There must be consequences for those responsible for the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent suppression of the protests. A group of six EU countries are campaigning for new EU sanctions against Iran. Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Spain and the Czech Republic have submitted 16 proposals to EU partners on which individuals and organizations in Iran should be subject to sanctions.
According to information from the “Spiegel”, those on the list are mainly “representatives of the Iranian repressive apparatus”. Among them are also political representatives. It is therefore intended that EU foreign ministers will take a decision on the sanctions at their meeting on 17 October. The German Foreign Ministry said it is doing everything it can to implement the proposals.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on Twitter that it was “hard to bear” that foreign policy options were limited. “But we can amplify their voices, create publicity, accuse and punish. And we do.”
Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod told Ritzau news agency that Denmark supports EU sanctions against Iran. The sanctions should primarily hit those responsible for Amini’s death. “This is a tragedy and it is a reminder of the oppression faced by the Iranian people, not least women,” Kofod said. Denmark condemned the widespread and excessive use of force by Iran’s leaders during protests.
Video: Global solidarity with protests in Iran
“Silence cannot be an option here”
SPÖ Europe spokesman Jörg Leichtfried demanded a strong condemnation of the suppression of the protests by the EU and also Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP). “Silence cannot be an option here. Women’s rights are human rights,” he emphasized. Schallenberg should also discuss the consequences at European level.
“We can amplify their voice”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the actions against students in Tehran: “The courage of the Iranians is incredible. And the brute force of the regime is an expression of sheer fear of the power of education and freedom.” It’s “hard to bear” that foreign policy options are limited. “But we can amplify their voices, create publicity, accuse and punish. And we do.”
According to the Norway-based organization Human Rights in Iran, 133 people have been killed in the protests so far.
Iran’s spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday blamed the unrest on the United States and Israel. The protests did not come from “ordinary Iranians,” he said, according to state media: “No one in the United States mourns the deceased woman, it is all about the independence of the Islamic Republic and its resistance (to the United States).”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
