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UN Secretary-General Expresses Horror at the Level of Violence by the Islamic Republic Against Protesters

Feb 13, 2026 February 13, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

The UN Secretary-General has condemned the violence against protesters in Iran and called for the restoration of communications and respect for citizens' rights. This statement highlights the ongoing unrest in Iran, where many have been killed or injured amid crackdowns on dissent. The situation is critical as it reflects the broader struggle for human rights in the country.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The UN's condemnation of violence in Iran underscores the critical human rights issues facing the country amid ongoing protests.

👥 Key Players

Antonio Guterres MENTIONED
UN Secretary-General
"As the head of the United Nations, he plays a crucial role in addressing international human rights issues and promoting global peace."
Islamic Republic of Iran MENTIONED
Current governing authority in Iran
"The Iranian government is responsible for domestic policies and the treatment of its citizens, especially regarding protests and dissent."

📰 What Happened

The UN Secretary-General condemned the Iranian government's violent response to protests and called for the restoration of communication services. He emphasized the need for the Iranian authorities to respect citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and expression.

  • Reports indicate excessive use of force by Iranian authorities against protesters.
  • Internet and mobile communications have been cut off since January 8, limiting access to information.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: The situation highlights the struggle for human rights and the government's approach to dissent, which could impact its legitimacy and stability.
🌍 Regional: Increased unrest in Iran could influence neighboring countries and regional stability, especially regarding issues of governance and human rights.
🌐 International: The international community is closely monitoring Iran's human rights record, which could affect diplomatic relations and sanctions.

📚 Background

Iran has a history of protests against government policies, often met with violent crackdowns. The current unrest reflects deep-seated grievances among citizens regarding political repression and economic hardship.

Human rights in Iran Internet censorship and freedom of expression
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The UN is generally considered a neutral entity, but its statements can reflect broader geopolitical interests and pressures.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations expressed horror at reports of violence and excessive use of force against protesters in Iran, urging the authorities of the Islamic Republic to exercise restraint and restore internet and mobile communications as soon as possible. According to the spokesperson for Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General emphasized that all citizens of Iran should be able to express their grievances peacefully and without fear, and that their fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful association, must be fully respected in accordance with international law. The statement also called on Iranian officials to refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force and to take immediate actions to ensure free access to information, including restoring communications. This position comes as internet and mobile networks have been cut off since the evening of January 8, and as unrest spreads, citizens' access to information has been severely restricted. Many lives have been lost during these protests, and many others have been injured.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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