Iran – An international fact-finding mission calls for the restoration of internet service and an end to the violent crackdown on protests

In a statement issued today, Saturday, the mission urged government authorities to immediately desist from any unnecessary and disproportionate use of lethal force, and to adhere to international human rights law in their dealings with the ongoing protests in the country, which have entered their third week.

The mission expressed concern about reliable information indicating that the Supreme National Security Council issued a statement ordering the security forces to launch a “decisive” crackdown without any restrictions to end the protests.

The mission indicated that, in light of reports of escalating violence over the past two weeks, Internet service was cut off, and a complete communications blackout began on the evening of January 8.

The fact-finding mission called on the authorities in Iran to respect the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and to unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained for exercising their legitimate rights.

Footage showing gunfire and violence

The mission said it is reviewing open source material, including video footage and photos of reported violence, which show security forces shooting at protesters, adding that video footage also showed individuals setting fire to buildings and vehicles on public streets.

The mission recalled that the current protests, which began on January 28, followed the sudden collapse of the Iranian national currency, and have now spread to at least 46 cities.

She added that as of January 7, more than 40 people, most of them men, including at least five children, were reported killed in several provinces across Iran.

Threats that contradict international law

The fact-finding mission also noted reports of abuses and use of force in areas populated by ethnic minorities, including Lorestan and Ilam.

She added that according to reliable human rights organizations, the state’s response in Lorestan and Ilam provinces was particularly brutal, with at least eight protesters killed in Lorestan and five others in Ilam.

The mission said that this current repression reflects patterns previously documented by the mission in the context of the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, including gross human rights violations, and a systematic lack of accountability and impunity for government officials involved.

The mission reaffirmed that Iranian women, men and children deserve to live in safety, dignity and full respect for their rights, including the right to peaceful demonstration, and to exercise this right without violence, intimidation or repression from the state.

She also stressed that threats or acts of unilateral military intervention by other countries are contrary to international law.