Iran situation 'critical' with more than 300 deaths - UN rights chief
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, has worsened as a result of the government's reaction to protests that have claimed more than 300 lives in the last two months.
Described as "serious," the situation in Iran according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, has worsened as a result of the government's reaction to protests that have claimed more than 300 lives in the last two months.
Volker Turk, the U.N.'s high commissioner for human rights, was quoted as saying at a press conference in Geneva, "We urge your authorities to address the people's aspirations for equality, dignity, and rights instead of deploying unneeded or disproportionate force to repress the protests."
Since the murder of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, in morality police custody on September 16 after she was detained for wearing clothing considered "wrong," the Islamic Republic has been rocked by widespread protests.
Volker Turk's spokesperson stated at a Geneva news briefing that "the increasing number of deaths from protests in Iran, notably those of two children at the weekend, and the stiffening of the response by security forces, emphasise the serious situation in the country."
One of the most audacious challenges to the clerical leadership since the 1979 revolution, Tehran has accused foreign foes and their agents of orchestrating the rallies, which have grown into a popular movement by Iranians from all social strata.
In support of the protesters, the Iran World Cup team chose not to sing the national anthem prior to their tournament-opening match on Monday.
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