MEP Stefan Berger has sharply criticized Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, labeling him a “Mörder” (murderer) rather than a spiritual leader, citing systematic violence against protesters and regional instability. In an exclusive written statement to Brussels Morning Newspaper, Berger outlined the EU Parliament’s push for tougher sanctions, including listing Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. He also expressed solidarity with Iranian dissidents and European citizens advocating for freedom in Iran.
Stefan Berger, a German Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) group, is a prominent voice on foreign policy and human rights issues. Elected in 2019, he serves on key committees addressing international relations and security.
This stance echoes Berger’s recent X post,
Unverständlich, dass Ali #Chamenei „geistliches Oberhaupt“ genannt wird. An der Spitze eines mörderischen Regimes steht kein Geistlicher – sondern ein #Mörder.#Iran
— Stefan Berger (@DrStefanBerger) January 14, 2026
On Khamenei’s Actions as “Mörder”
In response to Brussels Morning Newspaper’s question on what specific actions by Ali Khamenei justify calling him a “Mörder” (murderer) rather than a spiritual leader, MEP Stefan Berger said:
“Under Ali Khamenei, a system is in operation that systematically employs violence against its own population: deadly repression of protesters and executions carried out through procedures that violate fundamental rule-of-law standards.
As the supreme decision-maker and the symbol of this power structure, he bears political and ultimately also moral responsibility for this. This regime exports terror and violence and contributes to instability in the region and around the world.”
EU Parliament’s Plans Against Iran’s Regime
Addressing how the EU Parliament plans to tackle Iran’s regime in upcoming sessions given its “murderous nature,” Berger told Brussels Morning Newspaper:
“A few days ago, the European Parliament denied Iranian diplomats access to our buildings. We will not tolerate a regime that sustains itself through repression, murder, and torture. Now it is important to increase pressure on the regime; this includes sanctions and placing the Revolutionary Guard on the EU terrorist list, which we already called for years ago, given the Revolutionary Guard’s central role in the violent suppression of protests and its involvement in the proliferation of weapons systems.”
Message to Europeans and Iranian Dissidents
When asked what message he would send to European citizens and Iranian dissidents, the MEP responded:
“The EU expresses its solidarity with the people of Iran who are voicing their legitimate aspiration for a better life, freedom, and dignity. We unequivocally condemn the violent suppression of these legitimate demonstrations. We stand with the people in Iran who are courageously protesting for their freedom.”
Berger’s forthright condemnation underscores a growing resolve in the European Parliament to confront Iran’s repressive apparatus head-on. As calls for accountability intensify, the MEP’s words serve as a clarion call: the EU must back its rhetoric with unrelenting action to support those fighting for freedom in Iran.