Unmasking the Truth: Demanding an Independent Investigation into the Schoolgirl’s Critical Injuries in Iran

The Urgent Call for Independent Investigation into Armita Garawand’s Case

Introduction

Amid mounting evidence of a cover-up by Iranian authorities, Amnesty International is calling on the international community to demand an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the hospitalization of 16-year-old Armita Garawand. Reports indicate that Garawand fell unconscious on a Tehran metro train after being assaulted by an enforcer of Iran‘s compulsory veiling laws. She has been in a coma since the incident.

Misinformation and Distortion

According to Amnesty International’s analysis of evidence, Iranian authorities have been active in spreading misinformation and distorting the truth about Garawand’s collapse. They have arrested journalists investigating the incident and released edited CCTV footage. The organization’s Evidence Lab found that the video had been manipulated, with increased frame rates in several sections and a gap of over three minutes.

The authorities’ actions are eerily reminiscent of their previous attempts to obscure the truth, such as in the case of Mahsa/Zhina Amini’s hospitalization just over a year ago. This concerted campaign of denial and distortion is deeply troubling and demonstrates a troubling pattern of behavior.

An International Call to Action

Given the lack of prospects for impartial and independent investigations within Iran, Amnesty International asserts that the international community must put pressure on Iranian authorities. This pressure should aim to allow access to the UN Fact-Finding Mission and other independent monitors to uncover the truth about the events leading to Garawand’s critical condition.

Furthermore, the international community must also demand that Garawand’s relatives, friends, and journalists seeking the truth are protected from reprisals and harassment. The Iranian authorities have a well-documented history of subjecting victims’ families to intimidation and threats of reprisals to force them into reaffirming official state narratives.

The Plight of Women and Girls in Iran

Armita Garawand’s case is not an isolated incident but occurs amidst an intensified campaign of oppression against women and girls who defy Iran‘s compulsory veiling laws. This oppressive campaign includes harassment, violent attacks, confiscation of property, denial of access to education and employment, and cruel judicial sentences.

The “hijab and chastity plan” introduced by Tehran’s mayor in April 2023 has further intensified the policing of women and young girls who do not wear headscarves in the metro. The recent passing of a bill by Iran‘s parliament, if approved, would further erode human rights for those who defy compulsory veiling.

Seeking Justice at an International Level

Amnesty International calls on members of the international community to pursue legal avenues at the international level to hold Iranian officials accountable for their widespread and systematic human rights violations against women and girls. This includes exploring the principle of universal jurisdiction to initiate criminal investigations.

Conclusion

The circumstances surrounding Armita Garawand’s hospitalization demand immediate attention from the international community. The call for an independent investigation is vital not only to uncover the truth but also to ensure accountability for the human rights violations committed by Iranian authorities. The plight of women and girls in Iran deserves the unwavering support of the global community in their fight for justice and equality.

Protest-wordpress,independentinvestigation,schoolgirl,criticalinjuries,Iran