Geneva, 12 January 2023 (TDI): United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights has accused the Iranian government of state-sanctioned killings of protestors.
The UNHR Chief, Volker Turk alleged that Iran is wiping out dissent through criminal proceedings and the death penalty.
Four people have been executed who were involved in nationwide protests. Those protests were the result of the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.
Turk said, “the weaponization of criminal procedures to punish people for exercising their basic rights – such as those participating in or organizing demonstrations – amounts to state-sanctioned killing.”
Moreover, “the Government of Iran would better serve its interests and those of its people by listening to their grievances.”
Similarly, the UNHR Chief has advised the Iranian government to make legal and policy reforms concerning the rights of women. Women are treated as second-class citizens in Iran and have no substantial and constructive role in society.
Turk said, “to ensure respect for diversity of opinion, the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, and the full respect and protection of the rights of women in all areas of life”.
The Spokesperson of the UN High Commissioner, Shamdasani said, “these are executions by the state which the UN is against in all circumstances.”
She went on to say that “Given an almost complete lack of due process, and given the use of torture and ill-treatment, we are saying that these are not only executions, but they are state-sanctioned killings, they are arbitrary deprivations of life by the state.”
Iran is abusing international human rights law with these actions that are binding on it. Two more protestors are on death row, Mohammad Boroughani, and Mohammad Ghobadiou.
One is 19 years old and the other is 22 years old, reported by UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR). The death sentences were given on the convictions of “moharebeh” (waging war against God) and “efsad-e fel arz” (corruption on earth).
The protests and dissident assemblies become a new norm in Iran due to the death of Amini. She was arrested by Iranian police for not wearing a ‘hijab’ (veil) properly. Hundreds of people have died in raising their voices against injustice.
