Mahsa Amini was arrested a week ago by Iran’s “ethical police” in Tehran. The 22-year-old, whose Kurdish name is Jhina – fell into a coma shortly after collapsing at a detention center and died three days later, officially from a heart attack.
In Geneva, Spokesperson of the United Nations rights office OHCHRRavina Shamdasani, saying that also deeply concerned by the violent response of the Iranian security forces to the protests due to the death of Ms. Amini.
Thousands of objections
She noted that thousands of people took to the streets in several cities across the country, including Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Mashhad, Rasht, Saqqes and Sanandaj, to protest against Amini’s death.
“Security forces have is said to have responded with live ammunition, pellet guns and tear gas,’ she told journalists. “At least two people have been killed and several injured, and several have been arrested.”
Ms Shamdasani also emphasized that a law passed in Iran allows police to send text messages to women in their cars, asking them not to take off their headscarves while driving.
Hijab ‘rules should not exist’
“The point is These rules shouldn’t exist, women shouldn’t be punished for what they’re wearing“, she speaks.
“Women who defy these mandatory face coverings will be free from harassment, violence and need a fair investigation.”
Need a quick and objective investigation
Ms. Nashif said “the tragic death of the 22-year-old girl and the allegations of torture and ill-treatment, must be promptly, objectively and effectively investigated by an independent competent authoritythat especially ensures that her family has access to justice and truth.”
The head of the right to action also condemned the reported unnecessary or disproportionate use of force against those protesting the death of the Kurdish woman, inside the Vozara Detention Center, and called on Iran – a member state International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – respect the right to peacefully exercise the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association.
Al-Nashif also reiterated previous concerns of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the ongoing suppression of women’s rights defenders who oppose mandatory face coverings.
