“I am dismayed that people who are peacefully demonstrating are being killed in the protests in Iran,” the Chancellor continued. “We condemn the disproportionate use of force by the security forces and stand by the people of Iran.”
Iran described the plan to impose sanctions on the Revolutionary Guards as “illegal”. The Revolutionary Guards are the official military organ of the Islamic Republic, a spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday. Germany’s decision to punish the Guard – should such a measure be taken – is “a continuation of Berlin’s irresponsible and unconstructive actions” against Tehran.
There have been nationwide protests in Iran for six weeks, triggered by the death of a young woman after being arrested by the so-called vice squad.
According to the Norway-based human rights organization Iran Human Rights (IHR), at least 160 demonstrators have died in the protests so far. According to AFP counts, 28 members of security forces were also killed.
A spokeswoman for the Federal Foreign Office said in Berlin that the number of German citizens currently being held in Iran is “in the mid-single-digit range.” German diplomats sought consular support on site. Overall, the situation in Iran is currently “confusing,” said the spokeswoman.
