The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed grave concern over an escalating crackdown in Iran, noting the severe impact on Iranian citizens alongside ongoing conflict. Since late February, at least 21 people have been executed and over 4,000 arrested on national security-related charges. These executions include individuals linked to protests, alleged opposition members, and those accused of espionage.
Türk emphasized that fundamental human rights protections must be upheld, even during wartime, calling for a halt to all executions, a moratorium on capital punishment, full due process, and the immediate release of arbitrarily detained individuals. Reports of torture, coerced confessions, and denial of legal representation raise serious concerns. The health of imprisoned Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi is reportedly deteriorating, with other detainees dying in custody under suspicious circumstances.
Authorities have also imposed an internet shutdown lasting 61 days, significantly hindering access to vital information and silencing independent voices, causing immense social and economic harm. This lengthy shutdown exacerbates the existing humanitarian and economic crisis and must be lifted immediately, Türk stated.