In a decisive move, the European Parliament has adopted a resolution denouncing the increasing and systematic repression of women in Iran. The resolution highlights alarming developments in the country, including the enforcement of discriminatory laws and the targeting of women who oppose them.
The Parliament expressed grave concern over the Iranian Government’s reinforcement of mandatory veiling laws through the recently approved “Protection of the Family Through Promoting the Culture of Hijab and Chastity” legislation. The law, ratified by the Guardian Council in September 2024, has intensified crackdowns on women appearing in public without a headscarf, subjecting them to harassment, imprisonment, torture, and even death.
The resolution cites the case of Ahoo Daryaei, a university student who protested against strict hijab laws by removing her clothing after being harassed for a supposed violation. She was subsequently detained, labelled as “mentally unfit,” and confined to a psychiatric facility—an act the Parliament described as a form of torture.
Further condemnation was directed at the Iranian Government’s announcement to open a so-called “treatment clinic” for women defying hijab regulations, a move seen as an effort to pathologise resistance and strip women of autonomy.
The persecution extends beyond gender-based discrimination, with ethnic and religious minorities, including Bahá’ís, also targeted. The resolution points to the 1991 “Baha’i Question” memorandum, which explicitly aims to obstruct the development of the Bahá’í community. Among those imprisoned in recent months, women make up a significant proportion.
In response, the European Parliament:
- Called for the repeal of all discriminatory laws against women and the abolition of the morality police.
- Urged the unconditional release of women’s rights defenders, including Bahá’í prisoners Neda Emadi and Parastoo Hakim, as well as EU citizens.
- Reiterated demands for the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, citing recent legal grounds established by a German court ruling.
- Advocated for the Women, Life, Freedom movement, encouraging EU Member States to support its efforts.
- Requested that Iran provide unrestricted access to the UN Fact-Finding Mission and extend its mandate to include accountability mechanisms.
This resolution underscores the European Parliament’s solidarity with Iranian women and minorities while urging both EU institutions and Member States to amplify their support for human rights and freedom in Iran. The resolution will be forwarded to key international and Iranian authorities, including the Supreme Leader’s Office.
