Mahsa Amini: UK summons Iran's top diplomat in Britain over ruthless crackdown on protesters

Britain's foreign ministry on Monday said it had summoned the Iranian charge d’affaires, Iran’s most senior diplomat in Britain, over the crackdown on protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody.

"The violence levelled at protesters in Iran by the security forces is truly shocking," British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said.

"Today we have made our view clear to the Iranian authorities – instead of blaming external actors for the unrest, they should take responsibility for their actions and listen to the concerns of their people." 

Mahsa Amini, 22, died after she was arrested by Tehran's so-called morality police last month. She was taken to a police station for allegedly violating strict codes on women's clothing. 

Amini fell into a coma and died just days after her arrest. Eyewitnesses said she was beaten inside the police van and at the police station.  

Her death has prompted thousands in Iran to take to the streets. Demands for accountability over the 22-year-old's death have morphed into a wider movement challenging the authority of the state. 

At the K.N. Toosi University of Technology in Tehran, students are also protesting today. They sing a variation of an old revolutionary song and chant against the police. #MahsaAmini #IranRevolution#مهسا_امینیpic.twitter.com/nVciikKZrT

— Iran Human Rights (IHR NGO) (@IHRights) October 3, 2022

At least 83 protesters have been killed in nearly two weeks of demonstrations, according to rights groups. 

28 journalists are confirmed to have been arrested, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. 

[Reuters]