EU Denounces Crackdown on Iran Protests as ‘Unacceptable’

The EU’s new foreign policy chief Josep Borrell Fontelles on Sunday issued a declaration on behalf of the 28-nation bloc demanding that the regime release detained protesters
Written by Mahmoud Hakamian 

The European Union has described the Iranian regime’s deadly crackdown on the Iran protests as “unacceptable.”

The EU’s new foreign policy chief Josep Borrell Fontelles on Sunday issued a declaration on behalf of the 28-nation bloc demanding that the regime release detained protesters.

The following is the full text of the EU’s statement on the Iran protests:

Council of the EU

Press release

8 December 2019

DECLARATION BY HIGH REPRESENTATIVE JOSEP BORRELL FONTELLES ON BEHALF OF THE EU ON THE RECENT PROTESTS IN IRAN
Over the past weeks, many people all across Iran have exercised their fundamental right to assemble and express their economic grievances. A growing body of evidence indicates that despite repeated calls for restraint, the Iranian security forces’ disproportionate response to recent demonstrations has led to high numbers of deaths and injuries. For the European Union and its Member States, the widespread and disproportionate use of force against nonviolent protesters is unacceptable.

We urge the Iranian authorities to ensure transparent and credible investigations to clarify the number of deaths and arrested and to provide due process to all detainees. We expect all perpetrators of violence to be held accountable, and in line with statements by senior Iranian officials, all non-violent protesters currently held under arrest should be immediately freed.

Iran’s decision to shut down internet access to global networks for over a week prevented communication and the free flow of information for Iranian citizens. This is a clear violation of freedom of speech. Fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and assembly must always be respected. The Iranian authorities must live up to their international obligations, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The European Union addresses all issues of concern in its bilateral exchanges with Iran, including human rights, and will continue doing so.

Source: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/12/08/declaration-by-high-representative-josep-borrell-fontelles-on-behalf-of-the-eu-on-the-recent-protests-in-iran/

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Background:

The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), also known as the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK), has announced the names of 380 of the more than 1000 protesters killed by Iran’s regime in the nationwide Iran protests that began 24 days ago.

A major gasoline price hike triggered protests on November 15, but the protests quickly turned political and targeted the entirety of the religious dictatorship ruling Iran, led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani. The protesters are demanding the overthrow of the regime with all its factions and the corrupt repressive forces, including the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). Reports by the MEK’s network inside Iran indicate demonstrations have taken place in more than 190 cities. More than 12,000 protesters have been arrested during the Iran protests.

Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), has called on the international community to intervene to halt the Iranian regime’s crimes against humanity.  

Maryam Rajavi

@Maryam_Rajavi
Overthrow, democratic change and establishing a free #Iran are the responsibility of our people and Resistance. To this end, supporting the Iranian people’s uprising for the overthrow of the regime will contribute to regional and global peace and coexistence.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UPRISING:

Number of uprising cities: 190

Number of martyrs: At least 1000

Number of injured: More than 4,000

Number of detainees: More than 12,000

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