Investigative Mission Urges Iran to Halt Violence Against Protesters and Restore Internet Access

Human Rights Investigative Mission

The independent human rights investigative mission, mandated by the UN, has called on Iranian authorities to immediately restore internet access and cease the violent crackdown on ongoing national protests. In a statement issued on Saturday, the mission expressed concern over credible reports that security forces have been ordered to carry out an unrestricted "decisive" repression as demonstrations enter their third week. Internet access and mobile connectivity were shut down on January 8, severely restricting access to information amid escalating violence.

The protests began on December 28, following the sudden collapse of Iran's national currency, and have spread to at least 46 cities across the country. By January 7, over 40 deaths had been reported, including that of five children, across several provinces including Qom, Yasuj, Kermanshah, Ilam, and Lorestan. The Iranian parliament also reported fatalities among security forces.

The mission stated, "Iranians, regardless of gender or age, deserve to live in safety, dignity, and with full respect for their rights, including the right to peacefully protest without oppressive violence, intimidation, or repression from the state." The mission further emphasized that threats or acts of unilateral military intervention by third states contravene international law.

The mission requested Iranian authorities to respect the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and to unconditionally release all individuals arbitrarily detained for exercising these protected rights. Video and photographic evidence showing security forces firing on protesters has also been analyzed. Additionally, recordings have depicted individuals setting buildings and vehicles ablaze in public streets.

The mission raised concerns regarding the use of force in regions with ethnic minorities, where reports indicate particularly brutal responses. In one incident, security forces raided a hospital in Ilam, using tear gas and assaulting patients and medical staff. This highlighted that the current repression reflects documented patterns observed during the "Women, Life, Freedom" protests in 2022, which erupted following the death of Jina Mahsa Amini.

The investigative mission, established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2022, is tasked with investigating alleged human rights violations in Iran related to protests that began in September 2022, especially those affecting women and children. Its mandate was extended in April 2025 for an additional year to examine allegations of severe and ongoing human rights violations.