ISTANBUL

The EU Council on Friday condemned the “use of violence, arbitrary detention” in protests in Iran, according to a statement.

“The EU expresses its solidarity with the Iranian people as they voice their legitimate aspiration for a better life, freedom and dignity. We follow closely and with great concern the reports on casualties and condemn the use of violence, arbitrary detention, and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators,” it said on its website.

“All individuals unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental rights must be released immediately. We urge Iranian authorities to adhere to Iran's international obligations and fully uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. We also call for ensuring the right of access to information, including by restoring access to the internet for all,” it added.

Iran has seen waves of protests since late December because of a steep decline in the value of the Iranian rial and deteriorating economic conditions.

The demonstrations started Dec. 28 near Tehran's Grand Bazaar and later expanded to several cities. The country has been offline for more than 12 hours, according to internet watchdog NetBlocks.

Iranian officials have not released official casualty statistics. On Thursday, however, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said 2,277 people had been arrested, dozens injured, and 42 killed, including eight security personnel.

Eight members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in Thursday’s protests in the western city of Kermanshah, said media reports.

News of the killing of members of the high-profile force was posted Friday by Al Jazeera on US social media company X, citing the Fars News Agency.

Iran has accused the US and Israel of fomenting the unrest, with officials warning Friday that security forces and the judiciary "will show no tolerance whatsoever toward saboteurs."