Human Rights Watch Calls for Investigation into the Deaths of Protesters in Iran

Human Rights Watch issued a statement urging Iranian officials to exercise restraint in the face of recent protests and called on the Islamic Republic to investigate those responsible for the deaths of protesting citizens in Iran. In a statement released on Tuesday, January 2, the organization expressed concern over the deaths of protesters, arrests, and restrictions on social media. Sarah Leah Whitson, director of the Middle East division of Human Rights Watch, stated, "The increasing number of fatalities does not bode well for Iranians who have had the courage to take their protests to the streets." She added, "Officials should investigate these deaths rather than make veiled threats against protesters, guarantee the rights of all detainees, and ensure that people can protest freely and peacefully." The organization noted the death of at least 21 people, including two security personnel, and the arrest of hundreds of others across the country, which has been confirmed by Iranian officials. It stated that "Iranian officials are responsible not only for ensuring public safety but also for guaranteeing the people's right to peaceful assembly and free access to information." Human Rights Watch recalled the protests of 2009, during which dozens were killed in the streets due to the suppression of protests, and hundreds of protesters were sentenced to long prison terms through "unfair trials." Sarah Leah Whitson also commented on the restrictions on social media, saying, "The closure of popular apps like Telegram and Instagram is an excessive response to those expressing their dissatisfaction with systemic corruption and repression." She emphasized, "Iranian officials must change their addiction to repression and allow people to speak and demonstrate." In the recent protests, at least 22 people have been killed, including two security personnel. According to officials, more than 450 people have been arrested in Tehran and hundreds more across the country during the recent unrest. As protests have spread, Telegram and Facebook have been blocked in Iran, and the internet has also faced intermittent disruptions.