Josep Borrell on the Eve of Mahsa Amini's Anniversary: EU Relations with Iran Have 'Clearly Changed'

Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, stated on Tuesday that the EU's response to the crackdown on protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody has led to a 'clear change' in relations between the EU and Iran. Mr. Borrell made this remark in a speech at the European Parliament ahead of the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death. He said, 'We are all horrified by the way Iranian officials have treated domestic political dissenters. We find their response to protests unacceptable.' Mr. Borrell noted that the Iranian authorities' reaction to protests has resulted in 'death, unjust arrests, and suffering.' He told European Parliament lawmakers that in Iran, 'civil liberties, especially freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the right to assemble freely, have been suppressed with greater violence over the past year.' According to the EU's foreign policy chief, the repressive actions of the Islamic Republic during this period have included the use of 'capital punishment.' He stated that the speed of executions has increased over the past year, and 'we consider most of them to be in violation of the conventions of the United Nations, to which Iran itself is a party.' He described these actions as very concerning and said, 'We have conveyed this to Iranian officials.' Josep Borrell stated, 'This [capital punishment] is an inhumane punishment that denies human dignity and the fundamental right to life. That is why we have banned it in our European countries. We will continue to strive for its global abolition, including in some of the countries that are our good partners and still have the death penalty.' Borrell said, 'We, the institutions of the European Union and its member states, have united over the past 12 months. And [together] with you here, the European Parliament, we have continued to pay attention to the human rights situation in Iran.' The EU foreign policy chief further elaborated on the EU's tougher stance towards the Islamic Republic, stating, 'Last December, the foreign ministers of the EU adopted a tougher position against the Islamic Republic of Iran, focusing on our firm commitment to human rights.' He said, 'We have adopted nine consecutive rounds of sanctions. We have taken very clear positions in international forums, including in support of the international fact-finding mission [regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran]. And - let me be clear - we will continue to explore the options available to address the human rights situation in Iran.' In this speech, Borrell also referred to the Islamic Republic's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the detention of dual nationals and Europeans, including Johan Flodros, a Swedish EU employee, in Iran. Emphasizing the EU's tougher approach towards the Islamic Republic, he said, 'At the same time, we must maintain the necessary approach of 'critical engagement' with Iran. Keeping diplomatic channels open is essential for protecting citizens, our interests, and supporting the fundamental rights of the people of Iran.' He said he would seize every opportunity to encourage the Islamic Republic of Iran to change its behavior. Borrell stated, 'The clear message' from the EU to the Islamic Republic of Iran is to 'stop the repression and assault on fundamental rights and freedoms. Release all EU citizens, including... dual nationals. And stop supporting Russia in its illegal invasion of Ukraine.' Borrell, referring to last year's nationwide protests by 'women and men' in Iran, said, 'We have all witnessed their courage. As the European Union, we fully support their desire for a future in which universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected, protected, and fulfilled.'