Helen McEntee TD says she is deeply concerned about reports of “repression of peaceful protesters” in Iran.
Protests against the Iranian government have been growing in recent weeks.
In December there were reports that Iran was close to economic collapse with many people without access to electricity and regular water supplies.
On Thursday the Iranian government cut off internet access and has pushed back against demonstators.
The NGO, Iran Human Rights, which is based in Norway, says it has been able to confirm the deaths of 192 people. But IHRNGO warns that the true number may be many more, possibly up to 2,000 people killed.
“I am deeply concerned by developments in Iran and reports of the repression of peaceful protesters”, said Ireland’s Foreign Minister, Helen McEntee.
“Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and access to information must be fully respected.
I call on the Iranian authorities to refrain from any further violence, to restore communications, engage with demonstrators about their grievances and to uphold the fundamental rights of all Iranians.
I am in contact with our Embassy in Tehran and with our EU partners.”
Speaking over the weekend, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the director of IHRNGO said:
“The killing of protesters over the past three days, particularly following the nationwide internet shutdown, may be even more extensive than we currently imagine.
The Islamic Republic is committing a major international crime against the people of Iran, and the international community is obligated, under international law, to use all available means to stop this crime.
US President Trump has warned that he might take military action against Iran if it continues to suppress the demonstrations.
The European Union is understood to be considering adding new sanctions against the Iranian regime.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media yesterday:
“As the repression intensifies, and the loss of innocent lives continue, we are monitoring the situation carefully. Europe stands with the people of Iran in their legitimate fight for freedom.”