Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur: The situation of human rights in Iran
Published by Ali on November 11, 2020
International Liberty Association: This is a report on the “Statement by Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, at the 75th session of the General Assembly – Item 72(c)”
In his latest report, Javid Rehman, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, mentioning the use of torture and harsh sentences against protesters called on the authorities of Iran, instead of continuing to violate the rights of detained protesters, start an independent, transparent, impartial, based on international criteria, investigation into the repression of protesters, and prosecute human rights violators and those responsible for the repression.
In his latest report, Javid Rehman, the UN Special Raprteur on Human Rights in Iran, which was presented to the 75th UN General Assembly, says: “The report I present outlines my grave concerns regarding the human rights situation in Iran, characterized by systematic violations of human rights and continued impunity. These conclusions come from my investigation into the violent Government crackdown against November 2019 and January 2020 protests, the use of torture and harsh sentences against those who protested, the harassment of victims calling for justice and the lack of accountability for those responsible”.
He continued: “The excessive and lethal force used by security forces against the nationwide protests amounted to the worst incident of State violence in Iran in decades. State security officials intentionally used live ammunition against protesters, often aimed at the head or vital organs, resulting in over 300 verified deaths, including women and children, although the death toll is likely to be higher.
Despite strong evidence of this blatant disregard for Iran’s obligation to protect the right to life and to protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, no information was provided that any investigation consistent with international standards has been conducted to hold those responsible to account, and almost a year on, no official announcement has been made concerning the number of deaths and injuries.”
Mr Javid Rehman, inpart of his report, says: “Equally disturbing are consistent reports from detained protesters of how they were tortured into forced confessions, including accounts of physical beatings, sexual assaults, solitary confinement, and detention of relatives.
Many were also forcibly disappeared. Some protesters, such as Amirhossein Moradi, Mohammad Rajabi and Saeed Tamjidi, have been sentenced to death based on torture-induced confessions and after unfair trials. I welcome the re-trial ordered in their cases, which must be before an independent and impartial tribunal. I call for their immediate release pending trial, as well as all others deprived of their liberty for exercising their human rights during the protests.”
He continued: The Iranian Government continues to arbitrarily detain individuals for exercising or defending human rights. I am deeply concerned to see human rights defenders near the end of their arbitrary imprisonment be convicted on new charges and imprisoned again. Harassment and imprisonment of their relatives also continues.
Internationally recognized Iranian human rights lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh is serving a lengthy sentence for her human rights legal work. Instead of releasing her to access medical treatment for her critical medical condition, she was transferred from Evin Prison to Qarchak Prison, notorious for its poor conditions. I urge the Iranian authorities to immediately release her and to allow her to obtain urgent medical treatment.
He also added: The Iranian Government continues to arbitrarily detain individuals for exercising or defending human rights. I am deeply concerned to see human rights defenders near the end of their arbitrary imprisonment be convicted on new charges and imprisoned again. Harassment and imprisonment of their relatives also continues.
Mr Javid Rehman also mentioned the situation of a Human Rights Lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh and said: Internationally recognized Iranian human rights lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh is serving a lengthy sentence for her human rights legal work. Instead of releasing her to access medical treatment for her critical medical condition, she was transferred from Evin Prison to Qarchak Prison, notorious for its poor conditions. I urge the Iranian authorities to immediately release her and to allow her to obtain urgent medical treatment.
I welcomed the recent release of human rights defender, Narges Mohammadi, after the judiciary reduced her sentence. However, I encourage the Iranian authorities to drop new charges laid against her in February 2020 and to allow her to freely continue her human rights work.
Regarding Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe condition Mr Rehman said: I continue to be deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention of dual and foreign nationals. I welcomed the temporary release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. However, I remain concerned that she is under electronic monitoring with an ankle tag and that she may face a new trial. I call for the immediate release of all dual and foreign nationals arbitrarily detained.
ILA: To read the full text of Mr Javid Rehman, please click Here.
