United Nations: Shocked by the violence and excessive use of force against demonstrators in Iran

United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement attributed to him issued on Sunday that all Iranians should be able to express their grievances peacefully and without fear, and that the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as stipulated in international law, must be fully respected and protected.

He added that the Secretary-General of the United Nations urges the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.

Dujarric also said that the Secretary-General urges steps to provide access to information in the country, including restoring communications.