Guterres condemns violence in Iran protests and internet shutdown
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres his deep shock at reports documenting the violent crackdown on protesters in Iran , and explicitly called on Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint. His remarks come as the country experiences a wave of unrest and popular protests, raising concerns within the international community and among human rights organizations worldwide.
United Nations statement and international position
In a statement released on Sunday, Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said that Guterres was following with grave concern reports of violence and excessive use of force by Iranian security forces against protesters. The statement stressed the need to respect fundamental human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and called on the authorities in Tehran to refrain from any unnecessary or disproportionate use of force and to work to de-escalate the situation rather than inflame it.
Digital blackout and internet shutdown
In parallel with the events on the ground, NetBlocks, a non-governmental organization specializing in monitoring cybersecurity and internet governance, reported continued internet outages in Iran. The organization explained via its X platform that network data showed a near-total nationwide internet blackout, a situation that has persisted for 48 hours, specifically since last Thursday. Internet shutdowns are a recurring tactic employed by authorities during times of crisis to restrict the flow of information and prevent protesters from organizing or documenting abuses and sharing them with the outside world.
Background of the protests and living conditions
These protests come within a broader context of popular discontent stemming from deteriorating living conditions and the economic situation in Iran. For years, the country has been grappling with a complex economic crisis, including high inflation, a plummeting currency, and the impact of international sanctions. These combined factors have fueled recurring protests in Iranian cities, where demonstrators demand economic reforms and improved public services, demands that often evolve to encompass political and human rights issues.
The importance of the event and its regional impact
This event is particularly significant given Iran's regional standing and the impact of its internal stability on its geographical surroundings. Continued violence against protesters could lead to further international isolation for Tehran and may provoke strong diplomatic responses from Western countries and international organizations. Furthermore, the recurrence of repression and communication blackouts places Iran's human rights record under constant international scrutiny, complicating any future diplomatic efforts by the Iranian government to improve its foreign relations or ease sanctions.
