The Riigikogu expresses support to the people of Iran and condemns extensive human rights violations
Today, the Riigikogu passed with 80 votes in favour a statement expressing support to the people of Iran, condemning the systematic and extensive human rights violations of the Iranian authorities, and calling democratic countries to increase their political and diplomatic pressure on the Iranian regime.
The Riigikogu made the statement in a situation where Iran has been engulfed in a wave of protests because of the deepening economic and political crisis, with the authorities responding to peaceful protests with repressions and restrictions of fundamental rights.
The explanatory memorandum describes how the protests started on 28 December last year after the exchange rate of the Iranian rial plummeted compared to the US dollar, which has exacerbated the inflation crisis and seriously harmed the livelihood of the population. The protests started with a strike of the merchants on the Tehran Grand Bazaar and spread to other Iranian provinces. The initial economic demands have expanded into a broader opposition to the authoritarian governing style of the theocratic regime in Iran.
“The Iranian authorities have responded to the protests with extreme repressions. Independent sources report that thousands have been killed during the crackdown, and thousands have been arbitrarily arrested. The regime is systematically using intimidation and violence, including threatening the protesters with death penalty, which is a gross violation of the standards of international human rights and the international commitments of Iran,” the explanatory memorandum says.
The explanatory memorandum also cited extensive restrictions on the freedom of speech and freedom of information. Independent supervisory organisations have reported blocked internet connections and other means of digital censorship that form an obstacle to the public right to communicate and receive reliable information at a critical moment.
“Iran’s domestic repressions and aggressive foreign policy are inextricably linked. Iran has become part of the axis of authoritarian regimes and is an active supporter of the war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, including by providing military aid and cooperation, thus jeopardising international security and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter,” reads the explanatory memorandum.
In its Statement today, the Riigikogu condemns unequivocally the systematic and extensive violations of human rights by the Iranian authorities and emphasises that lasting peace and stability cannot be achieved without respecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Iranian people.
The Riigikogu advocates for an increased political and diplomatic pressure on the Iranian regime, including through targeted sanctions against the leaders of the regime, its security authorities, and people responsible for violations of human rights. The parliament also calls for support for the civil society, independent media, and internet freedom, as well as human rights in Iran, and for independent investigation mechanisms that document the mass crimes committed by the Iranian authorities.
In addition, the Riigikogu defines the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and urges the European Union, its Member States, and other democracies across the world to do the same, considering its role in supporting terrorism, breaches of international law, and repressions and mass violation of the human rights of the Iranian people. The Riigikogu also calls on all countries of the free world to not keep silent about the massive and systematic violation of human rights, and to stand firm in support of the right of the Iranian people to live in free, safe, and dignified society.
68 members of the Riigikogu submitted the draft Statement of the Riigikogu in Support of the People of Iran (802 AE) for parliamentary proceedings last Wednesday.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
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