Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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173. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has communicated Ireland's concern at the disturbing events in Iran in which authorities are repressing peaceful protest against the Iranian Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47696/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in Iran after her arrest for allegedly violating dress code regulations.

On 21 September I met with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amirabdollahian at the UN General Assembly High Level Week in New York. I relayed to him my deep concerns regarding the circumstances of Ms Amini’s detention and death. I urge Iran to immediately conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of Ms Amini’s death.

I commend the women and men of Iran who have exercised their fundamental right to assemble and protest. The response of the Iranian security and police forces to demonstrations has been disproportionate and resulted in the loss of lives as well as a large number of injuries. The use of force against nonviolent protestors is unjustifiable and unacceptable. People in Iran have the right to peaceful protest. That right must be ensured in all circumstances.

The decision to severely restrict internet access by the relevant Iranian authorities and to block instant messaging platforms is a further cause for concern, as it blatantly violates freedom of expression.

Iran is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). We call on the Iranian authorities to strictly abide by the principles enshrined in the ICCPR, including the right of peaceful assembly.

Ireland along with our fellow European Union member states will consider all options at our disposal to respond to the death of Masha Amini and to the actions of the Iranian authorities against the protestors.