UN Rapporteur Mai Sato warns Tehran and demands respect for protesters' rights
Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, called for respect for fundamental freedoms and an end to violence amid nationwide protests.
Following the continuation and intensification of nationwide protests in Iran, Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, warned of the increasing level of violence and confrontation between protesters and security forces, and called on the authorities of the Islamic Republic to adhere to their obligations under international law.
Sato, posting a message on the social network X, announced that after more than six days of nationwide protests, according to reports, clashes have intensified in various parts of the country and this pattern is spreading nationwide. According to him, he has received "worrying" information indicating that at least eight protesters have been killed during these protests.
Recalling the responsibilities of governments under international human rights instruments, the UN Special Rapporteur called on Iranian authorities to recognize the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly, and to refrain from using excessive force against peaceful protesters.
He emphasized that the violence observed during the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement should not be repeated, adding that an active and safe civic space is essential for any society so that citizens can express their views and dissent without fear of security consequences.
In parallel with Mai Sato's stance, other senior UN officials have also reacted to the developments in Iran. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights announced that she is following with concern the ongoing protests and reports of violence against protesters. She also emphasized that the organization is continuously monitoring the situation on the ground and the fate of those detained.
In this regard, Volker Türk also called on Iranian authorities to respect the fundamental rights of citizens and stated that all individuals should be able to protest peacefully and freely express their demands and grievances.
The UN Secretary-General's Office of the Spokesperson also issued a statement announcing that the organization supports the right to peaceful protest everywhere and emphasized the need to protect protesters and prevent the escalation of the cycle of violence.
These international reactions come as reports from various cities in Iran indicate continued protests, a large presence of security forces, and an increase in arrests. Independent human rights organizations have warned that continuing this trend could lead to increased casualties and a further narrowing of civil space.
After more than six days of protests, rallies and marches continued in several cities, and the funerals of three of the dead protesters were also turned into a scene of chanting slogans against the Islamic Republic. In a separate international reaction, Donald Trump announced that the United States would come to their aid if the Iranian government killed peaceful protesters, a statement that was widely echoed in the media and social networks.
The sum of these developments shows that the issue of the Iranian protests has once again become one of the main focuses of attention for international human rights institutions, and political and legal pressure on the Islamic Republic to change its approach towards the protesters is increasing.
