UN Mission Reports Severe Human Rights Violations in Iran Protests
A United Nations fact-finding mission has released its final report, accusing Iranian authorities of severe human rights violations following the massive protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in September 2022.
Crimes Against Humanity Allegations
Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old from Iran’s Kurdish community, was detained by the morality police for allegedly violating hijab regulations. Her death sparked nationwide protests that were met with heavy state repression.
According to Sara Hossain, Chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, Iranian authorities committed serious human rights violations, some of which the mission classified as crimes against humanity.
*“We heard many harrowing accounts of harsh physical and psychological torture, including violations against children as young as seven years old.”* – **Sara Hossain**
Since April 2024, authorities have intensified prosecutions of women defying hijab laws through the introduction of the so-called “Noor plan”. Female activists and human rights defenders have faced fines, long prison sentences, and even the death penalty for peaceful advocacy.
The report also highlights that ethnic and religious minorities were especially targeted, with some of the worst violations occurring in minority-populated protest areas. Testimonies describe detainees being held at gunpoint and subjected to psychological torture, including mock executions.
Digital Repression and Surveillance
Despite pre-election promises by President Masoud Pezeshkian to ease hijab enforcement, Iranian authorities have instead increased their reliance on digital surveillance, state-sponsored vigilantism, and artificial intelligence to track and penalize women.
*“Online surveillance was a critical tool for state repression.”* – **Shaheen Sardar Ali, Independent Mission Member**
Human rights activists, particularly women’s rights defenders, have been targeted through account closures on social media platforms like Instagram and confiscation of SIM cards.
Surveillance Apps and Citizen Vigilantes
The Iranian government also employs “Nazer,” a mobile application allowing citizens to report women not wearing the mandatory hijab.
*“This technology enables widespread surveillance, making it highly intrusive and far-reaching.”* – **Shaheen Sardar Ali**
According to the Fact-Finding Mission, at least ten men have been executed in connection with the 2022 protests, while 14 others—11 men and 3 women—face execution amid serious concerns over forced confessions and unfair trials.
Fact-Finding Mission’s Role
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission was established by the UN Human Rights Council in November 2022 to investigate violations linked to the protests, particularly those affecting women and children.
Its mandate includes documenting and preserving evidence for potential legal proceedings. The final report will be presented to UN Member States at the Human Rights Council next Tuesday.
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