Europe Asia News

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said he was appalled by the escalating violence of security forces against protesters across Iran, noting reports of hundreds killed and thousands detained.

Calling on Iranian authorities to immediately stop all violence and pressure against peaceful protesters and to restore full access to the internet and telecommunications services, Türk stressed that those responsible for serious violations must be held accountable, stating: “The killing of peaceful demonstrators must stop, and labeling protesters as ‘terrorists’ and using violence against them is unacceptable.”

Emphasizing that this cycle of violence cannot continue, Türk said: “The Iranian people’s demands for justice, equality, and fairness must be heard. Iranians have the right to protest peacefully. Their grievances must be listened to and addressed, and must not be instrumentalized by anyone.”

Türk added that all killings, violence against protesters, and other human rights violations must be investigated in line with international human rights norms and standards, and those responsible must be held to account.