German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has predicted an imminent end to the current leadership in Iran as mass protests in major cities enter the third week
Speaking on Tuesday during his visit to India, Merz noted that any government that can only keep itself in power by force “is effectively at the end.”
“We are now seeing the final days and weeks of this regime,” the German leader said. ” The population is now rising up against this regime.”
Merz, however, revealed that the European Union is working on additional sanctions against Iran in response to the vicious crackdown on demonstrators.
In a post on X, the Chancellor told the Iranian leadership to protect its people, saying the violence against them “is not an expression of strength, but of weakness.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said he was horrified by the attacks by Iranian security forces, citing reports indicating hundreds have been killed.
Demanding accountability for the serious violations, he urged Iranian authorities to halt violence and repression and restore full access to the internet and telecommunication services.
The UN says the shutdown affects rights to freedom of expression and access to information, obstructs independent monitoring, and disrupts emergency and lifesaving services.
“The killing of peaceful demonstrators must stop, and the labeling of protesters as ‘terrorists’ to justify violence against them is unacceptable,” Türk stated.
The Commissioner called for the investigation of killings and abuses in line with international human rights standards, as well as the prosecution of those responsible.
Türk further decried some judicial officials’ comments pointing to the possibility of the death penalty being used against protesters through expedited judicial proceedings.
“The cycle of horrific violence cannot continue,” Turk emphasized, adding that the Iranian people and their demands for fairness, equality, and justice must be heard.