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Demonstration in London for women's rights in Iran: dressed like characters from the series "The Handmaid's Tale".

Photo: Daniel Leal / AFP

According to human rights experts, the violent suppression of peaceful protests and the institutional discrimination against women in Iran represent crimes against humanity. During the protests in September 2022 and after, people were killed, disproportionate violence was used, and people were arbitrarily deprived of their freedom was robbed and there was torture and rape, according to a report now published in Geneva.

It comes from the independent expert commission that the UN Human Rights Council set up in November 2022 to clarify the events, among others at the instigation of Germany.

“Systematic attack against the civilian population”

In autumn 2022, the death of the young Kurdish woman Jina Mahsa Amini triggered the most serious protests in the history of the Islamic Republic.

For months, young people in particular took to the streets to demonstrate against the Islamic system of rule.

Amini is said to have worn her headscarf incorrectly, was arrested by the notorious moral guards and died shortly afterwards.

The commission concludes that physical violence following the arrest led to her death.

According to the report, 551 demonstrators are believed to have been killed by security forces in the ensuing protests, most by gunfire.

Security forces were also injured, but the protests were largely peaceful.

"These acts are part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population in Iran, especially against women, girls, boys and men who have demanded freedom, equality, dignity and responsibility," said Sara Hossain, chairwoman of the investigative commission.

Hundreds of minors were among those arrested, including children no older than ten years old.

Those arrested were tortured in captivity to extract confessions.

There were gang rapes and torture with electric shock to the genitals.

At least nine men were arbitrarily executed between December 2022 and January 2024.

The highest state authorities encouraged the security forces to commit human rights violations.

Because Iran has systematic and historical impunity for human rights violations, the commission encouraged other countries to find ways to hold perpetrators accountable, including through their domestic courts.

aeh/dpa