The European Parliament resolution passed April 3 triggered fury among Iranian authorities by touching on sensitive subjects such as human rights. The resolution urged the European Union to exploit the current window of opportunity afforded by the nuclear talks, but criticized the Islamic Republic for “human rights violations.” It condemned restrictions on almost every social activity in Iran, including “freedom of information, freedom of association, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, academic freedom, freedom of education and freedom of movement.”

Though Iranian human rights activists are likely to welcome the move, authorities in Tehran were quick to react strongly to the vote. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Marzieh Afkham condemned the resolution as “unfounded and unacceptable.” But more serious criticism came from the conservative camp.

“What weird expectations! What weird claims!” said Tehran's provisional Friday Prayers leader Ayatollah Mohammad-Ali Movahedi Kermani. “In Iran, human rights are not respected?” he asked during his address on Friday, denying that any rights might be violated in the country. The cleric also compared the EU to the United States, accusing both of attempting to spy on Iran. He rejected the parliament’s idea that the EU would open an office in Tehran by the end of 2014, saying, “The people of Iran will not allow another house of spies to be created in the country.” The ayatollah was referring to the US Embassy in Tehran, seized by a group of students following the 1979 revolution.

Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda, Mashhad’s Friday Prayer leader, also lashed out after Thursday’s resolution. “In our opinion, the resolution was very good,” he said sarcastically, “and revealed that we will have no understanding with [the Europeans].”