UK, Canada express concern over protests in Iran

By Sorwar Alam

ANKARA

The United Kingdom and Canada on Sunday expressed concern over the ongoing demonstrations in Iran, and urged the Iranian government to "respect democratic and human rights".

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson tweeted: “Watching events in Iran with concern. Vital that citizens should have the right to demonstrate peacefully.”

The Global Affairs Canada, a department in the government of Canada that manages diplomatic and consular relations, said in the country was “closely monitoring ongoing protests in Iran.

“Canada is encouraged by the Iranian people who are exercising their basic right to protest peacefully.”

The statement also called “on the Iranian authorities to uphold and respect democratic and human rights."

“Canada will continue to support the fundamental rights of Iranians, including the right to freedom of expression.”

Thousands of Iranians hit the streets in northeastern cities on Thursday to protest against rising commodity prices and perceived government mismanagement. The protest then turned into a nationwide anti-government demonstration.

The Iranian Students News Agency quoted Mashhad Governor Mohammad Rahim Norouzian as saying that police had eventually dispersed the protests, while more than 50 demonstrators had been taken into custody.