After the actions of the Iranian security forces against demonstrators, Tehran defended itself against criticism from Europe. The protests in the country appear to be continuing. The authorities block the internet.
Iran has dismissed criticism from the European Union of its crackdown on ongoing protests in the country. “This is interference in Iran’s internal affairs and support for rioters,” said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani. The Mahsa Amini case is under investigation, but the EU and the West ignore this fact and support troublemakers who threaten Iran’s security.
The trigger for the nine-day protests critical of the regime in Iran is the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. She was arrested by the Morality Police for violating the strict Islamic dress code and died on September 16 under unclear circumstances.
Internet lock impairs information flow
Meanwhile, a massive internet lockdown in Iran is severely hampering the dissemination of information about the country’s protests. For example, protesters can post fewer videos and information on social media. However, eyewitnesses reported that people had protested against the Iranian leadership in various parts of the capital Tehran on Monday night. “We don’t want an Islamic Republic, we don’t want it” was one of the slogans that was heard most often.
Eyewitnesses also reported that the police blocked some main roads in Tehran to prevent the protests from spreading. Shots were also heard, but it was unclear whether they were shot in the air or at demonstrators. Many Tehrans are also leaving the front doors of their buildings open so protesters can hide from security forces.
The local press either does not report the protests at all, or simply reflects the government’s position. According to the journalists’ association, several Iranian reporters were either arrested or feared with legal consequences for their critical reporting on the protests.
For Iranians, therefore, only social media and Persian-language news channels abroad are news sources. But the massive limitations of the internet have also made accessing these sources significantly more difficult.
Accordingly, there is no new information on the number of dead or arrested. So far, there has been unofficially more than 40 deaths and more than 1,000 arrests in two provinces in northern Iran. However, observers fear far more deaths – both on the side of the demonstrators and the security forces – and also a large wave of arrests.
Celebrities criticize
More and more Iranian celebrities are joining the protests. Local soccer stars to movie stars have criticized the leadership’s aggressive tactics against the demonstrators. The Iranian football star and former Bundesliga professional Ali Karimi is particularly active. Because of his open criticism, his bank accounts are now to be frozen.
The director and two-time Oscar winner Asghar Farhadi and other well-known film stars also sympathize with the demonstrators. The hardliners in the country have therefore demanded a work ban for all those artists who side with the demonstrators.
Foreign Office appoints ambassadors
The Foreign Office in Berlin summoned the Iranian ambassador. A spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin announced that the conversation would take place this Monday afternoon. He also emphasized that all options for a reaction would be discussed quickly at EU level.
Earlier, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on behalf of the 27 member states that the disproportionate use of force against non-violent protesters in Iran was unjustifiable and unacceptable.
The EU demanded that Iran clarify the number of people killed and arrested, release all non-violent protesters and give due process to those detained. Amini’s death must be properly investigated and those responsible held accountable. At the same time, the EU threatened vaguely with possible sanctions against the country.
Source: Stern
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
