US condemns Iranian response to Baluchistan protests
The southeastern province is experiencing angry protests after Iranian security forces shot dead fuel smugglers.
The US State Department has condemned Iran's government for the violence in the southeast Baluchistan region. The statement comes at a time of high tensions between the two countries.
On Thursday, the department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs called on Iran to show restraint in the area.
“Deeply concerning reports of internet outages & government violence against fuel carriers & protestors in Iran's Sistan & Baluchestan province. We call upon Iran to uphold its commitments to human rights & fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression & peaceful assembly,” the department tweeted.
The situation in the Sistan-Baluchistan province began when members of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps opened fire on unemployed locals who were bringing untaxed fuel to Pakistan to earn money. This led to outrage and protesters storming state institutions throughout the province. Both demonstrators and Iranian security officers have been killed. Authorities also cut internet access in the area.
