European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union supports the protesters in Iran.
“Europe fully supports them. (Iranian protesters who are demanding freedom-ed.). We unequivocally condemn the brutal suppression of these legitimate demonstrations. The perpetrators will be remembered on the wrong side of history. We call for the immediate release of all imprisoned demonstrators,” she wrote on social media X.
Von der Leyen added that the EU also calls for the restoration of full access to the Internet and respect for fundamental rights.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump made a similar statement, noting that Iran seeks freedom and Washington is ready to help.
The protests began late last year amid economic difficulties in the country. Their main driving force was initially street vendors. They were then joined by students and other city dwellers, mostly young people.
On 3 January, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei commented on the mass protests for the first time, saying that tough measures should be taken against the “rebels.” At the same time, Khamenei, as well as other representatives of the Iranian leadership, called the fears of street vendors in connection with the devaluation of the national currency justified.
“We will talk to the protesters, but dialogue with the rebels is useless. The rebels should be put in their place” he stated.
The protests in Iran are in their 14th day, but there is still no exact information on the number of detainees in different cities. HRANA, an agency covering human rights-related news, said at least 2,311 people have been arrested in the first 13 days of the protests and rallies have been held in 512 locations in 180 cities and towns amid an almost complete internet blackout.
There is also no exact information on the death toll from the protests. Between 45 and 65 deaths have been reported. Radio Farda (the Iranian service of Radio Liberty) has so far confirmed the identities of 35 of them.