Finnish President Urges Restraint from Iranian Authorities Amid Protests
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has made a heartfelt appeal to the Iranian government, urging officials to refrain from violence against their own citizens during a time of unrest.
Recent reports from the Finnish Embassy in Tehran indicate a worrying surge in the arbitrary arrests of foreign nationals, prompting concerns for the safety of Finnish citizens in the country. In light of these developments, the embassy issued a statement advising Finnish nationals to avoid protests and large gatherings, as these can swiftly escalate into violence.
In a poignant message shared on social media platform X, Stubb emphasized the need for the Iranian authorities to respect fundamental rights. “We urge the Iranian authorities to refrain from using violence against their own people and to uphold freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. Aggression must stop,” his post read. He further called for the release of all demonstrators unjustly detained in recent crackdowns.
The Finnish Embassy has also encouraged its citizens in Iran to stay informed through reliable news sources and to heed instructions from local authorities. Additionally, the embassy urged them to keep their loved ones updated on their safety.
In emergencies, the embassy reminded citizens to reach out to the Finnish foreign ministry’s emergency services for assistance.
The embassy’s statement made waves back home, first reported by the Finnish tabloid Ilta-Sanomat. This comes on the heels of widespread protests across Iran, fueled by a deepening economic crisis and growing discontent with the ruling regime.
According to independent sources and activists cited by the BBC, the government’s crackdown has turned deadly, with reports suggesting that hundreds of protesters have died. BBC footage from a morgue near Tehran reportedly shows 180 body bags, while the Human Rights Activist News Agency has verified 495 deaths among protesters and 48 security personnel.
In a stark warning, Iranian officials have threatened retaliation should the United States choose to escalate the situation further.
As the world watches, the call for peace and respect for human rights grows louder, resonating beyond national boundaries.