The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday [December 6th] called for the release of those arbitrarily detained in Iran following protests that began last month. "At least 7,000 people are reported to have been arrested in 28 of the 31 provinces of Iran since the demonstrations began on November 15"said one of his spokesmen, Rupert Colville, during a press briefing in Geneva.
High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet "Is extremely concerned about their conditions of detention, the physical treatment inflicted on them and the violations of their right to due process and the possibility that a significant number of them may be charged with offenses punishable by death sentence ", he added. "I urge the authorities to release immediately all the demonstrators who were arbitrarily deprived of their liberty", pointed out Mme Bachelet in a statement.
At least 208 dead
The protest erupted on November 15 when the announcement of a significant increase in gas prices, in the midst of the economic crisis, aggravated by US sanctions, and affected a hundred cities. The authorities, who blocked the Internet during the demonstrations, said they quickly brought order.
"Until now, information suggests that at least 208 people were killed, including thirteen women and twelve children. There is also information, which we have not yet been able to verify, suggesting that the number of killed would be twice as high "noted Rupert Colville. It is the NGO Amnesty International which estimated that at least 208 people were killed by the police, while asserting that "The actual balance sheet" of this "Horrible killing" was "Likely superior".
The United States, they accused Thursday Tehran of killing more than 1,000 people during the crackdown " brutal " of the challenge. The US envoy to Iran, Brian Hook, acknowledged that this record was "Not sure, because the regime is blocking information". Tehran, which qualifies as "Absolute lies" these figures provided by "Hostile groups"has so far confirmed only five deaths: four law enforcement personnel killed by "Rioters" and a civilian.
