France, Aug. 13 -- Joined by the European Union's top diplomat, the countries said they "condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing executions of protesters and use of the death penalty" by Iran.

"The use of capital punishment to silence dissent, intimidate communities, and punish individuals exercising their human rights can never be justified," the statement said.

"The people of Iran must be free to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear."

Initially signed by 26 countries and the EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the declaration has since been endorsed by five more countries, the French foreign ministry told news agency AFP.

The 32 signatories called on Iran to "immediately end the use o...