12/9/2009 http://www. unhchr.ch/huricane/hurica...
UNITED NATIONS
Press Release
UN experts gravely concerned
by mass arrests in Iran
7 July2009
GENEVA — Six independent United Nations experts* again call upon the
Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to uphold its international obligations
to ensure that the human rights of all individuals are protected following the
presidential elections in the country.
“We also encourage Iran to honour its standing invitation to the UN experts to
conduct official visits to the country, by accepting the outstanding requests
made by several Special Procedures mandate holders to allow intemational
independent scrutiny of the current situation,” said the six experts in a joint
statement.
Despite recent concerns expressed by five UN experts and those expressed by
the High Commissionerfor Human Rights, about the possible use of excessive
police force and violence employed by some militia members during opposition
protests in the past weeks, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly
continue to be undermined and the situation of human rights defenders is
increasingly precarious.
Freedom of expression and the situation of human rights defenders
Hundreds of individuals, including human rights defenders, joumalists, students,
clerics and opposition supporters have been injured and arrested in recent
weeks following clashes with security forces and members of the Basij militia.
The safety of defenders has deteriorated considerably in the aftermath of the
elections, most significantly in reaction to denunciations of human rights abuses
reportedly committed by security forces. Interference with broadcasts and online
coverage of protests, the expulsion of several foreign journalists as well as
restrictions on the freedom of journalists to move and report freely has stifled
freedom of expression in the country.
Excessive use of force
Since 12 June 2009, at least 20 people have been killed and hundreds of
others seriously injured in clashes with security forces which allegedly used live
ammunition and rubber bullets to disperse protests. The experts recall that the
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use of force must be exercised with restraint and only once non-violent means
have been exhausted. In addition, the use of firearms by the security forces is
prohibited, except in self-defence or defence of others from an immi nent threat
of death or serious injury. Independent investigations into the actions of the
security forces have yet to be carried out.
Mass arrests
The legal basis for the arrests of journalists, human rights defenders, opposition
supporters and scores of demonstrators remains unclear, giving rise to
concerns of arbitrary detentions of individuals legitimately exercising their right
to freedom of expression, opinion and assembly.
The majority of those arrested are reportedly being detained atTehran's Evin
prison, where many are being held incommunicado without charge or access to
legal representation ortheirfamilies. The experts are concerned about the risk
of enforced disappearances given that the whereabouts of many of those
arrested remain unknown.
The six experts reiterate their grave concern about reports of killings, ongoing
arrests, use of excessive police force and the ill-treatment of detainees. The
experts strongly urge the Government of Iran to uphold its obligations under
international law to protect human rights in the country.
(*) The six 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;
Santiago Corcuera, Chairperson-Rapporteur of the working group on enforced
and involuntary disappearances.
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