The head of European diplomacy, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, lamented on Tuesday “the unacceptable loss of human life”, in conjunction with the recent demonstrations in Iran. She is calling upon “all those involved to” abstain from “ violence.” Since Thursday last week, the country has been in the grip of violent protests against the economic problems and the Iranian regime. In total, 21 people have been killed in violence linked to these protest gatherings.
Ms Mogherini stressed that the European Union “is closely monitoring the demonstrations in Iran, the increase in violence and the unacceptable loss of life.” This came in a statement, published on behalf of the EU, during the night from Tuesday through to Wednesday.
She added, “Peaceful demonstration and freedom of expression are fundamental rights applying to all countries. Iran is no exception in that regard.” She mentioned that the EU had been “in contact” in recent days with the Iranian authorities. She went on, “In the spirit of both openness and respect, which is the basis of our relationship, we are expecting all parties concerned to abstain from all forms of violence, but also that freedom of expression is guaranteed.”
A spokeswoman for the head of European diplomacy had already reacted on Monday, in the face of the protests besetting Iran. She said that Ms Mogherini hoped that the right to demonstrate, and freedom of expression, will both be “guaranteed.”
The demonstrations in recent days in Iran have been more significant, given the growth in the protest movement over the last few years since the re-election of the ultra-Conservative ex-President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in 2009.
The Brussels Times
