In a meeting with Raisi on the sidelines of the UN general debate last week, Guterres also called for human rights such as the right to freedom of expression and the right to freedom of assembly and association to be respected, his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday. -fair. .
Independent investigation required
“We are increasingly concerned by reports of an increase in protest-related deaths, including women and children,” the spokesperson added. Guterres urged Iranian security forces “not to use unnecessary or disproportionate force” and urged “everyone to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation”.
Guterres also called for a “fast, independent and effective investigation” into the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, whose death sparked protests in Iran. Amini was arrested on September 13 on charges of failing to wear the Islamic headscarf in accordance with strict regulations. After her arrest, the young woman collapsed under mysterious circumstances at the police station and was pronounced dead at the hospital three days later.
Since then, there have been protests in Iran every night, against which security forces use violence. According to activists, at least 76 people were killed in the 12-day protests. Tehran’s crackdown on the protests was heavily criticized internationally.
“EU must extend sanctions”
The German leader of the Greens, Omid Nouripour, called on the European Union to impose new sanctions on representatives of the Iranian leadership. “The EU must expand its sanctions against Iran,” Nouripour told Der Spiegel (Wednesday). He called for personal sanctions: “For example, those responsible for suppressing protests can be prosecuted personally, regardless of their classification.” It is unacceptable that representatives of the Iranian elite send their children to study at elite European universities. “This has to stop.”
Ernst-Dziedzic: Torture is a “no-go”
The women’s organization UN Women also pledged its support to women in Iran after the violent crackdown on protesters by security forces. “We urge the competent authorities to support and enable the full exercise of human rights in a safe environment, without fear of violence, prosecution or persecution,” said a statement published late on Wednesday.
Women must be able to protest unfairly without suffering reprisals. They have the right to physical autonomy, which also includes the choice of clothing. The UN women’s organization called on Iranian authorities to conduct an independent, impartial and swift investigation into Amini’s death. The results of the investigation would have to be made public and the perpetrators held accountable.