LONDON ( WNAM MONITORING): The UK, France and Germany said Friday they “strongly condemn” the killing of protesters in Iran.
“We are deeply concerned about reports of violence by Iranian security forces, and strongly condemn the killing of protestors,” according to a joint statement. “The Iranian authorities have the responsibility to protect their own population and must allow for the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal. We urge the Iranian authorities to exercise restraint, to refrain from violence, and to uphold the fundamental rights of Iran’s citizens.”
Iran has been rocked by protests, which first started Dec. 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, the heart of the capital’s business activity, regarding the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations later spread to several cities across the country.
Authorities have not released official figures on casualties, but the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said Wednesday that at least 38 people were killed, including four members of the security forces.
It also reported dozens of injuries and 2,217 arrests.
Eight members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in Thursday’s protests in the western city of Kermanshah, said media reports.
News of the killing of members of the high-profile force was posted Friday by Al Jazeera on US social media company X, citing the Fars News Agency.
