UN Fact-Finding Committee: Minorities were subjected to 'excessive and disproportionate' repression by the Islamic Republic during Mahsa protests

The UN fact-finding committee announced on August 6 that ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Kurds and Baluchs, faced 'excessive and disproportionate' repression from the Iranian government during the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests. According to the report, this issue is a 'direct result of long-standing discrimination that must end immediately.' The report addresses cases such as 'illegal deaths, extrajudicial executions, unnecessary use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests, torture, rape, enforced disappearances, and gender-based harassment' by Islamic Republic agents against ethnic and religious minorities, many of which are labeled as 'crimes against humanity.' The committee also examined discrimination and violence against minority women, the 'transgenerational' impact of repression on minority children, and the likelihood of 'multidimensional harms continuing for decades.' The fact-finding committee highlighted a significant increase in executions, particularly in areas with minority populations, and noted that several recent death sentences against minority women have had 'negative effects' on minority rights activities. More than half of the committee's interviews for this report were conducted with victims and witnesses of repression from minority groups, and many of the incidents investigated occurred in provinces with minority populations. In its conclusion, the UN fact-finding committee called for holding the officials of the Islamic Republic accountable at both national and international levels to ensure the rights of victims, especially women and children from ethnic and religious minorities in Iran. During the violent crackdown on peaceful protests following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in the custody of the morality police, over 500 Iranian citizens, including women and children, were killed by armed agents of the Islamic Republic, and thousands more were injured or detained. Western countries, led by the United States, have imposed several sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for this deadly repression in response to the killing of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini and have pledged to continue their strong support for the rights to freedom of expression and assembly for the people of Iran, as well as the right of Iranian women to choose their attire. The deteriorating physical and mental health of Saman Yasin; he is transferred daily to the medical facility of Qazalhesar prison. Three organizations have filed a complaint with the UN 'on behalf of the family' of Tomaj Salehi: the Islamic Republic does not adhere to its commitments. Saad Kake, a young protester, appeared in court with 'wounded and tortured face and body.' The uncertainty surrounding Hooman Seyedali and Reza Arabpour, detainees from the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests. Research report by VOA: Rape of at least 11 girls and boys detained in the 2022 Mazandaran protests - Part Three. Research report by VOA: Rape of at least 11 girls and boys detained in the 2022 Mazandaran protests - Part Two. Research report by VOA: Rape of at least 11 girls and boys detained in the 2022 Mazandaran protests - Part One.