Amnesty International calls for UN probe into Iran | Current Asia | DW

Demonstrators in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin express their solidarity with Mahsa Amini

Security forces using live ammunition, shotgun pellets and other metal projectiles against demonstrators, massive beatings, kicks and sexualized violence against women – Amnesty International speaks of massive violence against the protesting people in Iran. In addition to these reports, the deaths of dozens of women, men and children have been documented, but the number of fatalities is expected to be even higher.

The killing of demonstrators must be investigated within the framework of a UN mechanism, demands Amnesty Secretary General Agnès Callamard. Iranian state media have reported more than 40 deaths so far. The protests continue unchanged. They were triggered more than ten days ago by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini and are now directed against the Islamic system in Iran.

Journalists arrested in Iran

It is now becoming increasingly difficult for journalists to report on the protests. There is no exact number of journalists arrested, but there are dozens. Among them is Nilufar Hamedi – the reporter for the reform newspaper “Shargh” was the first to publicize Masha Amini’s death.

In Berlin, the Bundestag condemned the violent suppression of demonstrations critical of the regime in Iran across all party lines. “The Iranian authorities must stop their brutal actions against the demonstrators immediately,” emphasized Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in a current hour. “When the police – it seems – beat a woman to death (…) that has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with religion or culture. Then that’s simply a horrific crime.” The Green politician reiterated that she is currently working on new sanctions at EU level.

Demonstrators in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin express their solidarity with Mahsa Amini

Demonstrators in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin expressed their solidarity with Mahsa Amini on Wednesday

The chair of the Women’s Union, Annette Widmann-Mauz, assured the predominantly female protesters of German solidarity. “Their voices are far too loud to be ignored or only sheepishly acknowledged,” said the CDU politician. The opposition parties AfD and Linke complained about a “cosy course” towards the Tehran regime. FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai also warned: “Europe needs a new Iran strategy.”

Riots in Norway

Anti-Iran protests in Oslo have turned violent. Many people behaved violently and aggressively during the demonstration, and several tried to break into the Iranian embassy, ​​police in the Norwegian capital tweeted. So far, two slightly injured have been identified. The situation was brought under control. Around 90 people were taken into custody.

rb/kle (AFP, dpa)


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