EU Condemns Post-Election Killings in Tanzania, Calls for Release of Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu
Story: Written by Zara November 28,2025
The European Parliament on Thursday passed resolutions denouncing widespread human rights abuses in Tanzania, Iran, and Tunisia.
In Tanzania, lawmakers condemned the post-election violence, which reportedly led to thousands of deaths, injuries, and mass graves, and criticized the politically motivated imprisonment of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was barred from running in the election and faces capital charges.
The EU urged the Tanzanian government to engage in dialogue with opposition parties, civil society, and victims’ representatives to resolve the crisis and ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. MEPs also called for Lissu’s immediate release, the abolition of the death penalty, and commutation of all existing death sentences.
The resolution demanded a thorough investigation into killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and other human rights violations, alongside the establishment of a comprehensive African-led inquiry commission. Lawmakers also advised the EU Commission and Council to suspend direct aid to Tanzanian authorities and prioritize support for civil society, journalists, and human rights defenders, while considering sanctions against those responsible for the abuses.
Beyond Tanzania, the European Parliament expressed concern over systemic persecution in Iran, particularly targeting the Baha’i community through harassment, arbitrary detention, property confiscation, and restrictions on education and employment. MEPs urged Tehran to release detainees, restore seized assets, and ensure access to basic rights.
The resolution also highlighted the erosion of freedoms in Tunisia, calling for the protection of judicial independence, freedom of expression, and assembly, and urging the repeal of Decree-Law 54, which has been used to suppress fundamental rights.
European lawmakers emphasized that all governments must uphold human rights and ensure accountability for violations, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to global justice and the protection of democratic freedoms.
