AFP, Brussels, Feb 11, 2010  – EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton on Thursday expressed support for protestors calling for democracy and human rights in Iran, accusing Tehran of letting its citizens down.
’On the anniversary of the Islamic revolution, which for many in Iran should symbolise progress in fundamental freedoms and rights, the European Union notes with great concern that a large number of Iranians have been prevented for expressing their views,’ she said in a statement.
’The determination shown by protestors on Iran’s streets clearly demonstrates the strength of their desire for democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms. The EU reiterates its support for them,’ she said.
’The choices this regime is making vis-a-vis its people and the international community are the wrong ones.
No amount of inflated rhetoric can hide that. The regime is letting its own people down; and they deserve better.’
Iranian Opposition leaders Mohammad Khatami and Mehdi Karroubi came under attack and their supporters clashed with police as vast crowds massed in Tehran on Thursday to mark the 1979 Islamic revolution.
The elite Revolutionary Guards and police had warned they would crack down heavily on any protests which, since they first erupted last June, have threatened the very pillars of the Islamic regime and split the senior clergy.
Ashton said the EU was concerned ’by reports that Opposition leaders have been subjected to violence and intimidation and may have been arrested.
’The scenes of violent repression today are part of a pattern over the past few months. Violent crackdowns on those calling for the fundamental right to freedom of expression and assembly have cost the regime the trust of its own people, as well as that of the international community,’ added.