Iran – Protests following the death of Mahsa Amini (September 26, 2022)

France reiterates its condemnation in the strongest possible terms of the Iranian security apparatus’ violent repression of the protests that have followed the shocking death of Mahsa Amini.

This brutal repression has already led to the death of several dozen protestors, including both men and women, over the last few days. Now, Hadis Najafi and several others have joined Mahsa Amini as sad symbols of this violent repression. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of these victims.

France condemns all forms of violence, the arbitrary arrest and detention of protestors, as well as the gross violations of women’s rights and the freedom of expression via the blocking of news sites and social media. France also condemns the arbitrary arrest of journalists in the course of their work.

France calls on Iran to end this brutal repression, to fully comply with its international human rights commitments, especially with those made with regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and to guarantee the freedom of peaceful assembly, the freedom of association, the freedom of opinion and the freedom of expression, especially online.

France reaffirms its ongoing, determined commitment to combat and eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls and to promote gender equality.

Together with its European Union partners, France is considering all the available options in response to these new massive women’s and human rights abuses in Iran.