The Iranian Revolutionary Guards could soon be on the EU’s terror list. At least that is what a majority of Members of the European Parliament are demanding. On Monday, some 12,000 people demonstrated for the inclusion of Iran’s elite unit on the terrorist list.
They gathered in front of the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, France. A few days later, on Wednesday, a majority of MEPs also called for the Iranian Revolutionary Guards to be placed on the EU terror list. This was justified “given their terrorist activities, the repression of protesters and the supply of drones to Russia.”
In Iran, people have been demonstrating against the leadership for months. The trigger was the death of the young Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini on September 16 in police custody. The moral police had arrested her for allegedly wearing her headscarf incorrectly. She died a short time later in a hospital. Activists accuse authorities of mistreating Amini.
Revolutionary Guards fighting against political opponents
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards is playing a role in the protests by, among other things, fighting potential political opponents. Their goal, they say, is to prevent “deviant movements” abroad as well. Their material wealth, which was mainly the result of nepotism and corruption, also causes popular resentment. The Revolutionary Guards are responsible for organizing black foreign trade, which the country uses to circumvent economic sanctions.
In the US, they were already classified as a terrorist organization in 2019 under US President Donald Trump for allegedly promoting terrorism and being actively involved in terrorism. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International accuse the Revolutionary Guards of serious human rights violations such as torture, kidnapping and targeted killings.
symbolic character
The MEPs’ call for the US to join is not legally binding. The symbolic character is in the foreground. The EU terror list was drawn up in 2001 after the attacks in the US and currently numbers 13 individuals and 21 groups. These include al-Qaeda and its offshoots, as well as the Islamic State (IS). An authorization results in all assets being frozen and the freedom of movement of the persons concerned being restricted.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
