Iran protests: Baerbock calls for investigation into violence

Secretary of State Baerbock has called for those responsible for the violence against demonstrators in Iran to be held accountable. Meanwhile, UN Human Rights Commissioner Türk paints a bleak picture for the country.

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has called for an investigation into the violence against the protest movement in Iran. This requires an independent mechanism, said the Green politician at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Investigations could help bring those responsible to account.

“Today, our courage to speak out will be tested in the United Nations,” said Baerbock in front of hundreds of diplomats. The people of Iran simply wanted to live in dignity and without discrimination. Baerbock criticized that the Islamic regime was reacting to the protests with arrests, killings and executions. The government in Tehran violates basic human rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

UN commissioner: 14,000 people arrested in Iran

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called on the Iranian government to end the “unnecessary and disproportionate use of force”. He spoke of a “full-fledged human rights crisis”. According to reliable sources, more than 300 people have been killed since the protests began in mid-September, including at least 40 children. Injured protesters refused medical treatment for fear of arrest.

According to Türk, around 14,000 people have been arrested in connection with the protests, including children. The High Commissioner was also concerned at reports that children suspected of taking part in the protests had been arrested at school. The increasing number of death sentences is also worrying.

Human Rights Council votes on resolution

Germany and Iceland had requested the special session of the UN Human Rights Council to deal with the situation in Iran. The panel should vote on a draft resolution. It is intended to condemn the suppression of the opposition movement against the mullahs’ regime and to set up a commission of inquiry. It remains to be seen whether a majority of the 47 member states will vote in favor of this. The vote is scheduled for the afternoon.

A representative of the Iranian government rejected all allegations. She attacked especially Germany by name. Germany is violating the human rights of the Iranians along with other states through the sanctions. The situation for women in Iran is excellent, with the same career opportunities everywhere, she said. She accused Germany and other Western countries of waging a campaign against her country.