German chancellor condemns Iran crackdown as regime weakness

Tuesday 13 January 2026 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

German chancellor condemns Iran crackdown as regime weakness

Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor, labeled the Iranian regime's crackdown on protesters as disproportionate and brutal, a clear indicator of the rulers' frailty. Speaking on January 12 during a visit to India, Merz highlighted how daily protests draw growing numbers from all walks of life, peacefully demanding freedom and improved conditions. He affirmed their right to demonstrate and praised their courage against the regime's violent security forces.

Merz urged Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to safeguard citizens rather than menace them, stressing that Tehran's violence signals weakness, not power. The regime severed nationwide internet access on the evening of January 8, shortly after demonstrations began. Human rights groups report a sharp escalation in repression following the blackout.

Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, told Politico on January 12 that the bloc eyes fresh sanctions against Iran for its brutal handling of protesters. She noted existing penalties over human rights abuses, nuclear pursuits, and backing for Russia's Ukraine invasion marking her as the highest EU voice on this protest wave.

Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, said Brussels tracks Iran closely, while European Parliament president Roberta Metsola called for Europe to act responsibly. Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin decried the deadly suppression that has killed hundreds. Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof echoed demands to halt the violence.

UN Watch pushed for an emergency UN session on Iran's protester crackdown. Regime officials, including Khamenei who on January 9 dubbed demonstrators foreign mercenaries and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who denied responsibility while blaming armed terrorists, have deflected blame onto external foes like the US and Israel.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the European Parliament's defense committee, backed Iran's people and insisted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) join the EU's terrorist list without delay. She dismissed past hurdles, citing ample evidence for the feasible step.