“We appeal to the Iranian authorities stop using the death penalty as a tool to stop protests and reiterate our call for the immediate release of all protesters who have been arbitrarily deprived of their liberty for the sole reason of exercising their legal rights to freedom of opinion. and peaceful expression, association and assembly, and for their actions to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms through peaceful means,” they said in a statement. statement.
track record
In Tehran province, eight people were charged by the Islamic Revolution Court on October 29 with death-carrying crimes of “waging war against God” or “moharebeh” and “corruption” on the earth”.
Two days later, the Tehran prosecutor announced that about 1,000 indictments had been issued regarding the recent “riots” in the province and that public trials were scheduled for some “in the coming days.” “.
In a blatant violation of the separation of powers, on November 6, 227 members of Congress called on the judiciary to act decisively against those arrested during the protests and executed. Figure.
“With the continued suppression of protests, more indictments of the death penalty and the death penalty could soon be issued, and we fear that the women and girls who are at the forefront of this protesters, and in particular women’s rights defenders, who have been arrested and jailed for demanding an end to systemic and potentially discriminatory laws, policies and practices. specially targeted,” they warn.
Increased repression
On September 13, Mahsa Amini, 22 years old, was arrested by Iran’s ethics police for allegedly failing to comply with strict State regulations on women’s dress, wearing what authorities deemed “an improper headscarf”. She died in police custody.
Protesters in Sweden call for justice following the death of Masha Amini in the custody of “moral police” in Iran.
Since September 16, thousands of peaceful protesters have been arrested, including many women, children, young people and at least 51 journalists. Fourteen people are believed to have been released on bail, while 37 remain in custody – many in illegal detention.
“The suppression of peaceful protests continues unabated, and the death toll has increased to at least 304 people, including 24 women and 41 children. Experts say the Baluchi and Kurdish minorities continue to be marginally affected by the crackdown.
Forced
Through completely unfair summary trials, the courts of the Islamic Revolution have been used for years to convict political activists, journalists, lawyers and defenders, according to experts. human rights defender.
The country’s criminal justice system relies heavily on confessions extracted through torture and other forms of coercion and coercion to prove guilt.
Since the nationwide protests in November 2019, the death penalty has been widely used for baseless murder or vague national security charges against individuals. participate in demonstrations.
In 2020, at least two individuals were executed after they participated in the protests.
“We reiterate our call to Dong Nhan Quyen Association urgently take necessary actions to hold a Special Session on the situation in Iran and establish an international investigative mechanism, ensure accountability in Iran, and end persistent sanctions against serious human rights violations,” they stated.
Experts
Click here for the names of the experts who participated in this statement.
Special rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council based in Geneva to check and report back about a particular human rights topic or a country situation. The positions are honorary and professionals are not paid for their work.
