Iran’s Growing Repression: Silencing Dissent in Anticipation of Protest Anniversary

Iran: Crackdown on Dissent Ahead of Protest Anniversary

Ramped-Up Repression

As the one-year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Jina Amini approaches, Iranian authorities have intensified their repression on civil society, targeting activists, artists, dissidents, lawyers, academics, students, and family members of those who were killed during the protests in 2022. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the increasing crackdown on peaceful dissent and expression through intimidation, arrests, prosecutions, and trials.

Preventing Public Commemoration

The death of Mahsa Jina Amini in custody has become a symbol of the Iranian government’s systematic oppression of women, injustice, and impunity. Iranian authorities are attempting to suppress public commemoration of her death by imposing a chokehold on dissent. However, they cannot erase the mounting frustration, louder calls for fundamental change, and the resistance and solidarity present in Iranian society.

Targeting Family Members

The authorities have specifically targeted family members of those killed or executed during the protests, intensifying their pressure on these families in recent months. Human rights groups are currently investigating the killing of over 500 individuals, including 69 children, during the protests. Human Rights Watch has compiled reports of family members of at least 36 victims who have been interrogated, arrested, prosecuted, and/or sentenced to prison within the past month.

Crackdown on Lawyers and Activists

Lawyers supporting the rights of protesters or their families have also faced repression. Saleh Nikbakht, the lawyer representing Mahsa Jina Amini’s family, has been charged with “propaganda against the state.” Additional reports indicate that 55 lawyers were summoned by judicial authorities in July for signing a statement offering legal assistance to Amini’s family.

Universities have not been spared from the crackdown, with at least 27 critical university instructors being dismissed, suspended, forced to retire, or having their contracts not renewed. Students have also faced disciplinary measures for their activism related to the protests.

Targeting Artists

Artists who have vocally supported the protest movement have faced reprisals, arrests, and prosecution. The authorities have charged individuals with “releasing an illegal song” and “corruption on earth” solely based on their expression of dissenting views. Reports have emerged of physical and psychological torture inflicted on detained artists.

Compulsory Hijab Laws and Enforcement

In addition to their brutal crackdown on peaceful dissent, Iranian authorities have significantly ramped up their efforts to enforce compulsory hijab laws. Celebrities and ordinary women have been prosecuted for not complying with hijab regulations. The authorities have also issued traffic citations to cars carrying passengers without the hijab and shut down businesses that do not enforce hijab rules. The proposed Hijab and Chastity Bill would further increase penalties for non-compliance, including additional fines and dismissal from job and educational opportunities.

Editorial

The intensified crackdown on dissent, particularly ahead of the protest anniversary, raises serious concerns about human rights violations and the state of civil society in Iran. The Iranian authorities’ systematic oppression of women, arbitrary arrests, unfair trials, and torture reflect a disregard for fundamental human rights and democratic values.

The international community has a responsibility to hold Iran accountable for these abuses and to take action to protect the rights of activists, artists, academics, lawyers, students, and all those facing repression. Raising the issue of human rights violations during the annual UN General Assembly leaders’ week in New York is a crucial step towards generating greater global awareness and support for those affected.

Advice

For activists and human rights defenders in Iran, it is essential to remain united, organized, and resilient amid the escalating repression. Solidarity networks inside and outside the country can provide vital moral and material support. The use of social media and other digital platforms can help amplify voices, share information, and mobilize international pressure on the Iranian government.

The international community, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and the media, should proactively raise awareness about the human rights situation in Iran and exert diplomatic pressure on the Iranian authorities to respect fundamental freedoms and release all those unjustly detained. Sanctions and other targeted measures against those responsible for human rights violations should also be considered.

Lastly, it is essential for the international community to continue supporting and providing resources to organizations such as Human Rights Watch that play a critical role in documenting human rights abuses and advocating for justice and accountability.

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