UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called on Iranian security forces not to use “unnecessary and disproportionate force” against anti-government protests following the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the vice squad.
Antonio Guterres also urged the various parties to exercise restraint to avoid further escalation, according to his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric.
“We are concerned by reports that peaceful protests have resulted in excessive use of force, which has resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries,” Stephane Dujarric told New York press.
“We further call on the authorities to respect the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association,” he added.
Antonio Guterres raised the issue of human rights with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, during a meeting between the two men on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, said Stephane Dujarric.
He called for a “prompt, impartial and effective investigation by an independent competent authority” into the death of Mahsa Amini.
Pro-government demonstrators took to the streets of several Iranian cities on Friday to denounce “those who offend the Koran”, as protests escalate after the death of Mahsa Amini.
Among the demonstrators favorable to the power in place, some demanded the execution of those who have been mobilizing daily since the announcement on September 16 of the death of the 22-year-old young woman, hospitalized in a coma after being arrested and detained by the police. morals of the Islamic Republic for “inappropriate dress”.
(Report Michelle Nichols, French version Matthieu Protard)