TEHRAN — In response to the interventionist positions of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Berlin’s ambassador in Tehran was summoned on Thursday to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Bagheri Kani referred to the statements of some German officials, including Baerbock, in inciting riots in Iran, describing such irresponsible positions as contrary to the rules and principles of international law and inconsistent with the tradition of relations between the two countries.

In remarks on October 26, Baerbock claimed, “The human rights situation in Iran is deteriorating day by day, with the security forces taking increasingly brutal action against the women and men on the streets, who are demanding nothing more than their universal human rights. Over 13,000 people are said to have been detained and over 250 shot or beaten to death. The systematic oppression of women and ethnic, religious and sexual minorities in Iran is nothing new, but it is currently reaching unprecedented levels.”

The Iranian deputy foreign minister deemed these remarks as unacceptable.

Emphasizing Iran's commitment to observing human rights, including the right to peaceful gathering and demonstrations, the deputy foreign minister said the illegal intervention of some Western countries turned peaceful protests to riots. 

Violence and law-breaking actions that disturb public order and security of citizens are in contrast with peaceful demonstrations, he added. 

“Unfortunately, some European countries, contrary to their international commitments in fighting terrorism and fighting hatred, have become safe havens for terrorist groups and media that are systematically producing violent content and teaching riotous actions,” Bagheri Kani lamented. 

Referring to the inhumane consequences of the brutal unilateral sanctions on Iran, the deputy foreign minister said the perpetrators are considered the violators of the rights of the Iranian nation.

Bagheri also referred to the terrorist the Wednesday attack by Takfiri operatives on pilgrims in the Shah-e-Cheragh shrine in Shiraz, saying such terrorist actions are in line with the violent and anarchic movements that, unfortunately, some European and American countries have supported and promoted.

At the end of the meeting, the deputy foreign minister emphasized that Iran, based on political rationality and relying on the principles of honor, wisdom and expediency, values relations based on respect and mutual benefits with other countries, but it won’t tolerate interference in its internal affairs and support for violent and terrorist movements.

In response, the German ambassador stated that he will convey the opinions of the Iranian side to the relevant authorities in Berlin.