The Logic of the Islamic Republic Conflicts with Europe's Logic on Human Rights

"Marietje Schaake", a Dutch member of the European Parliament and part of the Liberal Party coalition, expressed her support for Nasrin Sotoudeh, describing her as an inspiring figure and a role model in an interview with Radio Farda. Schaake, who was part of the European Parliament delegation that visited Iran, identifies the most significant difference between the Islamic Republic and Europe as their perspectives on human rights. The Iranian Bar Association has revoked Nasrin Sotoudeh's license to practice law for three years. In protest against this ruling, she has staged a sit-in in front of the Bar Association in Tehran. What is your opinion about Ms. Sotoudeh's current situation? Nasrin Sotoudeh is one of the brave individuals in Iran. As a lawyer, she is in a difficult position. Her license has been revoked by the Bar Association, and she has been imprisoned for her profession. These actions reflect her determination to defend human rights. In letters she has published, she stated that regardless of potential consequences, she will continue to advocate for human rights and children's rights in Iran. She uses her legitimate rights under Iranian law to prevent human rights violations. She is an inspiring figure for me and a role model for many people in Iran, who unfortunately are under pressure. What plans does the European Parliament have to support human rights activists and defend individuals like Ms. Nasrin Sotoudeh? There is not much that can be done from outside Iran to assist her. What we have done in the past is awarding her the Sakharov Prize and recognizing her as a human rights activist and defender of freedom of thought. We continuously monitor the human rights situation in Iran. Last December, we traveled to Iran with several members of the Iran Relations Group and spoke with Iranian officials, including some representatives and the Speaker of Parliament, members of the Bar Association, and members of a council referred to as the Human Rights Council. Monitoring human rights compliance is one of Europe's priorities. As you know, Europe advocates for the abolition of the death penalty worldwide, and we pursue this policy during our travels to the United States, China, and Iran. A significant number of executions take place in Iran. Iranian officials tell us that these individuals are not political prisoners and that no one is imprisoned in Iran for their thoughts. On the other hand, we see that proper information is not provided to the families of those sentenced to death, defendants do not have access to lawyers, and they cannot see the details of their cases. Even in Iran, there are discussions about determining the final decision-maker regarding the life or death of convicts, as humans are weak and prone to error. The Shia religion has recognized this and discusses it in religious schools. There are many issues to discuss, and I hope we can address these important matters fundamentally within the framework of human rights negotiations between Iran and the European Union. You met with high-ranking Iranian officials such as Mr. Larijani and Mr. Rafsanjani during your trip, but these meetings have not practically helped improve the human rights situation in Iran. These discussions have always been challenging. There are fundamental differences between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the European Union. Despite the challenges, these discussions have begun. I believe isolating Iran and halting negotiations benefits no one. Our trip was a beginning for achieving a better understanding of each other. If we do not reach an agreement, it is not that important. This is not the first time I have had difficult negotiations; I have previously examined cases related to Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria. The situation in that region is indeed difficult, but that does not mean we should do nothing; rather, we must confront the issues with greater determination. That is why I went to Iran. Some said I should not have made this trip, but I am glad I did, as it allowed me to better understand the mindset and logic of the Islamic Republic's officials, a logic that differs from ours. It also provided an opportunity to award the Sakharov Prize to Nasrin Sotoudeh. In discussions with Mr. Larijani, we raised human rights issues. Additionally, in the Tehran market and during our visit to the historic city of Isfahan, we had the chance to talk to ordinary people and understand their perspectives. People fear traveling to the Islamic Republic, and not everyone has the opportunity to travel to this country. You mentioned the differences in perspective between European officials and Islamic Republic authorities. Please name some clear examples of these differences. The most prominent difference is how human rights are viewed. From our perspective, human rights are international, but the Islamic Republic has a different opinion. The reasons for this may be cultural or legal. These reasons lead to the violation of the rights of certain groups, such as Bahá'ís, women in society, and the media. Some laws of the Islamic Republic restrict freedom of expression and women's rights, disregard citizens' rights, and allow for the execution of sentences. On the other hand, Iranian officials certainly have a different view.