Hannah Neumann, the head of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Iran, is leading the charge against IranAir, accusing the airline of using its planes to transport military equipment to war zones in Syria, Yemen, and Russia in support of conflicts such as Ukraine. Neumann is critical of Josep Borrell’s conservative approach to Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and is urging for the EU to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization, following Lithuania’s lead. She emphasizes the need for the EU to take a stronger stance against the IRGC’s actions.
Neumann also discusses the suspension of cases involving Iranian journalists Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloofar Hamedi as well as the questionable election of Masoud Pezeshkian as the new president of Iran. She expresses concerns over Pezeshkian’s actions and urges the EU to closely monitor his government’s actions. Neumann condemns the Iranian regime’s repression of journalists and activists, highlighting the need to protect freedom of the press and independent voices in Iran despite the regime’s efforts to silence dissent.
Neumann also addresses the controversial bill on veils passed by the Iranian parliament, criticizing it as a setback for women’s rights and personal freedom. She argues that the hijab law is a form of control and oppression by the regime and a violation of women’s autonomy. Neumann underlines the importance of women’s rights and freedom of choice, denouncing the regime’s use of the hijab as a tool to impose its power over women in Iran.
In the context of the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Neumann stresses the importance of promoting peace in the region and supporting peaceful solutions. She highlights the need for humanitarian aid and assistance to alleviate the suffering of people in war-torn areas like Gaza and Lebanon. Neumann calls for the EU to take a neutral stance and focus on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, condemning violence and supporting efforts towards peaceful resolutions.
The article also discusses the European Union’s boycott of IranAir based on evidence obtained by EU security agencies showing the airline’s involvement in transporting military equipment to conflict zones. Neumann explains that the goal of the sanctions is to prevent IranAir from acquiring spare parts for aircraft maintenance and buying new planes, aiming to stop the regime’s support for conflicts around the world. While acknowledging the impact on ordinary Iranians who have relied on IranAir for travel, Neumann highlights the necessity of joint action against Iran to halt its destabilizing activities in conflict zones.
Overall, Hannah Neumann’s interviews and statements reflect her commitment to addressing human rights violations, supporting freedom of the press, promoting peace in conflict zones, and holding the Iranian regime accountable for its actions. She advocates for a strong stance against the IRGC, calls for greater transparency and accountability in Iranian politics, and emphasizes the importance of protecting individual freedoms and human rights in the face of repressive regimes. As a representative of the European Parliament, Neumann’s efforts are focused on advancing a peaceful and stable future for Iran and the Middle East region.
