Over 150 Lawyers Call for Investigation into Detainees and Action Against Protest Suppressors
Several news websites reported that 160 lawyers signed a letter addressed to Iran’s president, calling for an investigation into violence used to suppress protesters in November of this year and holding those responsible accountable.
In their letter, released on Monday, December 9, these lawyers criticized the government’s disregard for the root causes of November protests and public demands, while calling for an official announcement of the number of those killed, injured, and arrested during these protests.
The lawyers pointed out multiple violations of domestic and international laws in the suppression of protesters and violent treatment of demonstrators, including lethal shooting, noting that the security forces’ conduct violated international treaties and even the Islamic Republic’s own guidelines, which recommend warning shots and shooting below the waist.
Many of the protesters killed in November gatherings lost their lives due to bullets hitting their heads.
Continuing their letter to Hassan Rouhani, the lawyers wrote: “Unfortunately, it is observed that not only is there no apology to dozens of bereaved families, but with unconventional rhetoric and positions such as threatening protesters with camera identification, extracting televised confessions, and other statements that have no proportionality to the position of a jurist and law-abiding president, salt is being added to the wounds of the afflicted people.”
The signatory lawyers, while criticizing the confusion and uncertainty facing the families of thousands detained during November events, announced their readiness to accept legal representation of their cases. The letter’s signatories also called on Iran’s president to conduct comprehensive investigations and inquiries into the points raised in the letter, take legal action against those responsible, and provide transparent accountability to the people.
The violent suppression of Iranian protesters in November and the internet shutdown during the protests led to severe criticism from international bodies and several countries, including the United States.
In the latest response to these events, Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, called on Sunday, December 8, for transparency from Islamic Republic officials in announcing the number of victims and fair trial for detainees. Referring to people’s right to protest against economic conditions, he deemed the violent suppression of protesters unacceptable.
Source: Voice of America
