After Foreign Minister Baerbock, Chancellor Scholz is also clearly behind the demonstrators in Iran. That doesn’t suit the leadership in Tehran at all. According to the chancellor’s critical statements, Iran “recommends that the federal government find its way back to prudence.”
Tehran has sharply criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his comments on Iran and warned Berlin of “long-term damage”. “The German Chancellor’s remarks were provocative, meddling and undiplomatic,” said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani. Sabotage a historical relationship could cause “long-term damage,” so Berlin should act more responsibly and respectfully toward Iran. “We recommend that the federal government return to prudence in order to avoid further confusion in bilateral relations,” the spokesman said, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry website.
Scholz had sharply criticized the Iranian leadership in view of the serious human rights violations in the country. “What kind of government are you that shoots at your own citizens? Anyone who acts like this must count on our resistance,” he said in his video podcast published on Saturday. He also called for EU sanctions against the leadership in Iran. “We want to further increase the pressure on the Revolutionary Guards and the political leadership,” said Scholz in his video podcast “Kanzler compact”.
Scholz also announced further sanctions. “Further sanctions are to be added next week. We support the collection of evidence so that the perpetrators can be held accountable,” added the Chancellor. The Iranian foreign minister had previously threatened that Germany would have to face consequences for its position. The federal government is also pushing for a special session of the UN Human Rights Council. “It’s always about solving the crimes of the Iranian regime.” The government alone is responsible for the “explosion of violence” in Iran.
Scholz thus sided more clearly than before with the demonstrators in Iran, who are protesting against repression and violence by the Islamic system of rule. Taking off headscarves, for example, has become a symbol. He demanded an immediate end to the violence and the release of political prisoners and imprisoned journalists. “But I say to the demonstrators and the citizens with Iranian roots here: We stand for everything you demand – for human rights and women’s rights. We stand with the Iranian people,” emphasized the SPD politician .
The nationwide protests in Iran were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. The Kurd died in police custody on September 16. The so-called morality police had arrested her because she is said to have violated Islamic dress codes. So far, more than 300 people are said to have been killed in the protests.
