‘Respect Freedom Of Expression, Refrain From Unnecessary Use Of Force’: UN Chief Antonio Guterres Urges Iran Amid Protests | World News

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday (local time) called on Iranian authorities to “exert maximum restraint” amid unrest in the country, stressing that the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly must be “fully respected” and “protected”.

The UN chief’s remarks come amid protests in Iran, where at least 420 protesters have been killed in anti-government demonstrations in the past 15 days, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), CNN reported.

In a post on X, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the need to avoid “unnecessary or disproportionate use of force” when managing public demonstrations.

“I am shocked by reports that Iranian authorities have used violence and excessive force against protesters in recent days, resulting in deaths and injuries. The rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly must be fully respected and protected. I call on Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and avoid unnecessary or disproportionate use of force,” Guterres said in his post. he said.

“I also call for steps to be taken to ensure access to information in the country, including restoring communications,” the UN Secretary-General said. he said.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they are “closely monitoring” the developing situation in Iran as protests demanding freedom continue to spread across the country.

Netanyahu gave strong support to the Iranian people’s fight against what he called “tyranny.”

In his post about

The protests began on December 28 as demonstrations against rising inflation and economic difficulties, but soon turned into tense nationwide unrest marked by violent clashes between protesters and security forces.

Demonstrations spread to multiple cities, and authorities responded with arrests, crackdowns, and use of force. Human rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern about the extent of casualties and the treatment of protesters.

While Iranian officials blame “rebels” and foreign intervention for the unrest, they argue that legitimate economic grievances will be addressed.

Amid the turmoil, US officials told CNN it was considering various military options in the wake of deadly protests in Iran after President Trump warned Tehran not to use lethal force against demonstrators.

Iranian Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi Azad said legal sanctions against protesters will be strict. He said the trial would be conducted “without tolerance, mercy or compromise,” according to the Tasnim news agency.

“The charges against all the rebels are the same,” he said.