The UN Secretary-General on Wednesday asked Iran to show “the utmost restraint” in the face of demonstrations that are shaking the country, protests that have already led to dozens of deaths after the death of young Mahsa Amini, AFP and Agerpres inform.

“The Secretary-General calls on law enforcement agencies to refrain from using any unnecessary or disproportionate force and urges everyone to exercise maximum restraint to avoid escalation,” UN Secretary-General’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

“We are increasingly concerned by reports of increased deaths, including of women and children, related to the protests,” he said.

Stéphane Dujarric also reported the need, according to the UN, for a “quick, impartial and effective investigation” into the death of Mahsa Amini.

The 22-year-old died in hospital on September 16, three days after she was arrested in Tehran for violating a strict dress code imposed on Iranian women who must cover their hair in public. His death sparked a nationwide uprising. According to Iranian authorities, more than 1,200 demonstrators, including women, were arrested and about 60 people were killed. The Oslo-based NGO Iran Human Rights reported at least 76 dead on Monday, including six women and four children.