The government must respect people's rights and show restraint regarding nationwide protests.

The protests initially began with demands against rising food and basic goods prices, widespread government corruption, and high unemployment. However, calls for greater political freedom, the release of political prisoners, and accountability for long-standing repression soon emerged. Protesters have opposed all political factions in power, the judiciary, and other repressive apparatuses, and have specifically called for the resignation of the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Protesters in some cities have pulled down portraits of Ayatollah Khamenei and the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Dozens of people are believed to have been killed in the protests. While official sources have confirmed the deaths of 21 people, including two students, one of whom was 11 years old, and two security officers, the real toll is likely higher. Hundreds have also been injured. According to official government figures, more than 1,000 people have been arrested – around 500 in Tehran alone. Most of those arrested in the protests are under 25 years old. It is feared that the number of arrests is much higher.

Given the systematic approach of the Iranian government and the threats made by several high-ranking officials, a number of those detained may be sentenced to death. The International Federation of Human Rights Societies and the Society for the Defense of Human Rights in Iran call on the international community, and in particular the United Nations and the European Union, to be vigilant about this danger.

Government forces, particularly the Basij paramilitary force, which operates under the command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have used extreme violence against protesters. Reports indicate that Basij members have been involved in destroying property and setting fires in various cities to provide justification for the violent crackdown on protesters. Iranian authorities have also blocked social media, particularly Telegram and Instagram, and censored private domestic media.

The Federation and the Society for the Defense of Human Rights in Iran call on the Iranian government to ensure that law enforcement forces and other government officials act in accordance with international standards, such as the “United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials” [ 1 ] , in responding to protesters.

The two organizations also call on the government to guarantee freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, in accordance with Iran’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the country is a party. They also call on the Iranian government to allow access to the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran and other UN special experts.

In addition, governments must immediately and unconditionally release all other prisoners of conscience.