On January 24, 2025, the European Parliament held a session where Hanna Neumann, head of the Iran section, urged the cancellation of death sentences for two Kurdish political prisoners, Pakhshan Azizi and Varishe Moradi. Neumann highlighted their contributions to humanitarian work and the fight against ISIS, stating that in a 'normal' country, they would be celebrated as heroes.
Neumann had previously drawn attention to the dire human rights situation in Iran and called for a strong international response. The European Parliament also passed a resolution condemning human rights violations in Iran on January 23, 2025.
Pakhshan Azizi, a Kurdish social worker, was arrested by Iranian intelligence forces in August 2022 and sentenced to death for 'rebellion' and 'membership in opposition groups' after more than four months in solitary confinement. His death sentence is currently on hold.
Varishe Moradi, a member of the Free Women of Eastern Kurdistan (Kajar), was arrested in Sanandaj in August 2022 and sentenced to death in November 2023 on similar charges, reportedly related to her involvement in the fight against ISIS in northern Syria.