Target: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
Goal: Promote solidarity with Iranian protesters across the world.
The European Parliament recently passed an overwhelming resolution to brand the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The resolution also demanded sanctions administered on all accused human rights violators in Iran, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, and President Ebrahim Raisi. Furthermore, the parliament agrees that the subordinate forces of the IRGC, such as the Basij paramilitary and the Quds Force should be on the EU terrorist list. The US Department of State has already designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization, with effect from April 15, 2019.
Hannah Neumann, German representative at the European Parliament hailed the resolution. However, German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock recently stated that the ministry is yet to find the ‘legal grounds’ to list the IRGC. Meanwhile, an Iranian-German citizen, Jamshid Sharmahd has been awarded the death sentence on terrorism charges by the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Sharmahd is also a US resident and was seized in transit from the Gulf in a covert operation.
Baerbock is globally known to be a vocal critic of the Islamic regime. She has stated that the regime is on “the wrong side of history,” and has condemned the oppression of women in Iran. She assured Iranians, “We stand by you, and will continue to do so.” The minister delivered a moving speech at the Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the Iran situation. There she accused the regime of violating the fundamental values inscribed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Iran is a state party to the covenant.
Germany has taken a strong exception to the death sentence of Jamshid Sharmahd. Baerbock has taken steps to declare two staff members at the Iranian embassy as persona non grata, ordering them to leave on immediate notice. The foreign minister has also promised a “strong reaction” to the ruling, terming it as “absolutely unacceptable.” Demand the German foreign ministry fulfills its promise and declares the IRGC as a terrorist group.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Baerbock,
You have been recognized as one of the most vocal critics of the Islamic regime’s atrocities against men and women in Iran. The world has heard you at the Special Session of the Human Rights Council, where you accused the regime of violating the fundamental human rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
It comes as a surprise that you have claimed that German experts have no ‘legal grounds’ to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
The regime recently awarded the death sentence to Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German citizen accused of terrorist acts. Your ministry has responded critically to this ruling, terming it as “absolutely unacceptable.” You have also promised a “strong reaction.”
The European Parliament has recently passed an overwhelming resolution in this matter, supported by German MEP Hannah Neumann. Minister Baerbock, we ask you to stand by your promise and take the steps to proscribe the IRGC.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Sima Ghaffarzadeh
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