European Leaders Condemn Violence Against Protesters in Iran

Leaders from France, the United Kingdom, and Germany issued a joint statement on Friday, expressing profound concern regarding the violence directed at protesters in Iran. They called on Iranian authorities to exercise restraint and cease the use of lethal force.

In the joint statement from French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, they stated: "We are deeply troubled by reports of violence from Iranian security forces and strongly condemn the killing of protesters. We urge Iranian authorities to show restraint."

This appeal follows two weeks of widespread protests in Iran, during which security forces have employed significant force, resulting in casualties.

In this context, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has called for a swift, independent, and transparent investigation into the killings of protesters. He warned against the internet shutdown that hinders monitoring of events, emphasizing the need to hold violators accountable under international laws and standards.