On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a series of resolutions addressing human rights violations in Tanzania, Iran, and Tunisia.
Regarding Tanzania, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) condemned the violence used by authorities against protesters following the country’s October 2025 elections. According to reports, thousands died or were injured during this period and there have been allegations of mass graves. The resolution calls for the Tanzanian government to engage in political dialogue with opposition groups, civil society organizations, and representatives of victims to address the crisis and enable new elections that are credible and transparent.
The detention of opposition leader Tundu Lissu was specifically addressed. MEPs denounced his arrest as arbitrary and politically motivated after he was barred from participating in the electoral process and charged with a capital offence. They called for his immediate and unconditional release. Additionally, Parliament urged Tanzania to abolish the death penalty and commute all existing death sentences.
Parliament called for a fair investigation into killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and other violations. It emphasized the need for an African-led inquiry commission into these incidents. The resolution also encouraged the European Commission and Council to halt direct support to Tanzanian authorities while prioritizing assistance to civil society groups, human rights defenders, and journalists. Sanctions against individuals responsible for these violations were recommended.
The resolution on Tanzania passed with 539 votes in favor, none against, and 27 abstentions.
Separately on Thursday, MEPs adopted a non-binding resolution asking the Commission to withdraw its draft decision on financing Tanzania’s Annual Action Plan (AAP) for 2025. The Parliament expressed concern that recent actions by Tanzanian authorities do not align with democratic principles or respect for human rights. As a result of Parliament’s objection by show of hands, the Commission must review its original decision regarding funding.
In relation to Iran, MEPs strongly condemned what they described as systemic suppression of Iran’s Baha’i community through harassment, detention, property confiscation, and other violations of fundamental rights. “MEPs urge Iran’s authorities to cease violence against the community and release all of those detained for their religious beliefs immediately.” Women within this community face additional gender-based persecution; two thirds of detained Baha’is are women according to MEPs.
Parliament also condemned an increase in executions in Iran and called on its government to stop using capital punishment as a tool for political or religious repression. The resolution urges compensation for victims among the Baha’i community as well as restoration of seized assets along with access to education, employment opportunities, and public services.
Member states were asked to raise concerns about severe human rights abuses in Iran at international levels while imposing sanctions on Iranian officials involved in persecuting Baha’is: “They once again call for the Council to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization and extend EU sanctions to all those responsible for human rights violations.” This resolution passed with 549 votes in favor; seven opposed it while 31 abstained.
For Tunisia’s situation—particularly involving lawyer-journalist Sonia Dahmani—MEPs expressed deep concern over declining rule of law standards there: “Parliament condemns her arbitrary detention, judicial harassment and sentencing… They call for her immediate and unconditional release…” The Tunisian government was urged both to drop charges against Dahmani (and her sister), end harassment toward their family members as well as protect freedom of assembly/expression alongside judicial independence under Tunisia’s Constitution.
MEPs recommended repealing Decree-Law 54 due its use interfering with fundamental freedoms; they further insisted Tunisian authorities honor obligations under international law including commitments outlined by EU-Tunisia Association Agreement provisions.
Finally Parliament asked that EU institutions continue highlighting deteriorating conditions around civil liberties/human rights defenders within diplomatic engagements aiming at securing releases among political detainees facing pressure related mainly toward economic issues imposed upon them by state actors.
This last resolution passed by 464 votes supporting it; 58 voted against while there were 75 abstentions.
