The United Nations Human Rights Office issued a strong condemnation Tuesday following reports that over 300 peaceful demonstrators were detained last weekend in Tehran and other Iranian cities. The protests were sparked by the government’s recent crackdown on women’s rights and rising inflation.
A shorter UNHRC statement emphasized “deep concern” over unlawful arrests and lack of due process.
Eyewitnesses told foreign media that plainclothes security agents targeted young women and students, many of whom were protesting in silence, holding white scarves as a symbol of civil resistance.
Amnesty International reported that several detainees were denied access to legal counsel and medical treatment, citing evidence of torture and threats inside Evin Prison.
In short, the repression drew rare bipartisan rebukes from U.S. lawmakers and EU parliamentarians.
Iranian officials denied any wrongdoing, calling the demonstrators “foreign agitators.” However, leaked documents published by independent outlets suggest that internal directives ordered mass detentions to “restore order.”
Human rights groups have demanded immediate international pressure, with UN Special Rapporteurs calling for targeted sanctions against high-ranking Iranian security officials.
