In her publication, she noted: "The streets of Tehran and other cities around the world reflect the voices of Iranian women and men fighting for freedom - freedom of speech, assembly, movement, and, above all, the right to live freely." The President of the European Commission called for the immediate release of all detained protesters, restoration of internet access, and adherence to fundamental human rights.
Protests in Iran began on December 28, 2025, when merchants at the main bazaar in Tehran closed their shops in protest against the deteriorating economic situation. Soon, the protests spread to other major cities in the country.
On December 30, the first clashes between protesters and police became known, during which tear gas was used. Over time, the protests became political, with slogans against the country's spiritual leader Ali Khamenei.
The situation continued to worsen, and the protests escalated into mass riots. According to Tehran's mayor Alireza Zakani, more than 50 banks, several government institutions, and over 30 mosques were set on fire on the night of January 9.
In response to the situation, the authorities increased control on the streets and restricted internet access. According to the human rights agency HRANA, as of January 9, the death toll during the protests was at least 65 people, including 50 demonstrators and 15 security personnel, with more than 2,300 people detained.
The peak of the violence occurred on the evening of January 8, when, according to available data, at least 11 civilians, including a child, and several law enforcement officials, including the prosecutor of the city of Esfarayen, were killed.
Ali Khamenei previously described the protesters as "instigators," claiming that they harm the country.
