Government Must Respect People’s Rights and Exercise Restraint Regarding Nationwide Protests
Paris, January 3, 2017 (13 Dey 1396) – The International Federation of Human Rights Organizations and its member organization the Society for the Defense of Human Rights in Iran announced today: The Iranian government must immediately and unconditionally release all those who have been arrested during nationwide protests and must launch independent and impartial investigations into all persons killed during the demonstrations.
Abdolkarim Lahiji, Honorary President of the Federation and Chairman of the Society for the Defense of Human Rights in Iran, stated:
“Instead of paying attention to the legitimate grievances of the people, the Iranian government has once again resorted to suppression in response to street protests. The international community must demand that the Iranian government respect international standards in responding to protests and uphold its commitments based on human rights treaties to which Iran is a party.”
The protests initially began with demands against the increase in food and essential commodity prices, widespread government corruption, and high unemployment rates. However, calls for greater political freedom, release of political prisoners, and accountability for long-standing suppression quickly emerged. The protesters have opposed all factions of the ruling government, the judiciary, and other suppressive apparatus, and have specifically called for the removal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. In some cities, protesters have taken down photographs of Ayatollah Khamenei and the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
It is believed that dozens have been killed in these protests. While official sources have confirmed the deaths of 21 people, including two students, one of whom was 11 years old, and two security personnel, the actual number is likely higher. Hundreds have also been wounded. According to official figures released by the government, over 1,000 people—around 500 just in Tehran—have been arrested. Most of those arrested in these protests are under 25 years of age. There is concern that the number of detainees may be significantly higher.
Given the Iranian government’s systematic practices and threats made by several high-ranking officials, some of the detainees may be sentenced to execution. The International Federation of Human Rights Organizations and the Society for the Defense of Human Rights in Iran call on the international community, particularly the United Nations and the European Union, to be vigilant about this danger.
Government forces, particularly the Basij paramilitary force operating under the command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, have used severe violence against protesters. Reports indicate that Basij members have participated in property destruction and arson in various cities to provide justification for harsh crackdowns on protesters. Iranian officials have also blocked social media platforms, particularly Telegram and Instagram, and censored domestic private media outlets.
The Federation and the Society for the Defense of Human Rights in Iran call on the Iranian government to ensure that law enforcement and other state officials respond to protesters in accordance with international standards, such as the “United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials” [1].
These two organizations also call on the government to ensure freedom of thought and expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association in accordance with Iran’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which this country is a state party. These organizations also call on the Iranian government to provide access to United Nations Special Rapporteurs on human rights in Iran and other UN human rights experts.
Furthermore, government officials must immediately and unconditionally release all other prisoners of conscience.
Source: FIDH
