Germany 'deeply concerned' over rising death toll in Iran protests

BERLIN

Germany said on Monday it is “deeply concerned” over the mounting death toll in the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran.

“The situation in Iran is deeply concerning. People from all parts of the country are peacefully demonstrating for freedom and a better life in their country,” deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille told a press briefing in Berlin.

“The chancellor calls on the Iranian leadership to protect its people instead of threatening them. We condemn in the strongest terms the violence that the leadership in Tehran is directing against its own people. This violence must end,” he added.

Iran has been rocked by waves of protests since last month, starting Dec. 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, over the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. The demonstrations later spread to several other cities.

There are no official casualty figures, but the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a US-based rights group, estimates that the death toll has reached at least 544, including both security forces and protesters, with over 1,000 injured.

HRANA also reported that at least 10,681 people have been detained across protests in 585 locations nationwide, including 186 cities in all 31 provinces.

Iran has described the current situation in the country as “a terrorist war against the Iranian people” and a continuation of US-Israeli aggression.

BERLIN

Germany said on Monday it is “deeply concerned” over the mounting death toll in the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran.

HRANA also reported that at least 10,681 people have been detained across protests in 585 locations nationwide, including 186 cities in all 31 provinces.

Iran has described the current situation in the country as “a terrorist war against the Iranian people” and a continuation of US-Israeli aggression.