EU Urges Iran to Respect Right to Protest Peacefully

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton urged Iran on Tuesday to refrain from using force against protesters and to respect the right to demonstrate peacefully.

Ashton "is closely following the events taking place in Iran, notably the apparent restrictions placed on the freedom of movement of certain members of the opposition and the protests taking place on the streets today," her office said in a statement.

"She calls on the Iranian authorities to fully respect and protect the rights of their citizens, including freedom of expression and the right to assemble peacefully, These are fundamental rights which need to be fully respected," it said.

"She calls on the Iranian authorities to refrain from the use of force against peaceful demonstrators."