Netherlands summons Iranian ambassador after executions of protesters

Amsterdam, Dec 15, (dpa/GNA) – The Netherlands is summoning the Iranian ambassador, after Iran executed two anti-regime demonstrators who had been sentenced to death.

Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra, made the announcement on Thursday, following a parliamentary motion, the ANP news agency reported.

“We all see the terrible things that are happening there,” Hoekstra said. “Brave women and men taking to the streets, and at the same time a very harsh crackdown by the regime, with the most horrible stories, up to and including executions of protesters. This is absolutely unacceptable.”

Hoekstra wants to ask the ambassador for an explanation and also, to “express disgust at what is happening in Iran.”

The minister also spoke out in favour of tougher sanctions on Iran, without specifying them. A spokesman for the ministry, said they wanted to prevent those hit by sanctions from anticipating them and getting their money out of the country in advance, for example.

The nationwide protests in Iran, were triggered by the death of the 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. She died in police custody on September 16, after being arrested by the morality police, for violating strict Islamic dress codes.

Since her death, tens of thousands have been demonstrating across the country against the government’s repressive policies, and the strict Islamic ruling system.
GNA