Paris: France and 25 other countries along with the European Union's foreign policy chief have condemned Iran's ongoing execution of protesters and the utilization of the death penalty. The condemnation, issued on Wednesday, highlights the group's strong opposition to Iran's actions in suppressing dissent through capital punishment.

According to TRTworld.com, the French Foreign Ministry released a statement underscoring that the use of the death penalty to quell dissidents, intimidate communities, and penalize individuals for exercising their fundamental rights is indefensible. The signatories of the statement emphasized the necessity for the Iranian people to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of retribution.

The statement urged the Iranian regime to cease the use of the death penalty immediately and to release those who have been arbitrarily detained. It also called for Iran to heed the demands of its populace, who are advocating for change, and to adopt measures ensuring the respect for human rights.

Countries including France, Canada, Germany, Australia, Denmark, Spain, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, and the UK, alongside EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, endorsed the statement. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused these nations of hypocrisy regarding their stance on human rights and international law. Araghchi criticized countries like France for their perceived double standards, particularly referencing support for actions in Gaza and against Iran, asserting this undermines their moral authority.