Australia, Canada, EU condemn Iranian authorities for attacking protesters

Foreign ministers from Australia, Canada, and the European Union issued a joint statement on January 10, expressing support for Iranian protesters and condemning the Iranian authorities’ violent response.

“We commend the bravery of the Iranian people as they stand up for their dignity and their fundamental right to peaceful protest,” the statement said, Iran International reports.

The ministers also denounced the killing of protesters, acts of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation of civilians by Iranian authorities.

The statement further urged Iran to immediately halt the use of lethal force by its security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and the Basij. It emphasized that Iranian authorities bear the responsibility to protect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.

Mass protests continue across Iran, escalating into clashes with security forces. The unrest began on December 28 when Tehran market traders demonstrated against a sharp fall in the national currency, but has since spread nationwide, with demonstrations reported in all 31 provinces.

In Tehran, protesters chanted slogans calling for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the return of exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi.

Pahlavi expressed gratitude to President Trump for reaffirming support for holding Iran’s regime accountable, urging the international community to help restore communications after the government cut internet, landline, and possibly satellite signals.

By Vafa Guliyeva