Concerns of Human Rights Council Experts and Amnesty International Regarding Treatment of Iranian Protesters

Four independent experts from the United Nations Human Rights Council have described the Iranian government's approach to protesters as concerning, noting that over 20 people have been killed during nationwide protests in Iran. Amnesty International also criticized the 'suppression of peaceful demonstrations' in Iran. According to a report by the Associated Press, the UN human rights experts issued a joint statement on Friday, January 5, in Geneva, Switzerland, urging Iranian authorities to show 'restraint' in dealing with protesters. They emphasized that the Iranian government's directive to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for a heavy-handed approach towards protesters and the judiciary's threats of severe punishment are 'unacceptable.' The IRGC acknowledged on Wednesday through its commander that it has intervened against protesters in at least three provinces: Isfahan, Hamadan, and Lorestan, which have reported the highest casualties in recent days. The UN human rights experts also described reports of blocking social media networks such as Instagram and messaging services like Telegram as very concerning, asserting that blocking communications constitutes a 'serious violation of the fundamental rights' of Iranian citizens. Meanwhile, Amnesty International called on Iranian authorities to guarantee the right to peaceful assembly and stated that, according to reports, security forces of the Islamic Republic have illegally used firearms against unarmed protesters and have detained hundreds who are now at risk of torture. Amnesty expressed concern over the widespread 'suppression of protests' across Iran. The human rights organization referenced official statements indicating that at least 22 people, including two security personnel, have been killed during recent gatherings and protests, with thousands of Iranians in various cities protesting against poverty, corruption, political repression, and the authoritarianism of the government. Previously, Human Rights Watch called on Iranian officials on January 2 to exercise restraint in the face of recent protests and urged the Islamic Republic to investigate those responsible for the deaths of protesting citizens in Iran. Reports indicate that at least 1,700 people have been detained in the past nine days of protests in the provinces of Tehran, Markazi, Kerman, Golestan, West Azerbaijan, Gilan, Alborz, Ardabil, and Razavi Khorasan. Meanwhile, judicial officials in other provinces of Iran have also reported the detention of some protesters without specifying numbers. While reports indicate that gatherings have taken place in about 100 cities in recent days, only officials from a few provinces have announced the number of detainees in these provinces. Official statistics also confirm that at least 22 people have been killed in recent gatherings. In this context, the Ministry of Science reported that several students are still imprisoned, and at least 1,800 people have been detained during the protests in 10 provinces of Iran. The eighth day of protests continues with demonstrations in Tehran and several other cities, with at least 37 student activists detained in recent days. The Attorney General claimed that they have 'identified the main architect' of the protests, while the Minister of Interior stated that the protests were resolved with the highest degree of tolerance and in the best possible manner. Human Rights Watch called for investigations into those responsible for the deaths of protesting citizens in Iran. The protests have escalated, and outdated solutions are being applied. The changing dynamics of 'proxy actors' indicate a war against the people in the streets of Iran. The Iranian crisis raises questions about the responsibilities of the opposition and the potential radicalization of Iranian society.