The council expressed concern over reports of clashes, arrests and the use of tear gas and water cannons during demonstrations in Milan, Turin and Bologna, calling for an impartial investigation into the handling of the protests and any alleged disproportionate use of force.

The full text of the statement is as follows:

In the Name of God

Statement of the High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the Necessity of Respecting the Fundamental Rights of Citizens During the Recent Protests in Italy

The High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing concern over published reports regarding recent clashes between protesters and police forces in various Italian cities, including Milan, Turin, and Bologna, emphasizes the necessity of respecting the fundamental rights of citizens, respecting the right to peaceful assembly, and ensuring the accountability of the responsible authorities for any conduct contrary to international human rights obligations.

According to reports published by international media between 17 and 19 October 2026, protests centered on economic and social demands, including rising living costs and dissatisfaction with the quality of public services, were held in several Italian cities. During these assemblies, reports emerged of clashes between groups of protesters and police forces, the use of tear gas and water cannons, the destruction and looting of certain shops, and the arrest of a considerable number of individuals. Reports have also emerged regarding the detention of minors and the injury of a number of law enforcement officers, further underscoring the need for a thorough examination of the various aspects of the incidents and the manner in which the assemblies were managed.

The High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran, while condemning any infringement upon the life and security of individuals and the destruction of public and private property, emphasizes that the occurrence of violent conduct by certain individuals cannot constitute grounds for disproportionate treatment of other protesters or the unnecessary restriction of the rights of citizens who express their demands peacefully. Assessing the legality of police actions also requires an examination of the circumstances of each incident, the necessity of the intervention, the degree of force employed, and its consequences.

The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental rights recognized under international law. Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Italy is also a State Party, protect freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, respectively. Under these obligations, any restrictions on these rights must be provided for by law, pursue a legitimate aim, and be necessary and proportionate to the specific circumstances. The United Nations Human Rights Committee has also emphasized, in General Comment No. 37, the need to protect peaceful assemblies and refrain from arbitrary restrictions.

From this perspective, reports concerning the use of crowd-control measures by police forces, including tear gas and water cannons, require a thorough examination of the manner in which the operations were conducted and compliance with the principles of necessity and proportionality. The United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials emphasize the priority of non-violent means, the use of the minimum force necessary, and accountability for the conduct of law enforcement officials. The High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran calls on the Italian authorities to provide clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding the use of these measures and to independently, impartially, and effectively investigate any substantiated complaints concerning the unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.

The High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran calls on the Italian Government to publish accurate and up-to-date statistics on detainees, injured persons, and any possible fatalities related to the protests; conduct independent and effective investigations into the use of force by law enforcement personnel; guarantee the legal rights of detainees, particularly minors; and respond to citizens’ economic and social demands while respecting the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

In conclusion, the High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates that maintaining public order and safeguarding the fundamental rights of citizens are two complementary responsibilities of States, and neither should come at the expense of disregarding the other. The Italian authorities are expected to respond to the concerns raised, effectively investigate any potential violations, and take concrete measures to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens by practically adhering to their international obligations. Human rights must serve as a common standard for all States, not as an instrument of political pressure on others, nor as a matter that can be overlooked when addressing their own domestic conduct.