Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 11, 2026 Human rights
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was appalled by reports of violence and excessive use of force against protesters across Iran. He called on the country's authorities to exercise restraint and immediately restore communications.
"All Iranians must be able to peacefully and safely express their demands and grievances," the Secretary-General's spokesperson said in a statement released Sunday. "The rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in international law, must be fully respected and protected."
The Secretary-General called on the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and avoid unnecessary or disproportionate use of force. He also emphasized the need to take measures to ensure the population's access to information, including restoring communications.
Internet and mobile phone service were shut down in Iran on the evening of January 8, severely limiting access to information amid escalating violence. Protests began on December 28 after the sudden collapse of Iran's national currency and have since spread to at least 46 cities across the country. Dozens of people, including at least five children, have reportedly been killed, and many more injured. Iran's parliament also reported security forces fatalities.
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