UN Chief Calls on Iran to Show Restraint, Avoid Violence
"The Secretary-General is shocked by the reports of violence and excessive use of force by the Iranian authorities against protesters in multiple locations across the Islamic Republic of Iran, resulting in scores of deaths," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
Guterres stressed that all Iranians must retain the ability to voice their "grievances" peacefully without experiencing intimidation, declaring that international legal protections guaranteeing freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly must be "fully respected and protected."
The UN leader additionally pressed for measures that would facilitate information access throughout Iran, specifically urging restoration of communications infrastructure.
London-based internet surveillance organization NetBlocks reported Sunday that Iran has experienced a complete digital blackout exceeding 72 hours as the nation entered a fourth consecutive day of countrywide internet shutdown.
The unrest ignited December 28 at Tehran's Grand Bazaar, triggered by the Iranian rial's dramatic plunge and deteriorating economic circumstances, before rapidly expanding to multiple urban centers.
US-based human rights organization HRANA documented fatalities totaling 490 protesters and 48 security force members, alongside arrests surpassing 10,600 individuals, though authorities have released no official casualty figures.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.