Crimes against humanity may have taken place in Iran, says UN expert. He denounces the seriousness and extent of the repression of the protest movement against the mullahs’ regime. What is shocking is also the heavy price paid by the children.
With our correspondent in Geneva, Jeremiah Lance
More than 22,000 people arrested, subjected to torture, rape, enforced disappearances, protesters seriously injured on purpose by the security forces… Here, in a few words, are exposed to the Iranians who took to the streets after the death of Mahsa Amini. The UN special rapporteur on Iran counted 527 protesters killed directly by law enforcement, including a considerable number of children.
” What law can justify the killing of innocent childrenasks Javaid Rehman, UN special rapporteur. At least 71 [enfants] were killed [par les forces de sécurité]… The evidence is there. If this is a common practice, systematic and supported by the Iranian state, then crimes against humanity – and against children – have indeed been committed in Iran since September 16, 2022. “.
Tehran, which does not recognize the authority of the special rapporteur, denounced false information. “ If the Iranian authorities believe that my information is false, then they give me access to the countryreplies Javaid Rehman. Why are they so afraid that I might come to Iran? »
Another reason for concern: the punitive attacks of young girls with poison gas. They have spread across the country in recent weeks. Again, it could be a crime against humanity, said Javaid Rehman. But it is still necessary to prove that the Iranian state had sponsored or covered up these abuses.
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