German Chancellor: The Suppression of Protesters Is a Sign of the Iranian Regime’s Weakness

European Leaders Condemn Violence and Call for IRGC Terrorist Designation Amid Nationwide Crackdown

Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, described the Iranian regime’s repressive actions against protesters as disproportionate and brutal, emphasizing that adopting such an approach reflects the weakness of the ruling authorities.

Merz said on Monday, January 12, during his visit to India, that since the start of protests across Iran, more people from all segments of society have been taking to the streets every day, peacefully demonstrating in pursuit of freedom and a better life.

He added that this is not only their undeniable right, but that the courage with which these people resist the disproportionate and brutal violence of Iran’s security forces deserves the highest respect and recognition.

The German Chancellor called on Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of the Iranian regime, to protect his own people instead of threatening them.

He said that we strongly condemn the violence that the ruling authorities in Tehran are using against their own people, adding that this violence is not a sign of strength, but rather a sign of weakness.

Shortly after the start of the demonstrations on the evening of January 8, the Iranian regime completely shut down the internet across Iran.

Reports from Iran and statements by human rights organizations indicate that the widespread crackdown on protesters, especially after the internet shutdown, has intensified.

European Union ready to impose new sanctions

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, said on January 12 in an interview with Politico magazine that the bloc is considering the possibility of imposing new sanctions against the Iranian regime in response to the brutal suppression of protesters in Iran.

She stressed that the European Union has already imposed extensive sanctions on Iran over human rights violations, nuclear activities, and Tehran’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.

These remarks are considered the strongest stance taken by a senior European Union official regarding the latest wave of repression of protests in Iran.

Earlier, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said Brussels is monitoring developments in Iran, and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, stated that Europe must understand its responsibility in this regard and take action.

Reactions of European leaders

Micheál Martin, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland, also on January 12 strongly condemned the savage and violent suppression of protesters in Iran, which has left hundreds of dead.

Dick Schoof, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, also condemned the crackdown on protesters in Iran and said that the Netherlands is calling on the Iranian regime to stop the violence.

The nongovernmental organization UN Watch, referring to the Iranian regime’s suppression of protesters, called for an emergency United Nations meeting on Iran.

Ali Khamenei, the dictator in Tehran, and other officials of the Iranian regime have in recent days attempted to attribute the Iranian people’s national revolution to “enemies” as well as to the United States and Israel. On January 9, Khamenei called the protesters “foreign mercenaries” and emphasized the continuation of the crackdown on the people.

Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of the Iranian regime, on January 12 reiterated the positions of other regime officials, denied the Iranian regime’s role in the killing of protesters, and said that armed terrorists had fired at security forces, police, and civilians.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the European Parliament’s defense committee, on January 12 expressed support for the people of Iran and emphasized that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps must be placed on the European Union’s list of terrorist organizations at the fastest possible time.

She said that the fact such a step has not yet been taken is a major failure, adding that contrary to previous claims, this move is entirely feasible and that sufficient evidence and documentation clearly exist.