Germany urges Iran to respect ‘legitimate’ protests

Berlin urges Iran to respect the “legitimate” protests against a gas price hike and open talks with the demonstrators.

“It is legitimate and deserving of our respect when people courageously air their economic and political grievances, as is currently happening in Iran,” says Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer.

“The Iranian government should respond to the current protests with a willingness to engage in dialogue,” she tells a regular press conference, adding that Germany is following the events “with concern.”

“We urge the government in Tehran to respect freedom of assembly and expression,” she says.

The French foreign ministry separately says it is “closely following” the events in Iran.

France is reiterating the need “to respect freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest,” a foreign ministry spokeswoman says.

— AFP