On Sunday 25 September, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, on behalf of the EU, described as “unjustifiable” and “unacceptable” the widespread and “disproportionate” use of force by the Iranian authorities against protesters expressing their anger at the “killing” of Mahsa Amini while in detention (see EUROPE 13025/28).
The EU and its Member States “urge” Tehran to respect the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a party, to clarify “the number of deaths and arrests” and to release “all non-violent protesters”.
Restrictions on internet access, including the blocking of instant messaging platforms, also “blatantly violat[e] freedom of expression”, Mr Borrell added.
The High Representative also calls for the circumstances of the death of the young Iranian woman to be clarified and for those responsible to be brought to justice. He warned that the EU would continue to examine “all options” before the next Foreign Affairs Council.
According to an official Iranian toll lacking specific detail, including protesters and law enforcement, 41 people have been killed and more than a thousand arrested during the protests, AFP reported. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)