The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has appealed to the global community to consider the possibility of increasing pressure on the Iranian authorities in connection with the violence against the population and support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukraine’s Position on Iranian Events
As noted by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on social media platform X, Iran’s position on the war in Ukraine and the repression of its own citizens are interconnected components of a policy of violence and disregard for human dignity.
“The Iranian people deserve protection of their fundamental civil rights, including access to information and freedom of assembly. Iranians deserve a normal life without fear – a life in freedom, safety, and prosperity. As a country that has overcome totalitarian and authoritarian rule in the past, resisted repression, and defended its democratic choice, Ukraine values civil rights above all,” said Sybiha.
Official Kyiv has also urged the Iranian authorities to refrain from using force against protest participants, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights.
Course of Protests and Reaction of Iranian Authorities
Mass protests in Iran have been ongoing for two weeks, starting at the end of last year against the backdrop of worsening economic conditions. Initially, street vendors were the driving force behind the protest movement, later joined by students and youth from various cities across the country.
On January 3, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly commented on the situation for the first time, calling for decisive action against those he referred to as “rebels.” At the same time, he acknowledged the concerns of merchants caused by the devaluation of the national currency as justified. “We will talk to the protesters, but dialogue with rebels is futile. Rebels must be put in their place,” Khamenei stated.
According to the human rights organization HRANA, at least 2,311 people were arrested in the first 13 days of protests, with demonstrations taking place in 512 locations across 180 cities and towns in the country. The protests are accompanied by an almost complete internet shutdown, significantly complicating the gathering of information about the situation.
There is currently no reliable information regarding the number of fatalities. Estimates suggest that the death toll ranges from 45 to 65 individuals. According to the Iranian service of Radio Free Europe – Radio Farda, the names of 35 deceased individuals have been confirmed so far.