Top UN Human Rights Official Calls on Iran to Address “Clear Violations” of International Norms on Use of Force and “Serious” Human Rights Violations Against Protesters

Top UN Human Rights Official Calls on Iran to Address “Clear Violations” of International Norms on Use of Force and “Serious” Human Rights Violations Against Protesters

Published by on December 9, 2019
ILA: United Nation Human Rights logo

International Liberty Association: Following the release of more information that gradually filters out of Iran, regarding the recent protests, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Friday, 6 December, issued a statement to expressed alarm at the continuing lack of transparency about casualties and the treatment of thousands of detainees, as well as continuing arrests reported to be taking place across the country.
According to ILA sources, at least 12,000 people have reportedly been arrested in 28 of Iran’s 31 provinces since mass protests broke out on 15 November.

Regarding these detainees, the High Commissioner said she is “extremely concerned about their physical treatment, violations of their right to due process, and the possibility that a significant number of them may be charged with offences that carry the death penalty, in addition to the conditions under which they are held.”

During the five days of demonstrations, which according to official Government sources involved between 120,000 and 200,000 protestors, ILA has information suggesting that at least 1000 people were killed, including 13 women and 13 children. There are also reports, suggesting more than 7,000 wounded.

International Liberty Association, in this statement you read:
“In such circumstances, with so many reported deaths, it is essential the authorities act with far greater transparency,” Bachelet said. “They must undertake prompt, independent and impartial investigations into all violations that have taken place, including the killing of protesters and reported deaths and ill-treatment in custody. And those responsible must be held accountable. There appear to be multiple violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Iran has ratified and is obliged to uphold.”

Security forces responded to the protests with water cannon, tear gas, batons, and in some cases live ammunition against unarmed demonstrators who posed no imminent threat of death or serious injury. According to reports, members of the Basij militia and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRCG) were involved in shooting protesters.

ILA: the statement continues:
“Verified video footage indicates severe violence was used against protesters, including armed members of security forces shooting from the roof of a justice department building in one city, and from helicopters in another,” Bachelet said. “We have also received footage which appears to show security forces shooting unarmed demonstrators from behind while they were running away, and shooting others directly in the face and vital organs – in other words shooting to kill. These are clear violations of international norms and standards on the use of force, and serious violations of human rights.”

To read the full statement of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet,
Please click Here.


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