Spain summons Iran’s ambassador to condemn a violent crackdown on protests, demanding respect for peaceful assembly and an end to arbitrary arrests.
MADRID: Spain summoned Iran’s ambassador to Madrid on Tuesday to express its “strong repudiation and condemnation” of a violent crackdown on protests.
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the right of Iranians to peaceful protest and freedom of expression must be respected.
“The right of Iranian men and women to peaceful protest, their freedom of expression, must be respected,” Albares told Catalunya Radio.
He demanded that “arbitrary arrests must cease”.
Albares added that Iran must return to dialogue and that Spain would emphasise the rights of women.
Rights groups say an internet blackout across Iran has masked the repression of the weeks-long demonstrations.
This has made it difficult to independently verify reports of violence.
The groups have warned that thousands have been injured.
They also say the death toll, which they claim is in the hundreds, could be vastly underestimated.
Iranian authorities have blamed foreign interference for the protests.
The demonstrations began on economic grounds but have evolved into a major challenge to the theocratic system.
This system has ruled Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution ousted the shah.