UN Chief Shocked by Reports of Excessive Force in Iran

UN Secretary-General António Guterres. (file photo)

The UN Secretary-General has said he is shocked by reports of violence and the excessive use of force by Iranian authorities against protesters across the country, urging restraint and the immediate restoration of communications as unrest enters its third week.

“All Iranians must be able to express their grievances peacefully and without fear,” António Guterres’ spokesperson said in a statement issued on Sunday.

“The rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in international law, must be fully respected and protected.”

The Secretary-General called on Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from the unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.

He also urged steps to ensure access to information, including the restoration of communications.

Internet and mobile connectivity were shut down on the evening of 8 January, severely restricting access to information as violence escalated. The protests began on 28 December following the sudden collapse of Iran’s national currency and have since spread to at least 46 cities across the country.

Dozens of people — including at least five children — have been killed, with many more injured. Iran’s parliament has also reported fatalities among members of the security forces.