Deborah Steele

Together with other UN experts, I condemn Iran's ongoing internet shutdown—a deliberate attempt to conceal the violence being perpetrated against nationwide demonstrations.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/… The dangerous rhetoric labelling peaceful protesters as 'terrorists,' 'rioters,' or 'mercenaries' seeks to justify brutal crackdowns. The exact death toll remains uncertain due to the shutdown, but it is likely to be in the thousands or more. Regardless of the exact number of deaths - even a single casualty is extremely serious. Lethal force can only be used as a last resort to protect life. It must be legal, necessary, proportionate. All deaths require investigation. Both the killings of peaceful protesters on the streets by security forces and the use of the death penalty for moharabeh (enmity against God) are unlawful. The death penalty is not the response of a country where freedom of assembly and expression are respected. Authorities have a choice between perpetuating cycles of violence and repression that have characterised past responses to dissent or create space for genuine dialogue with its people who are expressing dissent and calling for significant political and governance-related change. Despite operating in a severely restricted civic space with immense personal risk, the people of Iran continue to demonstrate extraordinary courage in their pursuit of fundamental rights. @UN_SPExperts @Ginitastar @SR_Afghanistan @Irenekhan