Nicosia, Cyprus. The Iranian embassy in Nicosia has rejected allegations of a violent crackdown on protesters in Iran, describing recent unrest as a foreign-directed terrorist campaign and accusing demonstrators of amplifying misinformation.
Statement circulated after Cyprus protests
The embassy’s material was circulated to media outlets after the Cyprus Mail reported on protests staged by the Iranian diaspora in Cyprus, where demonstrators urged parliament to take a stand against Tehran and called for sanctions and international investigations into alleged human rights abuses.
Embassy claims unrest was co-opted by armed groups
In its response, the embassy said demonstrations that began in late December were initially economic in nature before being co-opted by armed groups it alleged were directed by foreign intelligence services. The statement referred to protesters as terrorists and instigators and said violence against civilians, including women and children, was carried out to provoke international intervention.
Accusations against the United States and Israel
The embassy attributed responsibility for the unrest to the United States and Israel, alleging the presence of Mossad agents on Iranian streets and citing public remarks by former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo as evidence of foreign coordination.
Claims of targeted sites and seized weapons
It said ambulances, mosques, banks and public buildings were systematically targeted, and that hundreds of weapons were seized from armed groups.
Disputed accounts of deaths and damage
Regarding reports of protesters being killed, the embassy said deaths were caused by terrorist atrocities. The statement included preliminary damage figures it said were compiled by Iranian authorities, and a document dividing events into four phases, culminating in what it called the restoration of public order and mass public rallies in support of the government.
Public sentiment and contrasting reports
According to the embassy, more than 80 per cent of Iranians wish to see unrest end, while a majority blame foreign interference rather than domestic grievances. The embassy’s account contrasts with claims by Iranian protesters in Cyprus, human rights organisations and international media, which have reported lethal force used against demonstrators, mass arrests, internet shutdowns and widespread intimidation.
What action, if any, should Cyprus’ parliament take in response to the competing claims about events in Iran?
