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UN human rights office condemns violent repression against hijab protests – Global Affairs

OHCHR said it was concerned about the continued violent response to the protests, as well as contact restrictions affecting phone, internet and social media, Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told journalists in Geneva.

Amini, 22, was arrested by Iran’s “ethical police” in the capital Tehran on September 13 for allegedly not wearing a headscarf in full compliance with mandatory requirements.

She went into a coma shortly after collapsing at a detention center and died three days later of a heart attack, according to authorities.

Ms Shamdasani said the Iranian government had so far been unable to conduct a “full investigation” into the circumstances surrounding Amini’s death.

Wave of protests

Since her death, thousands of people have joined anti-government protests across the country.

Security forces at times responded with live ammunition, and many people were killed, wounded and detained during the protests.

“Partly due to telecommunications restrictions, it is difficult to determine the exact number of casualties and arrests,” Ms. Shamdasani said.

Violent response to protests

On Saturday, state media put the death toll at 41, she added. However, NGOs monitoring the situation have reported higher death tolls, including women and children, and hundreds of injuries across at least 11 provinces.

“We are deeply concerned by the comments of some leaders defaming the protesters and the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against the protesters,” Ms. Shamdasani said.

“Guns are never used simply to disperse a rally. In the context of assembly, they should only be used in the event of an imminent risk of life-threatening or serious injury”.

Unknown number of arrests

Meanwhile, reports indicate that hundreds of people have also been arrested, including human rights defenders, lawyers, civil society activists and at least 18 journalists. The government has not released the total number of arrests.

Ms. Shamdasani reported that in Gilan province alone, the police chief said 739 people, including 60 women, were detained during the three days of protests.

OHCHR urges authorities to ensure due process rights and release all those who have been arbitrarily detained.

‘Continuous punishment’ for violations

“We are concerned that the disruption of communication services has a serious impact on people’s ability to exchange information, conduct economic activities and access public services,” she continued. .

“This erodes many human rights, especially freedom of speech. We urge the authorities to fully restore Internet access.”

The OHCHR also expressed concern about “persistent retribution for human rights abuses in Iran”, including the continued deaths of protesters as a result of alleged use of lethal force by security forces. people in November 2019, July 2021 and May this year.

“Our office reiterates our call to the Iranian authorities to fully respect the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, assembly and peaceful association, as a State Members of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights“Mrs Shamdasani said.

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