Australia, Canada and EU strongly criticise killing of protesters, ‘Must immediately end the use…’

Australia, Canada and the European Union jointly condemned the killing of anti-government demonstrators in Iran while praising the courage of ordinary Iranians who continue to protest despite mounting repression. The statement comes as nationwide unrest enters its third week, with reports of mounting casualties and widespread communication restrictions.

Anti-government demonstrations continued to break out in many cities in Iran, although authorities imposed internet and communications blackouts in several regions in an attempt to prevent mobilization and control the flow of information.

Increasing Death toll and Crackdown on Protesters

At least 62 people have died since the protests began in late December, according to various media and human rights groups, but independent figures suggest the number could be higher. The unrest, which began as demonstrations over economic difficulties, gradually grew into broader protests challenging Iran’s political leadership.

While the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada and the European Union applauded the resistance of the protesters in their joint statement, they also strongly criticized the reaction of the Iranian state. They condemned the use of lethal force, arbitrary detentions and intimidation tactics against civilians.

In the statement, the Iranian authorities were called on to immediately stop the excessive violence carried out by the security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia, and warned that dozens of people had already lost their lives. The ministers emphasized that Tehran has an obligation to protect its citizens and safeguard fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and expression.

Protests Spread Nationwide Amid Official Silence

Demonstrations first broke out in Tehran’s marketplaces on December 28, 2025, driven by rising inflation and the sharp depreciation of the Iranian currency. They have since grown into a nationwide movement reflecting deep dissatisfaction with the religious establishment led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

While Iranian state media largely avoided reporting on deaths in the early days of the unrest, on Friday it acknowledged casualties had occurred without disclosing specific figures.

US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that more than 65 people were killed and more than 2,300 people were detained in the protests, which are in their 13th day. According to HRANA, demonstrations were held in more than 500 locations in 31 provinces.

Reza Pahlavi Called for International Intervention

As the protests continued, Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi appealed directly to US President Donald Trump and called for urgent international support. In his social media message, Pahlavi called on Washington to be ready to intervene to help the Iranian people.

Following his call, large crowds reportedly gathered in many cities, with protesters chanting anti-government slogans and in some cases supporting Pahlavi’s return. Pahlavi is the son of Iran’s last ruler, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.