Human Rights Watch: Independent Investigations into Suspicious Deaths of Prisoners in Iran are Essential

Human Rights Watch has called for "immediate independent investigations" following the suspicious death of environmental activist Kavous Seyed-Emami during detention, along with other cases of "suspicious deaths" in Iranian prisons. In a statement released on February 12, the organization joined various groups, institutions, and some Iranian parliament members expressing concern over recent deaths in Iranian prisons. Human Rights Watch reports that at least three cases of "suspicious deaths" have occurred in Iranian prisons since early January. The organization highlighted the deaths of Sina Ghanbari and Vahid Heydari, detainees from widespread protests in Iran, culminating in the death of Kavous Seyed-Emami. Judicial authorities have claimed these individuals committed "suicide." Human Rights Watch noted widespread concerns and doubts regarding these claims, asserting that the Iranian government has failed to create an environment for independent investigations, and in one case, a lawyer was also subjected to "harassment." Kavous Seyed-Emami, a sociology professor and activist, died in prison after being arrested on January 24. Ramin Seyed-Emami, the professor's son, announced his father's death on social media, stating that the cause was declared as "suicide." Shortly thereafter, the Tehran prosecutor claimed without specific details that both Mr. Seyed-Emami and others had made confessions against him that led to his "suicide." On Tuesday, it was reported that a video related to this case was shown to some parliament members. Ali Motahari, the deputy speaker of the Iranian parliament, stated that the video lasts seven to eight minutes but does not show the "moment of suicide." Similar statements were made regarding another video shown to some representatives concerning Sina Ghanbari's death in Evin prison. Alireza Rahimi, a representative from Tehran, mentioned in mid-February that the video described as the "suicide video" of Sina Ghanbari does not contain any scenes of suicide. Human Rights Watch addressed the details and statements from recent days regarding Mr. Seyed-Emami, citing an "informed source" who stated that Seyed-Emami had no contact with his family after his arrest, and security officials summoned his wife and announced his death a few hours after interrogation. The Middle East director stated, "Iranian judicial officials think they can simply pass over this matter by declaring that Seyed-Emami—a well-known university professor—committed suicide in the highly secure Evin prison." According to Sarah Leah Whitson, Iranian judicial officials have long "lost their credibility." Human Rights Watch also referenced the arrests of several environmental activists and Kaveh Madani, the deputy for international affairs, innovation, and social participation at the Department of Environment. The organization stated that these events seem to be part of a crackdown on citizens whose aim is to help solve the severe problems facing their country. Ms. Whitson stated that if there is no specific and credible evidence regarding these individuals, they should be released immediately. Human Rights Watch has urged the international community to pressure the Islamic Republic to conduct independent investigations into the recent deaths.