Torture, internet shut down, and hundreds killed in Iran as protests escalate
On November 15, 2019, the Iranian government announced a 200% increase to the price of fuel. The announcement triggered one of the largest public demonstrations since the country’s Islamic Revolution in 1979. Banks have been torched and petrol stations burned down. The government also shut down the internet.
The government’s response has been violent and brutal. The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, allegedly said, “Do whatever it takes to end it. You have my order”.
IRANIAN AUTHORITIES UNDERTAKE DEADLY ACTIONS TOWARDS PROTESTORS
Approximately 304 people were killed within three days of the commencement of the protests.
By the end of 2019, some estimates had placed the death toll at around 1,500 people. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council called these figures “fake news”.
A group of United Nations human rights experts issued a joint statement calling on the government of Iran to release all individuals arbitrarily detained and mistreated during recent protests, and expressed concerns over the hundreds of people who have been killed.
The experts were disturbed that Iranian security forces appeared to be aiming at protestors’ heads and vital organs with live ammunition.
Human rights groups estimate that more than 7,000 people have been arrested since the protests started.
According to Amnesty International, people detained by the government have been subject to torture, and have been denied access to lawyers and medical attention.
Amongst those arrested are human rights activists, journalists, students and children. One man was arrested simply because he posted a tweet about the authorities imposing an internet shutdown. He was later released on bail.
VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHT TO ASSEMBLY AND THE RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS
Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights gives all people the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
Articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) codify these rights into international law.
Articles 2, 9 and 14 of the ICCPR provide for due process guarantees for those accused of crimes.
Iran is bound to the ICCPR and has an obligation to honour these rights.
After having completed the Bar Professional Training Course (2018), Safia currently working as a Costs Advisor in a law firm. Her life goal is to make a positive change in the society we live in, no matter how small that change might be.