Roberta METSOLA, EP President, gives her introductory remark on the situation of the Iranian Lawyer of Masha Amini at the beginning of the plenary session (15-18 January 2024) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an authomatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

EU - Iran (T)

respect for human rights in the world (T)

Human rights (T2)

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

president's agenda

Resumption of session and order of business: introductory remark by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on the situation of the Iranian Lawyer of Masha Amini

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Dear colleagues. Last year you will recall, the European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize to Masa Amini and the Women Live for Freedom Movement. However, a few days before the laureates were scheduled to receive their awards, the Iranian regime placed the Masa Amini's family under a travel ban. A stark example of the type of treatment and that the people of Iran are faced with every day.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, On the 12th of December. This House welcomed  Saleh Amini's Nikbakht the family lawyer to receive the prize on their behalf. Though shortly after his return to Iran, the lawyer was arrested and the awards confiscated. According to our information, he has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment for allegedly engaging in propaganda against the system. This is a false charge. It is unacceptable. It is inexcusable and this House condemns it.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I want to recognise that bravery and commitment by Mr.  Saleh Nikbakht  but he spoke eloquently and courageously. So on behalf of the European Parliament I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr.  Saleh Nikbakht but I will also take this opportunity to reiterate our unwavering support to Masa Amini and his family and the Women Life Freedom movement in their ceaseless fight for liberty, justice and human rights. You are not alone.