Tehran:Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, has criticized France for allegedly applying a double standard to protests occurring in Iran and France, emphasizing the universality of human rights and the right to protest.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei highlighted a past instance from January 2026 when France urged Iran to protect the right to peaceful protests without fear of reprisals and to show restraint in its response. Despite foreign calls for revolt and reports of attacks on Iranian security forces, France's Foreign Minister labeled the situation a 'peaceful revolt.'

Baqaei contrasted this with France's current stance on student protests within its own borders, which have been described as 'urban violence.' He noted that the French Interior Minister has been advocating for quick intervention and the use of force to maintain order, citing concerns about 'political manipulation' and the influence of far-left groups.

He pointed out that while violence, arson, and vandalism cannot be condoned, and the government must maintain public order, the inconsistency arises in the differing interpretations of similar actions depending on their location. Baqaei stressed that if human rights and the right to demonstrate are truly universal principles, their application should not vary based on geography.