Slovenia also condemns executions of protesters in Iran

Over 30 countries, including Slovenia, have condemned Iran's execution of protesters in a joint statement released on Wednesday. The European Union and more than 30 nations strongly criticized the use of the death penalty against demonstrators and called for an end to arbitrary detentions, torture, and intimidation tactics used by the Iranian regime against its own citizens. The statement, which was shared via reports from French news agency AFP, was signed by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and foreign ministers from over 30 countries, including several European states, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It explicitly denounced the killing of protesters, the use of violence, and the suppression of peaceful assembly. The document urged the Iranian government to protect its population, ensure freedom of expression, and allow peaceful gatherings without fear of reprisals. Slovenia joined the condemnation, with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs posting a message on social media platform X confirming its participation in the statement. The statement emphasized that the Iranian authorities must immediately cease using the death penalty and release all arbitrarily detained individuals. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi has rejected the criticism and the statement. In a post on X, he accused Western nations, particularly France, of hypocrisy in discussing human rights and international law. He described such actions as “obvious disgrace” and claimed that their support for Israel’s actions in Gaza and attacks on Iran had undermined any moral superiority they might claim. Aragchi further stated that these accusations were unfounded and highlighted the perceived double standards of Western powers. His comments reflect a broader pattern of Iranian officials dismissing international calls for reform and emphasizing national sovereignty in matters of governance and security. Concerns over the increasing number of executions of protesters in Iran have been raised by the United Nations. Last week, the UN warned that at least 56 protesters have been executed in the country since the beginning of the year. This surge in executions followed attacks by the US and Israel on February 28, which marked the start of the conflict on the Middle East. The escalation in violence has led to heightened tensions in the region, with both sides accusing each other of disproportionate force. The UN’s warning underscores growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Iran, especially regarding the treatment of political dissenters. The joint condemnation by over 30 countries reflects a coordinated effort to pressure Iran into halting its use of capital punishment against civilians. While diplomatic efforts continue, the response from Iranian officials suggests a deepening divide between the West and Tehran. As the situation evolves, the international community will likely monitor how Iran responds to these calls for accountability.