The European Union on Sunday described as “unjustified and unacceptable” the “general and disproportionate” use of force against demonstrators in Iran after nine days of protests over the death of a young woman detained by moral police that left at least 41 dead. .

In a statement on behalf of the EU bloc, the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, also condemned “the decision of the Iranian authorities to sharply limit access to the Internet and block instant messaging platforms,” ​​which “constitutes a gross violation of freedom of expression.” AFP and Agerpres report.

“The European Union will continue to examine all its options before the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting in the context of the death of Mahsa Amin and how the Iranian security forces responded to the subsequent demonstrations,” Borrell warned. without providing other details.

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Demonstrations began on September 16, the day of the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested on September 13 in Tehran for “improper clothing”.

“We expect Iran to immediately stop the violent suppression of demonstrations and allow access to the Internet and the free flow of information,” the EU foreign affairs chief added.

He also appealed to Tehran to “specify the number of dead and arrested and release all non-violent demonstrators.”

“The death of Mahsa Amini must be the subject of a full investigation and anyone found responsible for his death must be brought to justice,” he added, noting “the statement of the President of Iran” in this regard, Ebrahim Raisi .

According to unofficial Iranian figures, which include protesters and law enforcement officers, 41 people have died in the nine days of protests.

However, the death toll could be higher, with the Oslo-based NGO Iran Human Rights saying at least 54 demonstrators were killed.

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