12/9/2009 http://www. unhchr.ch/huricane/hurica...
UNITED NATIONS
Press Release
HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERTS GRAVELY CONCERNED AT
KILLINGS AND ARRESTS IN IRAN
19 June 2009
GENEVA — Five independent United Nations experts* have voiced their grave
concern about the use of excessive police force, arbitrary arrests and killings
during the past week in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This also seriously hampers
freedom of expression and assembly and the situation of human rights
defenders in the country.
Following the recent presidential elections, tens of thousands of opposition
supporters have taken to the streets of Tehran and other cities throughout the
Islamic Republic of Iran. While protests have been largely peaceful, violent
clashes with security forces have resulted in the death, injury and arrest of
numerous individuals. In addition there have been reported attacks against
students and others who may have contested the election results.
“We are gravely concerned that the recent arrests and the use of excessive
police force against opposition supporters may be a direct attempt to stifle
freedom of assembly and expression in the country”, said Frank La Rue,
Special Rapporteuron freedom of opinion and expression. He had similar
concerns about reports that access to online news services and social
networking internet sites have been blocked since the election results were
announced. “Human rights defenders are often the first target in situations as
this one, but each State has a prime responsibility and dutyto protect them
against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse
discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action,” stressed Margaret
Sekaggya, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
“It is the Governments obligation to take all necessary measures to guarantee
the right of everyone not to be deprived arbitrarily of their liberty and to have fair
proceedings before an independent and impartial tribunal”, highlighted Manuela
Carmena Castrillo, the Chairperson-Rapporteurofthe Working Group on
arbitrary detention.
With regard to the reported killings, Philip Alston, Special Rapporteuron
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extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, emphasized that “law
enforcement officials should apply non-violent means before resorting to the use
of force and firearms”. The Special Rapporteuron torture and other cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Manfred Nowak, recalled that
“excessive violence may constitute ill treatment which contravenes international
human rights law”.
The five human rights experts strongly urge the Government of the Islamic
Republic of Iran to refrain from using excessive force and arbitrary detentions
and to fully guarantee freedom of expression and assembly throughout the
country.
* The five human rights experts are Manuela Carmena Castrillo, Chairperson-
Rapporteur of the Working Group on arbitrary detention; Philip Alston, Special
Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Frank La Rue,
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of
opinion and expression; Manfred Nowak, Special Rapporteur on torture and
other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Margaret
Sekaggya, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
For more information and interview requests, contact Birgit Kainz-Labbé at + 41
229179704
For use of the information media; not an official record
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