German Government Severely Criticizes Violence Against Protesters in Iran
The German government strongly condemned the conduct of security forces in Iran against participants in street demonstrations and protests. Germany also called for restraint by security forces against protesters and demanded a complete end to internet shutdowns in Iran.
A spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, November 21 (November 30 in the Islamic calendar) in Berlin, regarding recent protests in Iran and the high number of protesters killed by Islamic Republic security forces: “We are shocked by reports of more than 100 deaths and condemn the disproportionate conduct of Iranian security forces.”
The German Foreign Ministry spokesman called on the Islamic Republic of Iran to respect people’s right to peaceful protest.
Germany’s diplomatic spokesman also stated: “People in Iran should have the opportunity to express their discontent regarding the political and economic situation and to freely and peacefully voice their opinions.” He continued: “We urge Iranian security forces to exercise maximum possible restraint.”
The German Foreign Ministry spokesman also said that the German government furthermore expects Iran’s leadership to completely end internet shutdowns in the country.
Amnesty International announced two days earlier that 106 people have been killed in these protests, hundreds have been wounded, and more than a thousand have been arrested. Unofficial sources have reported these numbers to be significantly higher.
The protests in Iran, which began following a threefold increase in gasoline prices, quickly shifted direction and targeted the entire system.
Iranian domestic media have held the Supreme National Security Council responsible for the widespread internet shutdown following the start of protests over the fuel price increase. Internet in Iran was cut off on Saturday, November 15, following the escalation of the protests.
Source: DW
