Human rights situation in Iran, notably the cases of Taraneh Rahimi and Leila Abolhasani

The European Parliament adopted by 541 votes to 11, with 25 abstentions, a resolution on the human rights situation in Iran, notably the cases of Taraneh Rahimi and Leila Abolhasani.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, Greens/EFA groups and Members.

Iran has the highest death sentence rate per capita in the world. In March 2026, authorities began executing the January protesters following sham prosecutions based on confessions obtained through torture. At least 12 women are facing the death penalty for broadly applied national security offences.

Iranian courts in Isfahan imposed death sentences on 20-year-old Taraneh Rahimi and 43-year-old Leila Abolhasani in relation to the protests. Moreover, Ms Rahimi’s sister, Romina, received a long prison sentence.

Parliament strongly condemned the politically motivated verdicts against Taraneh Ramini, Leila Abolhasani and all others. It called for the immediate reversal of the sentences, a halt to all executions and the unconditional release of all political prisoners. Taraneh and Romina Rahimi should be given immediate access to appropriate medical care.

Members expressed particular concern over the increasing number of women sentenced to death on false security-related charges and condemned the intensified repression of women’s rights activists, journalists and human rights defenders. They also condemned the Iranian regime’s persecution of religious and ethnic minorities and Iran’s codification of gender discrimination. In this regard, they called for gender apartheid to be recognised as a crime against humanity under international law.

Lastly, Parliament called for the expansion of EU sanctions by targeting all officials responsible for the January 2026 massacres and for strengthened support for the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran to preserve evidence and identify those responsible for crimes under international law. The UN Security Council is called on to refer Iran’s regime to the International Criminal Court.