UN condemns Iran’s violence against protestors sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death in a report detailing Tehran’s use of excessive force and detentions.
The UN fact-finding mission has concluded that Iran is accountable for the fatal “physical violence” leading to Mahsa Amini’s death in September 2022, inciting nationwide protests against the country’s dress code for women.
In an extensive initial report presented to the UN Human Rights Council on Friday, it asserted that Iran employed “excessive and disproportionate use of lethal force” to suppress the subsequent demonstrations triggered by Amini’s passing, and documented instances of sexual assault by Iranian security forces on detainees.
The widespread security crackdown spanning several months resulted in the deaths of over 500 individuals and the detention of more than 22,000 people. Despite requests for feedback on the mission’s findings, there has been no immediate response from Iranian officials to the report.
“The protests were unprecedented”
The report underscored the unprecedented nature of the protests, highlighting the significant roles played by women and youth, the extensive reach of demonstrations, and their prolonged duration, juxtaposed with the government’s forceful response.
Based on evidence and recurrent instances of violence by the morality police enforcing mandatory hijab regulations on women, the mission concluded that Ms. Amini had been subjected to physical violence resulting in her death.
Mahsa Amini, aged 22, passed away on September 16, 2022, a few days after her arrest by the police for alleged violations of the women’s dress code enforced since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Iran has denied any responsibility for her death or allegations of her being subjected to beatings.