The European Union on Sunday deemed "
unjustifiable and unacceptable
" the "
widespread and disproportionate use of force
" against demonstrators in Iran, after nine days of protests against the death of a young woman detained by the morality police, who killed 41.
In a statement on behalf of the EU, the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell also condemns "
the decision of the Iranian authorities to drastically restrict internet access and to block instant messaging platforms
", which "
constitutes a flagrant violation of freedom of expression
”.
“
The European Union will continue to examine all the options at its disposal, before the next Council (of) Foreign Ministers, in the face of the death of Mahsa Amini and the way in which the Iranian security forces have responded to the demonstrations which have followed
, ”warned Mr. Borrell, without elaborating.
The protests began on September 16, the day of the death of Mahsa Amini, arrested on September 13 in Tehran for "
inappropriate wearing of clothes
" in the Islamic Republic where the dress code for women is strict.
Read alsoIn Iran, the revolt against the veil turns into anti-regime protest
"
We expect Iran to immediately stop the violent repression of demonstrations and allow access to the internet, as well as the free flow of information
," added the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
He also called on Tehran to "
clarify the number of dead and arrested people, to release all non-violent protesters
".
"
Mahsa Amini's death must be properly investigated, and anyone found responsible for her death must be held to account
", he continues, taking "
note in this regard of the statement of the Iranian President
» Ebrahim Raisi.
According to the non-detailed official Iranian report, including demonstrators and security forces, 41 people were killed in nine days of protests.
But the toll could be higher, with the Oslo-based NGO Iran Human Rights reporting at least 54 protesters killed.
