On January 23, 2025, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions addressing significant human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Iran, and
Algeria, focusing on issues such as judicial fairness, freedom of expression, and the abolition of the death penalty.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: the case of Jean-Jacques Wondo
The European Parliament strongly condemned the recent imposition of death sentences in the DRC, particularly highlighting the case of Jean-Jacques Wondo. MEPs expressed grave concern over violations of fair trial standards and Wondo's deteriorating health, calling for his immediate release and urgent medical treatment.
Reaffirming its opposition to the death penalty, the Parliament urged the DRC government to reinstate a moratorium on executions and to work towards the total abolition of capital punishment. It emphasized the necessity of systemic reforms to establish a judicial system that is independent, fair, and capable of safeguarding fundamental rights.
Iran: systematic repression and hostage diplomacy
In a resolution passed with overwhelming support (556 votes in favor), the European Parliament reiterated its call for Iran to abolish the death penalty and immediately implement a moratorium on its use. The resolution condemned the death sentences imposed on human rights activist Pakhshan Azizi and humanitarian worker Wrisha Moradi, demanding their unconditional release along with at least 56 other political prisoners on death row.
MEPs also condemned the murder of German-Iranian citizen Jamshid Sharmahd, urging Iranian authorities to provide transparency regarding his death. The Parliament denounced Iran’s repression of human rights and persecution of minorities, calling for increased financial support to Iranian civil society and reaffirming solidarity with the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, which received the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
Additionally, MEPs criticized Iran’s use of hostage diplomacy and called for the release of EU nationals detained in Iran, including Olivier Grondeau, Cécile Kohler, Jacques Paris, and Ahmadreza Djalali. The resolution urged the Council to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and extend sanctions to those responsible for human rights violations.
Algeria: the case of Boualem Sansal
The European Parliament demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, journalist Abdelwakil Blamm, writer Tadjadit Mohamed, and others detained for exercising their right to freedom of opinion and expression. MEPs urged Algerian authorities to repeal repressive laws restricting freedoms and undermining judicial independence.
The resolution stressed the importance of aligning the EU-Algeria Partnership Priorities with tangible progress on democratic reforms, including the protection of press freedom as outlined in Article 54 of Algeria’s Constitution. MEPs underscored that future EU funding to Algeria should be contingent on advancements in these areas.
These resolutions reflect the European Parliament's commitment to addressing human rights abuses and promoting justice, freedom of expression, and the rule of law globally. Photo by en:User:Vberger, Wikimedia commons.