Germany urges Iran to respect 'legitimate' protests
November 18, 2019
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned of "decisive" action if unrest over a 50% fuel hike continues. At least two people have died in violent riots so far.
"It is legitimate and deserving of our respect when people courageously air their economic and political grievances, as is currently happening in Iran," Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer told reporters.
"The Iranian government should respond to the current protests with a willingness to engage in dialogue," she told a regular press conference, adding that Germany was following the events "with concern."
"We urge the government in Tehran to respect freedom of assembly and expression."
"If necessary we will take decisive and revolutionary action against any continued moves to disturb the people's peace and security," the Guards said.
While Iran's fuel prices are still among the lowest in the world, the hike comes on top of inflation, recession, and US sanctions, dealing a heavy blow to many people in the country.
Fuel in Iran is heavily subsidized, costing 10,000 rials (€0.08, $0.09, approximately) per liter prior to the price hike. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani argues that raising prices is a natural move considering the current conditions. The country's 80 million citizens currently consume about 90 million liters of cheap oil a day.
"Increasing petrol prices is to the people's benefit and also to help the society's strata under [economic] pressure," he said.
Additional measures to ration fuel should bring in 300 trillion rials ($2.55 billion) annually, head of the country's Planning and Budget Organisation Mohammad Bagher Nobakht said on state television, adding that payments will start within the next 10 days.
They will range from 550,000 rials ($4.68) for couples to just over 2 million rials ($17.46) for families of five or more.
Travel advisory
Germany on Sunday tightened its travel advice for Iran, warning citizens to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings and refrain from expressing political opinions to strangers.
Iran: A round trip in pictures
Anyone traveling to Iran will encounter a history and culture thousands of years old, impressive buildings, breathtaking nature — and overwhelming hospitality.
Image: picture alliance/Prisma
A friendly small town: Kashan
The city itself has an unmistakable charm with its traditional houses, mosques and bazaars. The surroundings of Kashan also have a lot to offer. Especially the salt lake and the huge dunes in the nearby Maranjab Desert are definitely worth a visit. Tip: Get up early to see the sunrise in Maranjab.
Image: DW/F. Schlagwein
There is art everywhere: Isfahan
Art is omnipresent in Iran. The Iranians' love of detail cannot be denied, such as the inner wall of the dome of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan. But even outside the religious buildings you can find colors, patterns, murals and street art everywhere.
Image: DW/F. Schlagwein
The "red" village: Abyaneh
The small village between Kashan and Isfahan has a population of circa 300. Nevertheless, almost everyone in Iran knows Abyaneh. The village with its red-brown mud houses has been able to preserve its very own culture and language for over 2,000 years and is therefore regarded by many Iranians as a reflection of their history. Abyaneh has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Proposal List since 2007.
Image: DW/F. Schlagwein
Pretty hot: the Lut Desert
This is probably how many people imagine the surface of the planet Mars looking like. Dasht-e Lut, also called Kalut, is a place without life. NASA measured the hottest ground temperature on earth here in 2005 at 70.7 °C (159.3° F). Anyone visiting eastern Iran really should visit the Lut Desert — even if it quickly gets too hot for some.
Image: DW/F. Schlagwein
Oasis in the desert: Yazd
In an oasis between Iran's two largest deserts lies Yazd, one of the country's most beautiful cities. This former caravan intersection is famous for its ancient buildings, which are still preserved today. In the evening you can enjoy the view of the illuminated UNESCO World Heritage city from the roofs of the traditional tea houses.
Image: picture alliance/Prisma
Stunning views: Golestan Province
Out of the towns and into nature: In the far northeast of Iran, away from the usual tourist routes, lies Golestan Province. An absolute must here is a visit to the tomb (picture) of Khaled Nabi, a forerunner of Mohammed. From here you have a breathtaking view of a sheer endless sea of hills stretching in all directions to the horizon.
Image: DW/F. Schlagwein
Favorite city of the Iranians: Shiraz
If you ask Iranians what their favorite city is, many will answer "Shiraz". In fact, Shiraz has many other sights to offer besides the grave of the most famous Iranian poet Hafez. An absolute eye-catcher is the Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque. In the morning hours the light falls through the colored windows and gives the prayer room a magical atmosphere.
Image: DW/F. Schlagwein
Ancient Persian testimony: Persepolis
North of Shiraz is where the ancient palace city Persepolis is located. It is a testimony of the former Persian Empire, which stretched from North Africa to India. In 330 BC the city was partially destroyed by Alexander the Great. The desert sand preserved its remains for over 2,000 years. Today Persepolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Image: DW/F. Schlagwein
Important retreat: gardens in Iran
Countless gardens in Iran are not only beautiful to look at, they also serve as a retreat for many Iranians. Largely invisible to the strict eyes of police and parents, young unmarried couples can meet here and enjoy a little time together. One of the most beautiful gardens is the Shazdeh Mahan Garden meaning Prince's Garden (picture) near Kerman in Ostiran.
Image: DW/F. Schlagwein
World champions of hospitality
The incredible friendliness and helpfulness of the Iranians may seem strange to many Western visitors. Everywhere you are invited for dinner or tea, there is open and cordial talk and laughter, preferably with traditional Persian food — like here with our hosts and their friends in Mashhad.
