On April 3, 2025, the European Parliament passed a resolution strongly condemning the worsening human rights situation in Iran. The resolution highlights the alarming rise in executions, the systemic targeting of minorities and political activists, and demands urgent action, including the release of political prisoners like Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani.
During the session where this resolution was adopted, numerous MEPs spoke out against the Iranian regime’s actions. On the sidelines, Simay Azadi conducted an interview with MEP Katrien Langensiepen, The full-text of her remarks are below (edited for clarity)
MEP Katrien Langensiepen:
The death sentence against Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani is yet another attempt by the regime to crush dissent and intimidate Iranian society into silence. Both political prisoners, one 70 years old, father of two, the other 48, father of three, were sentenced to death in September [2024].
[This was] after a grossly unfair trial, which lasted just five minutes and was marred by allegations of torture and other ill-treatment to exact forced confession.
The brave Iranian people, led by courageous women, girls, mothers, sisters, daughters, remain determined to overthrow this tyranny and establish a democratic republic.
For decades, the people in Iran have been fighting for democracy against the regime, against the dictatorship, against torture and for freedom, life, participation, democracy. Behrouz Ehsani writes upon learning his death sentence – his words speak volumes –: ‘This execution-driven regime knows nothing else… bargain over my life. I am prepared to give my humble life for the freedom of the Iranian people.’
What a voice, what a strong man.
I call [on] the Iranian government to free these two brave people.
The people in Iran will not give up the fight for peace and democracy. And we, as a European Parliament, stay on the side of a democratic Iran.