Islamic regime’s stream of human rights abuses, repression continues, experts say

The Council of Europe adopted a resolution criticizing a U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding signed last week for failing to address human rights abuses, including executions and arbitrary detention. The agreement, which calls for nuclear negotiations and cessation of hostilities, neglects the Islamic regime's repressive policies and use of the death penalty, the council determined. At least 45 political prisoners and security-related detainees have been executed in Iran since January 2026.

The Council of Europe's resolution, based on a report by German parliamentarian Max Lucks, urged European nations to strengthen support for Iranian human rights defenders and called for an immediate moratorium on capital punishment. The move follows violent suppression of protests in January that human rights groups say resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and arbitrary detentions, with many detainees now facing execution for alleged protest participation.

Human rights advocates testified that Iran's revolutionary courts operate without requiring evidence or permitting independent defense, describing a system of arbitrary detention and severe sentencing designed to ensure regime survival through terror.