UN human rights chief Volker Turk says he is horrified by Iran’s violent crackdown on protests, urging an end to killings and internet shutdowns.
GENEVA: The United Nations human rights chief said he was “horrified” by the mounting violence directed at protesters across Iran.
Volker Turk urged Tehran to halt all forms of violence and repression against peaceful demonstrators and to restore full internet and phone services.
“The killing of peaceful demonstrators must stop, and the labelling of protesters as ‘terrorists’ to justify violence against them is unacceptable,” Turk said in a statement.
He said the authorities’ reaction to widespread societal demands for change was to inflict brutal force.
“This cycle of horrific violence cannot continue. The Iranian people and their demands for fairness, equality and justice must be heard,” the UN rights chief said.
Turk called for all killings and rights violations to be investigated under international norms, with those responsible held to account.
He warned that several hospitals were reportedly overwhelmed by casualties, including children.
The UN rights office said it was receiving reliable information pointing to hundreds killed, though it could not give a precise verified figure.
The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights said it had confirmed 648 people killed, including nine minors, but warned the death toll was likely much higher.
Iranian authorities have insisted they have regained control of the situation.
Rights groups accuse the government of using live fire against protesters and masking the crackdown’s scale with an internet blackout.
Turk also expressed extreme worry over judicial officials suggesting the death penalty could be used against protesters through expedited proceedings.
He noted some reports indicated that members of the security forces have also been killed.
The protests, now in their fifth night, pose a major challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership.
“Iranians have the right to demonstrate peacefully. Their grievances need to be heard and addressed, and not instrumentalised by anyone,” Turk added.
US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran.
