Refrain from Unnecessary Use of Force: UN chief Guterres Urges Iran
In a post on X, Guterres condemned reports of violence and the excessive use of force by Iranian authorities against demonstrators
Geneva: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday (local time) urged Iranian authorities to “exercise maximum restraint” amid ongoing unrest in the country. He stressed that the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly must be fully respected and protected.
The UN chief’s remarks come amid widespread protests in Iran that have reportedly killed at least 420 protesters over the past 15 days, including eight children, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), as cited by CNN.
In a post on X, Guterres condemned reports of violence and the excessive use of force by Iranian authorities against demonstrators. He called on the authorities to refrain from the “unnecessary or disproportionate use of force” while dealing with public protests.
“Shocked by reports of violence & excessive use of force by the Iranian authorities against protesters resulting in deaths & injuries in recent days. The rights to freedom of expression, association & peaceful assembly must be fully respected & protected. I urge the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint & refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force,” Guterres said.
The UN Secretary-General also urged steps to ensure access to information in Iran, including the restoration of communication services.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is closely monitoring developments in Iran as protests demanding freedom continue to spread across the country. He voiced strong support for the Iranian people’s struggle against what he described as tyranny.
In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote that the people of Israel and the wider world stand in awe of the courage shown by Iranian citizens as demonstrations expand nationwide.
The protests began on December 28 as demonstrations against rising inflation and economic hardship but quickly escalated into widespread unrest, marked by violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Demonstrations have since spread to several cities.
Authorities have responded with arrests, crackdowns and the use of force. Human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over the number of casualties and the treatment of protesters.
Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on rioters and alleged foreign interference, while maintaining that legitimate economic grievances will be addressed.
Amid the turmoil, US officials told CNN that President Donald Trump is weighing several military options regarding Iran following the deadly protests, after warning Tehran against using lethal force on demonstrators.
Iranian Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad said legal action against protesters would be strict. Quoted by Tasnim news agency, he said proceedings would be conducted “without leniency, mercy or appeasement,” adding that the charges against all rioters would be the same.
