Human rights breaches in Georgia, Iran and Mali 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.

• MEPs strongly condemn the Georgian Dream regime’s systemic assault on democratic institutions, political opposition, independent media, civil society and judicial independence 
• Iran must release Dr Ahmadreza Jalali and all political prisoners, and abolish the death penalty 
• Parliament condemns Mali’s political repression and demands respect for democratic and human rights commitments 

On Thursday, Parliament adopted human rights resolutions on Georgia, Iran and Mali.

Media freedom in Georgia and the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

MEPs are deeply concerned about arbitrary detentions in Georgia and the government’s harassment of and violence against journalists. They demand the immediate and unconditional release of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, condemning her arrest as politically motivated . They strongly condemn the Georgian Dream regime’s systemic assault on democratic institutions, political opposition, independent media, civil society and judicial independence. They call for independent investigations and urge the authorities to act immediately to ensure journalists’ safety.

Parliament also calls for the release of all political prisoners, including activists, opposition leaders and former President Mikheil Saakashvili. In the resolution, MEPs call urgently for the repeal of repressive laws, restoration of democracy, and full protection of media freedom and civil liberties. The EU must step up its support for Georgian civil society, while pressing for sanctions on officials responsible for democratic backsliding, MEPs add.

They also express grave concern at the latest wave of assaults against Georgian non‑governmental organisations, which is putting the work of targeted organisations at risk.

The resolution was adopted by 324 votes in favour, 25 against and 87 abstentions. For further details, the full version will be available here. (19.6.2025)

The case of Dr Ahmadreza Djalali in Iran

Parliament condemns Dr Ahmadreza Djalali’s sham trial, torture and lack of access to medical care, and urge Iran to provide him with legal representation and defence and allow contacts with his family.

MEPs call on Iran to put a moratorium on executions and abolish the death penalty. They urge Sweden and relevant member states and the European External Action Service to adopt targeted measures in response to Iran’s continued detention of EU nationals, including Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris.

They reiterate their call on the Council to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation and extend EU sanctions to those who take EU nationals hostage, execute opposition members en masse, and commit other human rights violations. They demand that UN human rights mechanisms be fully activated in Iran, including the Special Rapporteur. They also call on EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to raise Djalali’s case in public and during all engagements with her Iranian counterparts.

The resolution was adopted by 486 votes in favour, 8 against and 29 abstentions. For further details, the full version will be available here. (19.6.2025)

Dissolution of political parties and crackdown on the opposition in Mali

Parliament condemns the dissolution of political parties in Mali and the repression of the opposition. MEPs criticise the authorities for actions that undermine democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, and demand respect for international human rights law and Mali’s own commitments.

They note the transitional president’s 2024 request to create conditions for transparent and peaceful elections, and call for the immediate release of those arrested or abducted for political reasons, an end to repression and intimidation, and guarantees for the safety of opposition members and civil society actors.

Parliament also denounces the ongoing violence and Islamist terrorism in Mali, and stresses the need for accountability for human rights violations and war crimes committed by the Wagner Group/Africa Corps, and reaffirms the EU’s support for multi-party democracy, civil society, and human rights in Mali. MEPs express serious concern over the growing illegal migration flows from Mali, fuelled by growing insecurity, political instability and economic stagnation and call on the Malian authorities to take full responsibility for preventing uncontrolled departures.

The resolution was adopted by 511 votes in favour, 14 against and with 25 abstentions. For further details, the full version will be available here. (19.6.2025)