Asma Jahangir in an Interview with Radio Farda: Iran Should Announce the Names of Recent Detainees

During the recent protests in about 100 cities in Iran, 22 people were killed, and at least two others died in prisons, which Iranian officials declared as 'suicides.' In addition to these cases, thousands were detained during the protests, but Iranian judicial authorities have not disclosed the exact number or names of these individuals. Asma Jahangir, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, has called on the Iranian authorities to investigate the deaths and address the situation of the detainees from the recent protests. In an exclusive interview with Radio Farda, Jahangir elaborated on her views regarding the holding of protests in Iran. Jahangir stated that everyone in the UN Human Rights Council and she, as the UN Special Rapporteur for Iran, believe that the people of Iran have the right to hold peaceful protests. However, reports indicate that the Iranian government has responded to the protesters with violence. Jahangir emphasized that they have requested Iranian officials to refrain from using violence. Approximately 22 people were killed during these protests, and at least two others died in detention centers, which Iranian officials have labeled as 'suicides.' Jahangir specifically called for thorough investigations into the deaths reported in prisons. Iranian officials claimed these two deaths were 'suicides' and mentioned that there are videos regarding this matter, which they believe should be made public. Additionally, thousands of protesters were detained during these gatherings in various cities in Iran, and there is no accurate data on these individuals. Jahangir expressed concern for all detainees and requested that Iranian officials publish the names of those arrested. She also noted concern for those detainees accused by the judiciary of organizing and leading these protests, stating that they should not be punished. Jahangir has consistently expressed concerns in her reports about threats and mistreatment in prisons and arbitrary detentions in Iran. Regarding the recent events in Iran, she issued a statement that was published on the Human Rights Council's website. From the early days of the protests in Iran, Iranian officials began filtering messaging apps, and reports of internet access restrictions in Iran have emerged. Jahangir mentioned that they have repeatedly discussed the filtering of social media and messaging apps and the restrictions on Iranian citizens' access to the internet, urging Iranian officials to end these limitations. In response, officials stated that these restrictions would gradually be lifted. Given the recent events, Jahangir reiterated her request for a visa to travel to Iran to closely examine the situation of detainees and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of those killed during the protests, but her request has been denied again. Iranian officials responded that the Iranian government does not recognize the position of the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Iran and does not wish to engage with them on this matter.