Josep Borrell said protesters had the right to express their frustrations. AFP
Josep Borrell said protesters had the right to express their frustrations. AFP
Josep Borrell said protesters had the right to express their frustrations. AFP
Josep Borrell said protesters had the right to express their frustrations. AFP

European Union slams violence used by Iranian regime


Jamie Prentis
  • English
  • Arabic

The European Union has accused Iran of using “disproportionate” and “unacceptable” levels of violence against protesters.

In one of his first statements since being named the bloc’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell said Iranians had a “fundamental” right to demonstrate and express their frustrations at the economic situation in the country.

Mr Borrell also criticised the regime’s decision to cut off the internet and said it needed to free all non-violent protesters currently detained.

Last week Amnesty International said well over 200 people had been killed since demonstrations broke out on November 15, although the real figure is likely to be higher given the attempted information blackout imposed by Iranian authorities.

The NGO said it had verified footage that showed security forces shooting at unarmed civilians.

“We urge the Iranian authorities to ensure transparent and credible investigations to clarify the number of deaths and arrested, and to provide due process to all detainees,” said Mr Borrell, who previously served as the Spanish foreign minister.

“Iran’s decision to shut down internet access to global networks for over a week prevented communication and the free flow of information for Iranian citizens. This is a clear violation of the freedom of speech,” he added.

Mr Borrell urged Iran to respect basic human rights such as freedom of expression and assembly.

“A growing body of evidence indicates that despite repeated calls for restraint, the Iranian security forces’ disproportionate response to recent demonstrations has led to high numbers of deaths and injuries,” he said.

“For the European Union and its Member States, the widespread and disproportionate use of force against nonviolent protestors is unacceptable.”

Last week, Amnesty said Iranian authorities were showing a “shameful disregard for human life”.

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MATCH INFO

Fixture: Ukraine v Portugal, Monday, 10.45pm (UAE)

TV: BeIN Sports

Day 4, Dubai Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage appeared to have been hard done by when he had his dismissal of Sami Aslam chalked off for a no-ball. Replays suggested he had not overstepped. No matter. Two balls later, the exact same combination – Gamage the bowler and Kusal Mendis at second slip – combined again to send Aslam back.

Stat of the day Haris Sohail took three wickets for one run in the only over he bowled, to end the Sri Lanka second innings in a hurry. That was as many as he had managed in total in his 10-year, 58-match first-class career to date. It was also the first time a bowler had taken three wickets having bowled just one over in an innings in Tests.

The verdict Just 119 more and with five wickets remaining seems like a perfectly attainable target for Pakistan. Factor in the fact the pitch is worn, is turning prodigiously, and that Sri Lanka’s seam bowlers have also been finding the strip to their liking, it is apparent the task is still a tough one. Still, though, thanks to Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed, it is possible.

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