Ukraine is closely following the developments in Iran and the mass protests that testify to the Iranian people's aspiration for freedom, dignity, and a better future.

We strongly condemn the repression of the Iranian authorities against their own people, the unprecedented increase in the number of deaths and injuries among the participants of the protests. This is a gross violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

The use of violence and cruel methods of suppressing protests undermine the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law.

We call on the Iranian authorities to abandon forceful methods, respect the right of citizens to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of speech, and fulfill the legitimate demands of their own people. Violence against defenseless protesters must be stopped immediately.

History convincingly demonstrates that regimes that ignore the needs and suffering of their citizens inevitably bear political, legal, and moral responsibility for their actions.

 We reiterate our call on the international community to increase political, diplomatic and other pressure on Tehran in response to violence and oppression.