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Dear John, We hope this message finds you well.
NIAC has continued to closely track the evolving human rights situation in Iran, and we'd like to share a recap of some recent Human Rights Tracker entries on the stories that have captured our attention.
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Thank you for your support and for standing with us in the pursuit of justice and human rights for all.
UN Special Rapporteur denounces Islamic Republic’s crackdown as a “crime against humanity”
Javaid Rehman, the UN Human Rights Council's Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, reported this week that the Islamic Republic of Iran's violations of its citizens' fundamental rights could amount to a "crime against humanity." The report, presented to the Human Rights Council, detailed the crackdown on nationwide protests since September, resulting in the deaths of at least 527 people, including 71 children. The report also revealed evidence that Mahsa Amini, whose killing sparked the protests, was beaten by government agents before her death. Rehman called on Iranian authorities to address the human rights situation and urged the international community to apply targeted sanctions, make use of universal jurisdiction for accountability, and support the Iranian people by easing internet access and ensuring humanitarian exemptions to sanctions.
Mustafa Nili, a Distinguished Human Rights Lawyer
Mustafa Nili, a distinguished Iranian human rights lawyer, has faced multiple arrests and prison sentences due to his activism and dedication to defending political prisoners and human rights activists. Despite his own imprisonment as a student, Nili continued to study law and later became a prominent figure in Iranian legal circles. His work has included a lawsuit planned against the leader of the Islamic Republic for involuntary manslaughter due to the government’s failures in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nili's persistent fight for justice has resulted in further arrests, with his latest sentence of four years in prison beginning in December 2022.
Soha Mortezaei, an Imprisoned Student’s Story
Soha Mortezaei is a student activist who has strongly defended her colleagues amid major protest movements, and whose political activities triggered a ban on her education. She was given a harsh sentence for leading a sit-in in protest of her education ban and her opposition to mandatory hijab laws, and was arrested again during the Woman, Life, Freedom protests. Mortezaei has suffered repeatedly as a result of treatment by Iranian authorities that violate the government’s international human rights obligations, including the right to freedom of expression and prohibitions on torture. We look forward to the day where she is released and able to pursue her education and work without interference.
Blinding Dissent: the Brutal Targeting of Protestors’ Eyesight by Iran’s Security Forces
The killing of Mahsa Amini led to intense protests and a brutal crackdown by authorities. The Iran Human Rights Organization published a report detailing 22 incidents of security forces shooting protesters in the face, with many being blinded by plastic bullets and paintballs. This pattern of systematic and horrific targeting has been ongoing, with a significant number of injured protesters seeking medical help for eye injuries. At least 580 protesters have suffered eye injuries, though the actual number is likely higher. The deliberate targeting and blinding of protesters demonstrates a systematic criminal pattern by the Iranian authorities against peaceful protesters.
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Best regards,
NIAC Policy Team
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