Gutteres is concerned that most of those arrested may be children, as the average age of those arrested is estimated to be 15 years old.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that Iran was increasing the number of executions “at an alarming rate.” At least 419 people were killed in the first seven months of the year, a 30% increase from the same period in 2022. Gutteres said this in a new report on the human rights situation in Iran, AP reports.
Arrests and executions in Iran are known to have increased amid protests following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in custody in September 2022 after being detained by “morality police” in Tehran for allegedly’ y “inappropriate” wearing of the hijab.
Seven men were killed in connection with or for participating in protests sparked by Amini’s death, the report said. In all these cases, the information received by the UN human rights office “consistently indicates that the proceedings did not meet the requirements of due process and a fair trial in accordance with international law.”
According to Gutteres, between September 17, 2022 and February 8, 2023, approximately 20 thousand people were arrested for participating in protests.
“It is particularly concerning that the majority of those arrested may be children, since the average age of those arrested, according to the deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is estimated at 15 years,” said the UN Secretary-General . .
Guterres noted that some of those previously pardoned face new charges or have been rearrested, including women activists, journalists and members of minority groups. He cited reports of disproportionate and excessive use of force against protesters, beatings and sexual assaults after they were detained, and psychological abuse.
The UN Secretary-General added that 239 people, making up the majority of those executed in the first seven months of 2023, were sentenced to death for drug-related offences.
We remind you that according to the UN, more than ten people are killed every week in Iran.
As reported, the Czech Ministry of Defense criticized Iran as the main topic of the UN forum.
Source: korrespondent
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