UN Chief Shocked by Reports of Excessive Force Against Protesters in Iran

UN Chief António Guterres Responds to Violence in Iran

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed profound shock at reports of violence and excessive use of force by Iranian authorities against protesters across the country. He has called for restraint and the immediate restoration of communications, as unrest enters its third week.

"All Iranians must be able to express their grievances peacefully and without fear," stated Guterres' spokesperson in a press release issued on Sunday. "The rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, as outlined in international law, must be fully respected and protected."

The Secretary-General urged Iranian authorities to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force. He also called for measures to facilitate access to information, including the restoration of communications. Internet and mobile connections were cut off on the evening of January 8, severely restricting access to information as violence escalated.

Protests began on December 28 in response to the sudden collapse of Iran's national currency and have since spread to at least 46 cities across the country. Dozens of people, including at least five children, have been killed, and many others injured. The Iranian parliament has also reported fatalities among security forces.