France on Sunday condemned the violent response of Iranian security forces against "simple protesters" in Tehran that left several dead and called for a political solution. In a statement, the foreign ministry cited information that the clashes had left at least eight dead and many wounded, but a ministry spokeswoman told AFP that this toll came from unconfirmed press reports.
"France condemns the arbitrary arrests and the violent actions committed against simple protesters who came to defend their right to freedom of expression and their desire for democracy," said a ministry statement.
Iranian security forces killed several demonstrators including opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi's nephew in a fierce crackdown on anti-government rallies in Tehran, websites said.
Opposition website Rahesabz.net said four protesters were shot dead by security forces in central Tehran while reformist website Parlemannews said Mousavi's nephew died in hospital after being shot in the chest.