Von der Leyen criticizes Iran’s response to protests

Anti-government demonstrations persisted on Saturday, with reports indicating overwhelmed hospitals and a call from the Iranian military for citizens to prevent “enemy plots.” The demonstrations began following the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody of the morality police.

Casualty and Arrest Figures

Human Rights Activists in Iran reported that at least 65 people had been killed as of Friday, with 2,311 individuals arrested and protests recorded in 512 locations across 180 cities. Time magazine reported Friday that more than 200 people have died in the protests. A Western diplomat, speaking to POLITICO, stated that reports of higher death tolls from NGOs were considered credible. An exiled opposition group, the NCRI, suggested the actual death toll was likely higher than officially confirmed, based on initial assessments of casualties in smaller Iranian towns.

International Reactions

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Saturday evening called for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be designated as a terrorist organization and for additional sanctions to be imposed on the Iranian regime. She stated that those participating in protests and political prisoners require more than just verbal support, and that the European Union could take action through such designations and sanctions.

Metsola previously expressed support for the protesters on Thursday, which resulted in a rebuke from the Iranian Mission to the EU. The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, described any violence against protesters as unacceptable. Other members of the European Parliament, including Hannah Neumann, chair of the Parliament’s delegation for relations with Tehran, characterized the protests as a “breaking point” for Iran.