International human rights experts appointed by the United Nations have condemned the Iranian Government for charging protesters with crimes punishable by death.
The experts say more than 300 people have already been killed during protests, including 41 children. In a statement, they have demanded the “immediate release” of all imprisoned protesters.
Background
Iran’s recent uprising began following the death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa (Zhina) Amini after she was violently arrested by Iran’s morality police.
The morality police enforce strict cultural laws imposed by Iran’s conservative Islamic dictatorship, including a law requiring women to cover their hair.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
Using the slogan ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’, Iranians are demanding an end to restrictive laws. They have called for the overthrow of the Government and “death to the dictator”, in reference to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Arrests and deaths
The UN human rights experts say “at least 304” protesters have been killed, and that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary courts are likely to hand out death sentences to arrested protesters.
The experts say the courts have a history of “grossly unfair” trials. They also accused Iran’s Parliament of a “blatant violation” of their role after 227 members of Parliamen called for protesters to be sentenced to death.
It is estimated that 15,820 protesters have been arrested, all of whom could be at risk of the death penalty.
