The European Union Parliament voted Thursday to criticize Iran for a wide range of human rights abuses, including torture, the persecution of homosexuals, and the harassment and persecution of journalists.  The measure passed with a large majority.

Israeli Ambassador to the EU Ran Koriel said the resolution mentioned the names of certain Iranian prisoners in order to increase pressure for their release.  The parliament hopes that the UN will take steps to halt the use of the death penalty in Iran, especially against journalists, human rights activists, and homosexuals.