Volker Türk’s allegation that criminal proceedings and the death penalty have been weaponized to quell dissent, following the execution in recent months of four participants in nationwide protests country, caused by the death of Mahsa Amini, in September.
“The weaponization of criminal procedures to punish those who exercise their basic rights – such as those who participate or organize protests – is tantamount to state-sanctioned murder,” Türk said. “The Iranian government will better serve their own interests and those of the people by listening to their grievances.”
Women’s voices are drowned out
In addition, the UN human rights chief called on the Iranian authorities to implementing legal and policy reforms “ensure respect for diversity of opinion, freedom of expression and assembly, and full respect and protection of the rights of women in all spheres of life.”
In Geneva, a spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner explained that the executed protesters had been sentenced following “expedited” hearings. She asserted that these do not meet the fair trial guarantees required by international human rights law that is binding on Iran.
“That is State executions against which the United Nations under any circumstances,” said Ms. Shamdasani.
“Due to the almost complete lack of due process, and the use of torture and ill-treatment, we are saying that these are not just executions, but state-sanctioned murders, we is the arbitrary deprivation of life by the State.”
death row inmates’ antics
Two more protesters are about to be executed, according to UN human rights office, OHCHRname them Mohammad Boroughani, 19 years old and Mohammad Ghobadiou, 22 years old.
According to OHCHR, violations of due process and fair trial include the use of vaguely worded criminal terms, denial of access to counsel of the defendant’s choice, and the right to bring excuses, forced confessions of torture and ill-treatment, disregard for the principle of presumption of innocence, and denial of the right to appeal.
In his statement, the UN’s head of rights Türk explained that the death sentences had recently been handed down following convictions for “moharebeh” (waging war against God) and “efsad-e” fel arz” (corruption on earth).
This charges much lower than the required threshold by international human rights law before someone can be legally executed.
justice summary
OHCHR cited reports that the first of four executions – of Mohsen Shekari – taken on December 8, 2022. Four days later, Majdireza Rahanavard was executed just 23 days after his arrest, on November 19, on January 7, 2023, Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Mohammad Hosseini has also been performed. All died without their families being informed.
“This in itself constitutes a violation of international human rights law,” the UN human rights office said, noting that at least 17 others have been sentenced to death and as many as 100 others. faces death penalty charges.
Thousands of people have been detained since nationwide protests broke out last September following the death of Ms. Amini, who was arrested by Iran’s so-called ethics police for wearing an illegal headscarf. right way. The OHCHR said hundreds of people have died in the government’s crackdown on protesters.
