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Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on the situation in Iran
A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (21 November) on the situation in Iran:
We are shocked by the reports of over 100 fatalities and condemn the disproportionate conduct of the Iranian security forces. The right to peaceful protest must be upheld. People in Iran must be allowed to show their dissatisfaction with political and economic developments and to express their views freely and peacefully. We call on the Iranian security forces to exercise the greatest possible restraint. Furthermore, we expect the Iranian leadership to completely lift the internet blockade.
Background information
Since 15 November 2019, there have been reports of nationwide protests in Iran following cuts to petrol subsidies. The internet has been largely shut down. Human rights organisations have reported that over 100 people have been killed since mid-November. The EU human rights sanctions regime against Iran remains in place and was extended and updated in April 2019. Over 80 persons and entities are currently listed.