Iran Criticized by UN for Crackdown on Protesters and Human Rights Violations
Iran is facing heavy criticism from the United Nations for its crackdown on protesters, unlawful detainment of human rights activists, and a high number of executions, according to a report by the UN’s independent investigator on human rights in the country. The report, written by Javaid Rehman, highlights the excessive and lethal use of force by Iranian authorities in response to nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Amini, a 22-year-old member of the Kurdish minority, was arrested for wearing an improper hijab.
Rehman’s report, which covers the period from October 2022 to July, also mentions the unlawful detainment of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi and other lawyers and human rights defenders. It notes that at least 537 people, including 68 children and 48 women, died during the protests, with thousands more arrested, detained, or incarcerated.
The report calls for an independent and transparent investigation into Amini’s death and the use of force against protesters. Rehman recommends that Iranian authorities accept responsibility for Amini’s death and take immediate remedial actions. He also urges Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to conduct investigations into the killings of protesters and to end all forms of violence, including sexual violence and harassment against women protesters.
According to Rehman’s findings, Iranian security forces arrested over 576 civil rights activists, teachers, and advocates from labor unions and minority groups in the aftermath of the protests. He highlights the ongoing imprisonment of human rights defender Narges Mohammadi, who is serving a 16-year sentence, and expresses concern over the threat to freedom of expression and the participation of individuals in Iran.
The report also mentions the arrest and threats against journalists for their independent reporting, particularly regarding the protests. At least 21 journalists remain jailed, including Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, who reported Amini’s death and face harsh charges that could even lead to the death penalty.
Rehman raises alarm over reported poisonings in girls’ schools across Iran, which began shortly after the protests. Over 78 targeted poison attacks have been reported in more than 100 girls’ schools, resulting in medical treatment for more than 13,000 students. Concerningly, authorities have harassed and arrested those calling for accountability, accusing them of complicity or failure to stop the poisonings.
The report also highlights an alarming increase in executions in Iran, with at least 582 executions recorded in 2022. By the end of July, 419 people had reportedly been executed this year, including 239 for drug-related offenses. Seven people involved in the protests have also been executed, with reports of confessions extracted through torture and violations of fair trial proceedings.
Rehman strongly condemns these executions, viewing them as a violation of international human rights standards. He calls for an end to the death penalty, independent investigations into these executions, and accountability for those responsible.
The UN’s report sheds light on the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran, advocating for immediate action to address the unlawful detainment of activists, excessive use of force against protesters, harassment of journalists, and alarming number of executions. The international community is urged to take heed of these findings and hold Iran accountable for its human rights violations.
