Finland summons Iranian ambassador over crackdown on protesters

Finland has summoned the Iranian ambassador in response to what its foreign minister described as “brutal repression” and an internet blackout aimed at silencing protesters.

On January 13, Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen wrote on X that she would call in the ambassador, criticising the Iranian authorities for restricting access to the internet in a bid to “kill and oppress in silence”.

Valtonen added that such actions were unacceptable and stressed Finland’s support for the Iranian people, including both women and men.

The move comes amid escalating demonstrations in Iran, where authorities have been accused of using severe measures to suppress anti-government protests.

EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas said she plans to propose fresh sanctions on Iran following a government crackdown that has reportedly killed hundreds amid nearly two weeks of protests.

She noted that the EU already maintains sanctions targeting human rights abuses, nuclear activities, and Tehran’s support for Russia, but additional measures are being considered in response to the “brutal repression of protestors.”

On January 12, Iran summoned the ambassadors of Britain, Germany, Italy, and France, accusing their governments of supporting recent protests. Officials presented video footage they said showed violent acts during demonstrations, which they described as organised sabotage rather than peaceful protest, and urged the countries to retract supportive statements.

The move follows protests across Iran since December 28, triggered by the sharp fall of the rial and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations have spread nationwide, with at least 544 dead and over 1,000 injured. More than 10,600 people have been detained across 585 locations in all 31 provinces.

Protests have also occurred abroad, including in London, where demonstrators replaced Iran’s embassy flag with the emblem of the former monarchy.

By Aghakazim Guliyev