UN: Iran’s Repression Escalates After War With Israel
A recent investigation by independent UN investigators has revealed a troubling escalation of repression by Iranian authorities in the aftermath of the 12-day conflict with Israel in June-July. The findings, released on Thursday, paint a grim picture of human rights deterioration, marked by mass arrests, the targeting of civil society, and a surge in executions.
Mass Arrests and Targeting of Civil Society
Led by Sarah Hussein, the independent international fact-finding mission in Iran, established in March-April, documented a significant decline in human rights. The investigation highlighted that over 21,000 individuals were arrested. These arrests targeted a broad spectrum of Iranian civil society, including lawyers, human rights defenders, journalists, and even social media users who shared content related to the hostilities. (Source: Annahar)
Increased Executions and Human Rights Violations
The report also noted a sharp increase in executions, with over 1,200 carried out so far this year. This figure surpasses the total for 2024 and represents the highest number of executions in Iran since 2015. Hussein stated that there are strong indications that the Iranian government continues to implement the death penalty systematically in ways that violate international human rights law. The UN investigation also found that the repression of ethnic and religious minorities has intensified, with over 330 Kurds arrested and the deportation of hundreds of thousands of Afghans.
Attacks on Journalists and the Baha’i Faith
The investigation further revealed the Iranian government’s ongoing disruption of journalists’ phone lines. The repression of the press, however, is not limited to Iran. Information indicates that over 45 journalists in seven countries face credible threats due to their coverage of events in Iran. The report also detailed the targeting of followers of the Baha’i faith, who have been accused of being Zionist spies, with their homes raided and properties confiscated.
Historical Context and Patterns of Repression
The current crackdown reflects a recurring pattern where the Iranian government responds to protests and opposition with intensified repression characterized by human rights violations. This includes the suppression of student demonstrations in 1999 and the Green Movement in 2009, which followed the re-election of then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The fact-finding mission was established in 2022 by the UN Human Rights Council following the brutal crackdown on protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody for violating Islamic dress codes. Hussein emphasized that these repressive measures and policies continue to deprive women and girls of their fundamental rights.
Israeli Air Strikes and the Evin Prison
The mission also examined the Israeli air strikes on Evin Prison. Initial investigations suggest that the strikes hit civilian buildings within the prison complex, which are not legitimate military targets, and that the strikes on these buildings were likely intentional. The report indicates that Iranian authorities may have failed to take reasonable measures to protect the prisoners.
This comprehensive report underscores the urgent need for international scrutiny and action to address the escalating human rights crisis in Iran. The ongoing repression, fueled by the recent conflict with Israel and historical patterns, demands immediate attention from the global community.
About the Author
