CHRI:

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet issued statement on December 6,  in which she “expressed alarm” over the Iranian government’s violent response to the protests that broke out across the country after the government’s November 15 announcement of a steep gas price hike, stating that there were “clear violations of international norms and standards on the use of force, and serious violations of human rights.”

Noting that at least 208 people were killed, including 13 women and 12 children—and as of yet unconfirmed reports that the numbers might be more than twice that—Bachelet said that “those responsible must be held accountable.”

The statement confirmed reports that “at least 7000” people had been arrested, and the High Commissioner said she is “extremely concerned about [the detainees’] physical treatment, [and] violations of their right to due process,” as well as numerous reports of “forced confessions” and the possibility that many will be charged with offenses that carry the death penalty.

Responding to “conflicting” reports that some protestors may have been armed, Bachelet stated: “this does not in any way justify such an indiscriminate, horrifying and deadly reaction by the security forces.”

The High Commissioner also expressed concern at reports of intimidation of journalists trying to report on the situation both inside and outside the country.

The full statement follows.

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