EU countries have agreed on new sanctions against Iran over the violent crackdown on protesters after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, diplomats say. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously said it was “time” to impose sanctions on those responsible for “the oppression of women” in Iran. Compatriot and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock admired the struggle of “brave women” for their freedom (see video above).
As reported in diplomatic circles on Wednesday, EU foreign ministers will make an official decision on the sanctions at a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday.
At least 201 people, including 23 children, have been killed in protests in Iran in recent weeks, according to human rights groups. Eleven people were killed in the capital Tehran province, and 28 more in Mazandaran province.
The Iranian judiciary has launched an investigation into more than 120 participants in the mass protests in the country. 60 proceedings have been launched against protesters in the capital, Tehran province alone. Another 65 cases were reported from the southern province of Hormozgan. The suspects were arrested during the recent “riots,” the report said.
Most protesters who have been arrested do not yet have the right to a lawyer. Even their families are not informed about the whereabouts of those arrested.
Video: Is a revolution imminent in Iran?
Lawyers also arrested
At least three lawyers were arrested on Wednesday. As Iran’s daily “Shargh” reported, there were clashes during a protest rally for the bar association in Tehran, where the lack of legal advice for the arrested protesters was sharply criticized. Police used tear gas against the lawyers and arrested at least three of them, according to media reports. It is not yet clear what will happen to the lawyers.
Internet restricted: business with illegal VPN apps is booming
According to observers, the internet has recently been massively curtailed by the protests in the country. The internet hasn’t worked on mobile phones for weeks – and otherwise only local websites are available. As a result, the country is also thriving with pirated VPN apps and software to bypass internet blocks and post information and videos about the protests on social media.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
