EU and Ukraine Press Iran Over Crackdown as Protests Continue Under Near-Total Blackout
Brussels calls for the release of detainees and restoration of internet access in response to reports of sweeping arrests and lethal force.
Overview
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU fully supports Iranian demonstrators and condemned the violent suppression of lawful protests.
- Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andriy Sybiga, urged Tehran to refrain from violence and asked the international community to consider increasing pressure on Iran, citing its repression and support for Russia’s war.
- Rights monitor HRANA reports at least 2,311 arrests in the first 13 days of unrest and at least 65 deaths, while other outlets cite a death toll ranging from 45 to 65.
- Authorities have enforced a near-total internet shutdown that complicates independent verification and obscures the full scope of detentions and casualties.
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for harsh measures against what he labeled “rebels,” as protests that began December 28 over a currency collapse continue across hundreds of locations.