Iran repudiates European Parliament’s human rights accusations

A top Iranian diplomat censured a recent anti-Iran resolution by the European Parliament, rejecting the accusations leveled against the Islamic Republic regarding the status of human rights and women’s rights in the country.

News ID: 5861

Date: 25 January 2025 - 15:46

TABNAK Jan 25: Marzieh Afkham, director general of the human rights and women’s affairs department at the Foreign Ministry, described on Saturday the resolution as an overused scheme that indicates the interventionist and politicized approach of the legislature and lacks any legal validity.

Afkham said that Iran’s Judiciary is a professional and independent body, and that judicial proceedings in Iran are always carried out according to law and in a fair manner.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any foreign intervention aimed at interfering in judicial processes and functions to be contrary to the principles and rules of international law, and rejects it,” she stated.

The Iranian diplomat also termed the inappropriate positions of the architects and advocates of the European Parliament resolution against a section of the official military force of the Islamic Republic of Iran as completely unjustified and condemned.

“The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), as a legal and popular institution, has played a fundamental role in protecting Iran’s national security, defending the Iranian nation against the aggression of the [deposed Iraqi dictator] Saddam Hussein’s regime and other aggressor forces, as well as combating terrorism in the region. Any insult to this institution defending the homeland will be met with a decisive response from the Islamic Republic of Iran,” she said.

Afkham also criticized the interventionist positions of some members of the European Parliamen.

“The EP must learn from its past missteps, and instead of openly supporting terrorist groups and elements – which equates to approving and encouraging violence and violating fundamental human rights – take steps towards respecting its international legal obligations and playing a constructive role in promoting peace, stability and human rights.”

On January 23, the European Parliament adopted a resolution, condemning what it alleged was a systemic violation of human rights and “hostage diplomacy” by Iran. It called for a comprehensive European response.

The resolution was passed with 556 votes in favor, 6 against, and 42 abstentions.