“Serious Concern” from Human Rights Watch Over Government Response to Khuzestan Protests; 9 Killed in Demonstrations

Human Rights Watch issued a new statement on Thursday expressing “serious concern” about the Islamic Republic authorities’ response to recent protests in Khuzestan, while reporting the deaths of 9 people as a result of government violence against demonstrators.

The human rights organization stated in its statement released Thursday night, the 7th of Mordad, that the increase in the number of victims of suppression and mass arrests have caused serious concern.

The organization also called on Islamic Republic authorities to “immediately and unconditionally” release all detainees, provide information about the number and manner of death of suppression victims, and allow an independent international investigation into the government’s violent response.

Over the past two weeks, widespread protests have been held in Khuzestan, focusing on water scarcity problems, which security forces have confronted violently. During this period, the Islamic Republic has cut off the internet in Khuzestan, and reports indicate the detention of “hundreds” of people.

There is still no precise figure for the number of deaths, injuries, and detainees. According to official statements by government media, four protesters and one police officer have been killed so far. Amnesty International had also stated that at least eight people have died in these protests.

Now Human Rights Watch, in its new statement citing human rights groups, says that the deaths of at least 9 people, including a 17-year-old boy, have been confirmed in the Khuzestan and Lorestan protests.

On the other hand, the human rights website Hrana announced on the 2nd of Mordad that it had identified 102 detainees from the Khuzestan protests.

Earlier, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Director’s Deputy had described the use of military ammunition against unarmed protesters as a serious threat to the lives of these individuals and a severe violation of the Islamic Republic’s obligations to protect human life.

So far, many domestic and international human rights, political, and cultural figures and organizations have condemned the actions of military and security forces against protesters in Khuzestan and called for addressing the protesters’ demands regarding water shortage problems in the province.

Source: Radio Farda