Iranian security forces arrest over 260 including three Europeans
Crackdown comes amid widespread protests
Authorities accuse detainees of involvement in unrest
Iranian security forces have arrested more than 260 people, including three European nationals, in a crackdown on widespread protests that have gripped the country for weeks.
The arrests were announced by state television on Sunday, which said the detainees were accused of involvement in the unrest, which has seen thousands of people take to the streets to protest the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.
Amini died in police custody on September 16 after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran's strict dress code for women. Her death has sparked outrage across the country and has led to the largest protests in Iran since the 2009 Green Movement.
The arrests of the European nationals are likely to further strain relations between Iran and the West, which has already been critical of the government's crackdown on the protests.
In a statement, the European Union condemned the arrests and called for the immediate release of all those detained.
The protests in Iran are a major challenge to the government of President Ebrahim Raisi, who has vowed to crush the unrest.
However, the protests show no signs of abating and it is unclear how the government will be able to end the crisis without resorting to further violence.
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