Ahmed Shaheed: Iran Should Repeal Freedom-Restricting Laws and Free Imprisoned Journalists

Ahmed Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, has urged the Islamic Republic to repeal laws that restrict freedom of expression and the media, release imprisoned journalists and bloggers, and end the jamming of satellite signals and blocking of websites. Reuters reported on Thursday, March 11, that Mr. Shaheed, in his annual report to the UN Human Rights Council, identified 'reforming laws and policies that undermine or violate internationally recognized rights and standards' as 'key priorities' for improving the human rights situation in Iran. This comes as Iranian officials such as Sadeq Amoli Larijani, the head of the judiciary, and Mohammad Javad Larijani, the deputy head of the judiciary, have repeatedly emphasized that the laws of the Islamic Republic are based on Islamic religious rulings and differ in some respects from international human rights laws and principles. One of Ahmed Shaheed's main criticisms in his reports and statements has been the high number of executions in Iran. The UN Special Rapporteur criticized this issue in his new report, stating that the Islamic Republic executed 753 people last year, half of whom were for drug-related offenses. According to Mr. Shaheed, this number of executions is unprecedented since 2002. The report states that since May 2014, the Islamic Republic has detained and imprisoned or prosecuted at least 29 journalists, bloggers, and internet users. Ahmed Shaheed noted that journalists who have been pursued or detained are often charged with accusations such as having connections with foreign media, criticizing government leaders, or discussing sensitive political issues. The UN Special Rapporteur also expressed concern about pre-laws that he claims will lead to 'further denial of human rights.' According to Mr. Shaheed, these laws grant the Islamic Republic greater powers to influence the media, civil society, political groups, and legal communities. In this context, Larijani accused Ahmed Shaheed of 'fabricating cases' against Iran. Sadeq Larijani ordered the prosecution of 'violating' media. Larijani's latest attack on Shaheed labeled him a 'propaganda actor' against the Islamic Republic. The Secretary of the Judiciary's Human Rights Headquarters stated that Ahmed Shaheed supports terrorism. Iran once again rejected Ahmed Shaheed's report and allegations of human rights violations.