The Iranian foreign ministry has asked France to refrain from using “naked force and violence against protesters”, in a video posted on YouTube on January 29.

Iran has tried before to deflect criticism to its use of deadly force against protesters by accusing French police of using “brutality” against the “yellow-vests” protesters who have been demonstrating against government policies since 2018.

After the widespread protests in November, when Iranian security forces killed hundreds and detained more than 8,000, Tehran has renewed its effort to compare the situation to France, where on occasions violent clashes have taken place between protesters and the police.

The video message posted by the foreign ministry has led to a strong backlash on Persian social media. Users have started recirculating videos of protests in Iran showing how security forces killed protesters indiscriminately. Many users are also demanding that Iran should be accountable for the violence used against unarmed protesters.