UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF CONCERNED ABOUT MANNER OF ARRESTS, AND POSSIBLE USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE IN IRAN

          
          12/9/2009 http://www. unhchr.ch/huricane/hurica...
          UNITED NATIONS
          Press Release
          UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF CONCERNED ABOUT
          MANNER OF ARRESTS, AND POSSIBLE USE OF
          EXCESSIVE FORCE IN IRAN
          19 June 2009
          GENEVA — The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, said
          Friday she is concerned about reports of an increasing number of arrests, which
          may not be in conformity with the law, and the possible illegal use of excessive
          force and acts of violence by some militia members in the aftermath of the
          recent presidential elections held in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
          “The legal basis of the arrests that have been taking place, especially those of
          human rights defenders and political activists, is not clear,” Ms. Pillay said.
          “What are the grounds for the arrests? Have proper warrants been issued in
          accordance with Iranian law? Why have some of those who have been arrested
          been denied access to lawyers and members oftheirfamilies? And why is the
          whereabouts of others unknown? These are all troubling questions, and I urge
          the Iranian authorities to ensure that due process is followed, since to do
          otherwise may fan the feelings of injustice.”
          The High Commissioner noted that freedom of expression and freedom of
          assembly were fundamental human rights, and commended the largely peaceful
          and dignified conduct of the huge demonstrations that have been taking place in
          the Iranian capital, Teheran.
          Ms. Pillay expressed particular concern about reported acts of violence by
          members of the Basij militia, which may also be in contravention of international
          and Iranian national law. “I strongly urge the authorities to ensure that official and
          semi-official forces act strictly in accordance with the law,” she said. “It is the
          responsibility of the government to ensure that militia members and regular law
          enforcement agencies do not resort to illegal acts of violence. If they are
          perceived to be acting outside the law, it could provoke a serious deterioration
          in the security situation, which would be a great tragedy and is in nobody's
          interests.”
          The High Commissioner reminded the Iranian authorities of their international
          obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which
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          12/9/2009 http://www. unhchr.ch/huricane/hurica
          states that ‘no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention' (Article 9),
          ‘everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression' (Article 19), and ‘the
          right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized' (Article 21).
          For more information, call OHCHR Spokesperson Rupert Colville at + 41 22
          917 9767
          For use of inform ation media; not an official record
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