Brussels: Europe and  Arabs

A statement issued by the Office of the High Coordinator for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell said in Brussels on Sunday that:
Over the past week, following Mahsa Amini's mistreatment by police and her death in custody, women and men across Iran have exercised their basic right to assemble and protest.
An increasing number of reports indicate that despite repeated calls for restraint, the response of Iranian security forces and police to the demonstrations has been disproportionate and has led to loss of life as well as a large number of injuries. The decision to impose severe restrictions on internet access by the relevant Iranian authorities and ban instant messaging platforms is an additional cause for concern, as it flagrantly violates freedom of expression.
For the European Union and its member states, the widespread and disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters is unjustified and unacceptable. People in Iran, as elsewhere, have the right to peaceful protest. This right must be guaranteed in all circumstances.
The European Union and its member states urge the Iranian authorities to strictly adhere to the principles enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a party. Therefore, we expect Iran to immediately halt the violent crackdown on protests and ensure access to the Internet, as well as the free flow of information. Furthermore, we expect Iran to clarify the number of deaths and arrests, release all peaceful protesters and provide due process for all detainees. Moreover, Mahsa Amini's murder must be investigated properly and anyone found responsible for her death to be held accountable. We take note of the statement of the President of Iran in this regard.

The European Union will continue to consider all options available to it before the next Foreign Affairs Council, to address the killing of Mahsa Amini, and how the Iranian security forces will respond to the demonstrations that followed.