G-7 calls on Iran to release detained protesters, human rights defenders

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - The Group of Seven countries urged Iran on Friday to stop the repression of protesters and release those that have been detained in recent weeks.

"We further condemn the brutal and disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters and children. We urge Iranian authorities to honor their international obligations under international law," the foreign ministers of the world's major economies said in a joint statement after their meeting in the German city of Muenster.

"We also call on the Iranian authorities to release unjustly detained prisoners, including recently arrested protesters, children, journalists, and human rights defenders, and ensure accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses," the ministers said.

Iran has been rocked by protests since mid-September after the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the country's morality police for allegedly violating the Islamic dress code.