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Merz Condemns Iranian Regime's Violence Against Protesters

Published January 12, 2026, 14:16
Merz Condemns Iranian Regime's Violence Against Protesters

Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the violence of Iranian security forces against protesters as “disproportionate” and “brutal”. The statement comes after demonstrations of solidarity with the Iranian people took place in German cities. Merz praised the courage of the protesters who are peacefully demanding freedom in their country. The Deputy Government Spokesman Sebastian Heile reiterated the Chancellor's position but avoided commenting on possible actions by the German government or cooperation with the United States. The government is currently limited to calling on the Iranian government to protect the population. The Vice President of the Bundestag, Omid Nouripour, called for the classification of the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the freezing of Iranian assets in Europe. He emphasized the crisis experienced by the Iranian people due to inflation, economic collapse, and lack of political freedoms, which led to mass protests. From his side, the President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag, Armin Laschet, and the SPD spokesman for foreign policy, Adis Ahmetovic, also called for measures such as the suspension of deportations to Iran and the issuance of a “humanitarian visa” for those persecuted. China, on the other hand, called for “peace”.