Mai Sato: The Islamic Republic is seeking to justify the crackdowns
Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, said at a special United Nations session in Geneva that the dangerous rhetoric of Iranian officials, who label peaceful protesters as rioters, terrorists, or mercenaries, aims to justify brutal crackdowns and ignores the internal and organic nature of this uprising.
She noted that both the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic and the heads of the three branches of government have called for strict measures.
Sato stated that the use of lethal force should only be employed as a last resort to protect lives and must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate.
The Special Rapporteur on Iran said, ‘I have received numerous videos showing that the use of lethal force against unarmed protesters violates these principles. The excessive use of force and the death penalty against peaceful protesters demonstrate a blatant disregard for the right to freedom of assembly and expression and the right to life.’
