Paris, Aug. 13 (SANA) More than 30 countries, including France and Britain, along with the European Union, condemned Iran over what they described as the continued “executions of protesters” detained in connection with demonstrations that swept the country several months ago.
“The use of the ultimate punishment to silence criticism, intimidate communities and punish those exercising their fundamental rights can never be justified,” the countries said in a joint statement cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The signatories called on Tehran to immediately halt executions and release all those they said had been arbitrarily detained. They also urged Iranian authorities to “listen to the voice of its people calling for change.”
The statement was initially backed by 26 parties, including France, Britain, Canada and Australia. The French Foreign Ministry later told AFP that additional countries had joined, bringing the number of signatories to 32.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot accused the Iranian authorities of intensifying executions following months of unrest.
“After months of mass crimes committed against the Iranian people who rose up to demand justice and dignity, the regime continues to shed blood by stepping up executions,” Barrot said in a post on X.
He called for an end to what he described as “unacceptable and inhumane repression,” accountability for those responsible and the release of political prisoners.
Barrot also said Iranians should be able to freely determine their future and have their fundamental rights respected.
The United Nations last week expressed concern over a rise in executions in Iran since March, following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli-Iranian war.
T.S /ABD
