sahlani MEP, of ALDE Party member Centerpartiet, added her simple message to the women of Iran fighting for their freedom.

“Women. Life. Freedom.”, she said, cutting off her hair in solidarity with Iranian women on the plenary floor.

Our Member @AbirAlsahlani has a simple message to the women of #Iran fighting for their freedom:

Women.

Life.

Freedom. #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/Z06lyKcIS5

— Renew Europe (@RenewEurope) October 4, 2022

Photo credit: Renew Europe