(Adnkronos) – If “a mass extermination of 20,000 protesters” takes place in Iran “someone” must intervene, Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani stated as nationwide anti-government demonstrations enter their 18th day.
“If there is a mass extermination of 20,000 people, someone has to intervene. The problem is serious and must be addressed,” Tajani told Italy’s Rete4 TV channel.
Tajani summoned Iran’s ambassador on Tuesday to convey Italy’s condemnation of the repression of anti-government protesters, he said.
“The problem is a serious and must be tackled. I hope that all can be resolved through dialogue,” Tajani stated.
Over 2,000 people have been killed during the violent crackdown by security forces on protests in Iran according to an official, but the death toll is feared to be much higher.
Iranian state television has acknowledged reports of a high death toll during nationwide protests, quoting the head of the Martyrs Foundation as saying “armed and terrorist groups” are to blame.
Iran International television claims more than 12,000 people have been killed in the protests, the Iran Human Rights NGO said on Tuesday.
An internet blackout imposed by Iran’s hardline clerical authorities on 8 January hampered independent verification of the numbers of protesters killed and injured in the crackdown, Iran Human Rights reported.
US president Donald Trump has vowed to take “very strong” action is Iran’s clerical authorities execute protesters. Iran has warned neighbouring countries hosting US troops that it could strike American bases if Washington intervenes over the protests, a senior official told Reuters, the agency reported on Wednesday.
