This was stated by UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric in a briefing with journalists in New York on Monday.
News reports cited videos posted online on Monday showing demonstrations in Tehran and the city of Yasuj, while demonstrations took place in a large majority of Iranian provinces last week, according to human rights activists.
Deaths and injuries
Human rights groups also report that at least 20 people have been killed – including three children – and hundreds have been arrested, including minors, amid a crackdown by security forces.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that his country would come to the “rescue” of protesters if the Iranian government continued to authorize the use of lethal force against them. “We are locked, loaded and ready to go,” he posted.
Iran responded by writing to the UN Secretary General and Security Councilasking them to condemn “illegal threats” towards Tehran.
Avoid more victims
Responding to questions during the regular Monday briefing, Dujarric said UN chief António Guterres stressed the need to prevent further casualties during the protests.
“It also calls on the authorities to respect the right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. All people must be allowed to peacefully protest and express their grievances.”
Guterres emphasized the importance of all actors in Iran and the broader region “refraining from actions that could increase tensions and contribute to instability.”
