According to a report by the Berkeley Human Rights Center published on March 22, 2024, over 120 protesters, mostly under the age of 30, have partially or completely lost their eyesight due to the suppression of the 2022 protests by the Islamic Republic. Extensive research by this center confirms that these individuals lost their sight from gunfire from pellet guns, paintball guns, and even tear gas. The Berkeley research team confirmed that some victims were shot at close range by government agents, resulting in loss of vision. Many victims were students and under 30 years old, including a 5-year-old girl who was watching the protests from her balcony. Earlier reports indicated that over 500 protesters had been blinded by Iranian government forces. The UN's fact-finding committee regarding the protests in Iran accused the Islamic Republic of committing 'crimes against humanity' concerning the protesters of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement. Following the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police for not adhering to Islamic hijab in September 2022, a massive wave of public protests swept across Iran, which gradually subsided months later due to severe violence by government forces against protesters. Amir Velayati, an eye injury victim after his release from prison, stated: 'Freedom is beautiful, but just being free is not enough.' The UN fact-finding committee deemed discrimination against women in Iran a violation of human rights and a crime against humanity. Exclusive reports from families of the victims and eye injury victims call for the IRGC to be listed as a terrorist organization. The closure of Niloufar Aghaei's clinic, an eye injury victim from last year's protests, has also been reported. Exclusive interviews with protesters who were shot with '200 pellet bullets' reveal their commitment to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of Iran. Asal Jazideh, an eye injury victim, mentioned being shot from a distance of two meters. The Iran Human Rights Organization stated that shooting at the faces and eyes of female protesters was 'systematic and targeted.'
Berkeley Human Rights Center: Over 120 Iranians Targeted in Eye by Gunfire During 2022 Protests
A report from the Berkeley Human Rights Center reveals that over 120 protesters in Iran lost their eyesight due to government suppression during the 2022 protests, with many victims being young students. The UN has accused the Iranian government of crimes against humanity in relation to these protests, highlighting the severe human rights violations occurring in the country.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A report reveals that over 120 Iranian protesters lost their eyesight due to government suppression during the 2022 protests. The UN accuses Iran of crimes against humanity for these actions.
- Over 120 protesters were blinded by gunfire during the 2022 protests.
- The UN has accused Iran of committing crimes against humanity.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The 2022 protests in Iran were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini and were part of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement against government oppression.
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