On the increasing and systematic repression of women in Iran

B100203/2024

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the increasing and systematic repression of women in Iran

(2024/2951(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on Iran,

having regard to Rules 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas women and girls in Iran have led large-scale peaceful protests demanding democracy and an end to systematic repression of women;

whereas the Iranian Government introduced mandatory veiling in 1983; whereas the mandatory hijab has become a tool for the repression of women, depriving them of their freedom and rights in Iran; whereas women who are seen in public without a headscarf are frequently harassed, imprisoned, tortured, flogged and even killed for defying these repressive rules;

whereas as part of their ongoing efforts to quash the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement Iranian authorities launched a nationwide campaign called the “Noor Plan” in April 2024; whereas since then, there has been a visible increase of security patrols on foot, motorbikes, car and police vans in public spaces to enforce compulsory veiling;

D. whereas Ahoo Daryaei was harassed by security forces at University over a supposed headscarf violation, during which her clothing was torn; whereas she removed her remaining clothing in protest and was subsequently detained;

E. whereas the 1991 “Baha'i Question” memorandum, signed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calls for the “progress and development” of the Baha’í community to be “blocked.”; whereas in March and April 2024, at least 72 of 93 Baha’is summoned to court or prison, were women; whereas recent months have seen a further rise of attacks against Baha’i women who are systematically targeted;

F. whereas Baha’i women, including Neda Emadi and Parastoo Hakim who have young children, were sentenced to a combined total of 90 years in prison on faith-related charges;

Strongly condemns the increasing and systematic repression of women in Iran through laws and regulations that severely restrict their freedoms and rights;

Condemns the 'Protection of the Family through Promoting the Culture of Hijab and Chastity' law, approved by the Guardian Council in September 2024, which imposes new restrictions and punishments on individuals violating the country's compulsory dress code;

3. Deplores the fact that authorities detained Ahoo Daryaei, labelling her “mentally unfit” and committed her to a psychiatric facility;

4. Strongly condemns the persecution of the Baha’i community in Iran and the sentencing of Baha’i women, including Neda Emadi and Parastoo Hakim; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the Baha’i women;

5. Calls on the Council to expand the EU sanctions list, including under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, to all those responsible for women rights violations in Iran;

6. Calls on the EU and its member states to support the protest movement of Iranian women;

7. Reiterates its call on the Council to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, the Commission, the Council, the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and the Office of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.