Antonio TAJANI, EP President, opens the plenary session in the European Parliament in Strasbourg (15-18 April 2019). Statements on Nasrin Sotoudeh and the conclusion of the EP term.

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

EU - Iran (T)

Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought 2012 (T)

respect for human rights in the world (T)

SOTOUDEH, Nasrin (IR)

2019 European elections (T)

Introductory remarks by Antonio TAJANI, EP President: extracts from the statement

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Resuming our business I wanted to express my great concern as regards the thirty eight year sentence for the.lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh of Iran, the winner of the Sakharov Prize from 2012. Her only guilt is fighting in defense of Human rights in Iran. On behalf of the European Parliament I firmly condemn this preposterous sentence and I believe that all of you will agree with me in calling for the immediate release of Nasrin. I'd also like to take this opportunity, to express condolence for the 76 victims of the flood that struck Iran recently. The EU stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance to cope with this emergency.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, This is the last session before the European elections, I want to thank you for your work, for your engagement during my presidency. My job is to put at the center of the political debate the European Parliament.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart. For the work done. I saw this parliament really sits near to my heart. All the best to you, thank you. (Applause)