UN Rights Chief Urges Iran to Stop Killing Peaceful Protesters

As anti-government demonstrations continue across Iran, the UN human rights chief said on Tuesday that he was horrified by the mounting violence directed by security forces against protesters, with reports of hundreds killed and thousands arrested.

Volker Türk urged the authorities to immediately halt all forms of violence and repression against peaceful protesters and to restore full access to the internet and telecommunications.

“The killing of peaceful demonstrators must stop, and labelling protesters as ‘terrorists’ to justify violence against them is unacceptable,” he said.

Demands for Change Being Repressed
Since 28 December, citizens have taken to the streets across all provinces of Iran, initially to voice frustration over record inflation, soaring food prices, and the sudden collapse of the national currency.

Mr. Türk recalled that protests also took place in 2022, with broad sections of the population demanding fundamental changes in governance. “Once again, the authorities’ reaction is to inflict brutal force to repress legitimate demands for change,” he said.

He added: “This cycle of horrific violence cannot continue. The Iranian people and their demands for fairness, equality, and justice must be heard.” Additionally, all killings, violence against protesters, and other human rights violations must be investigated, and those responsible held accountable.

Calls for Death Penalty ‘Extremely Worrying’
He noted that several hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed by casualties – including children – while nationwide internet and telecommunications shutdowns make it difficult to verify numbers. Reports also indicate that members of security forces have been killed.

“It is extremely worrying to see public statements by some judicial officials indicating the possibility of the death penalty being used against protesters through expedited proceedings,” he added.

Since 8 January, Iranian authorities have imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, affecting people’s rights to freedom of expression and access to information, disrupting emergency and lifesaving services, and obstructing independent human rights monitoring.

“Iranians have the right to demonstrate peacefully,” said Mr. Türk. “Their grievances need to be heard and addressed, not instrumentalised by anyone.”

End the Violence and Promote Dialogue: Rights Experts
Separately, a group of independent human rights experts urged Iran to break the cycle of violence and create space for dialogue.

“The use of lethal force against peaceful protesters, arbitrary arrests – including of children – and attacks on medical facilities represent clear violations of international human rights law,” they said.

Recent reports indicate security forces have fired directly on largely peaceful protesters using rifles, shotguns loaded with metal pellets, water cannons, and tear gas, in addition to beatings. Hospitals have reportedly been raided, tear gas used inside medical facilities, and attempts made to arrest wounded protesters, while more than 2,600 people, including schoolchildren, have been detained.

Regarding reports of death sentences, the experts warned that “if implemented, this compounds the reported unlawful killings of protesters by security forces with State-sanctioned executions.”

The four experts are Special Rapporteurs appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Their mandates cover human rights in Iran and the promotion of freedom of opinion, peaceful assembly, and association worldwide. They work voluntarily and independently from any government or organisation, including the UN, and do not receive payment for their work.