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== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Human rights in Iran]]
[[Category:Protests in Iran]]
[[Category:Mahsa Amini protests]]

Revision as of 18:31, 8 November 2022

Main article: Mahsa Amini protests

The ongoing Mahsa Amini protests broke out following the death of Mahsa Amini while she was under arrest by the Guidance Patrol of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Reactions to her death and the following crackdown on protestors by law enforcement are both domestic and international.

Domestic reactions

  • Reza Pahlavi, the son of the final Shah who was ousted in 1979 Iranian revolution, called for additional international pressure on the Iranian leadership, such as the expulsion of diplomats, the freezing of assets, and the creation of a strike fund to compensate workers. He stated: "Women may decide to wear or not wear the veil. But it ought to be a choice, a free choice, not imposed for ideological or religious reasons."[1] His mother, former Empress Farah called for the overthrow of the Iranian government and said that it was the "first time [she] saw a movement on such a scale in Iran".[2]
  • Iranian former footballer Ali Karimi expressed his support for the protestors, and called on the Iranian army to side with them. He also shared technical advice on how to circumvent the Internet blackout. Fars News, partially affiliated with the IRGC, called him "the new leader of the opposition", and called for his arrest.[3][4] Other prominent sportsman who spoke in favor of the protesters included fencer Mojtaba Abedini, and footballers Hossein Mahini (arrested), Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Ali Daei, and Mehdi Mahdavikia.[5]
  • Prominent exiled activist Masih Alinejad tweeted, "Police used tear gas to disperse Iranian protesters in Paris in an effort to protect the Islamic Republic embassy. Meanwhile, @EmmanuelMacron shook hands with the murderous president of Iran."[6]
  • Author Marjane Satrapi, whose graphic novel Persepolis depicted her life during the 1979 Iranian revolution, described the protests as "beautiful and inspiring". Stating "What I have lived, the youth is living now" and that "there is nothing more beautiful and inspiring than their courage."[7]
  • Maryam Rajavi, co-leader of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) together with Massoud Rajavi, applauded the protesters for their "courage" and said that the people of Iran – especially the women – will "sweep away Khamenei's dark rule" and urged the international community to support protesters.[8]

International reactions

Countries

  • Argentina Argentina: The Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved a resolution expressing support to Iranian women against "oppression, human rights violations and the grave repression implemented".[9]
  • Australia Australia: Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the Iranian crackdowns, stating "We continue to support the people of Iran and their right to freedom of expression and equality for women and girls."[10]
  • Austria Austria: The foreign ministry condemned the Iranian government's "disproportionate use of force" and stated that "Peaceful protests, started by courageous Iranian women, and freedom of expression must be respected at all times." Austria further supported European Union sanctions against Iranian officials responsible.[11][12]
  • Belgium Belgium: Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, along with fellow politicians Darya Safai and Goedele Liekens, cut her own hair during a live debate in support of Iranian protestors, and stated that "women can exercise their right to protest, but the reaction of security forces is disproportionate."[13][14]
  • Canada Canada: Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly called for "a full and complete investigation into the regime's actions" in the aftermath of Amini's death.[15] On 29 October 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marched with protesters in Ottawa where Trudeau expressed his support for the protests and for Iranian women, while also announcing a round of sanctions on Iran for "gross and systematic human rights violations".[16]
  • Chile Chile: President Gabriel Boric called on the United Nations to "mobilize efforts to stop violence against women whether it be in Iran, in memory of Mahsa Amini, who died at the hands of the police this week, or anywhere in the world" in his speech on 20 September.[17]
  • Finland Finland: Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto stated on 25 September that "People in Iran, as anywhere else, have the right to peaceful protest. This right must be ensured."[17]
  • France France: Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna summoned the Iranian ambassador in Paris to condemn the Iranian government's actions, which include the arrests of 4 French citizens in Iran and the extraction of forced confessions under duress,[18] and announced France's support for European Union sanctions and freezing of Iranian assets.[19] President Emmanuel Macron also discussed the issue directly with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.[17]
  • Germany Germany: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said in an interview to Bild am Sonntag on 9 October that "Those who beat up (Iranian) women and girls on the street, who abduct, arbitrarily imprison and condemn to death people who want nothing other than to live free – they stand on the wrong side of history."[20] Baerbock also said that Germany would support the European Union freezing assets of Iranian officials responsible for law enforcement crackdowns.[21]
  • Greece Greece: The foreign ministry issued a statement that "We fully align ourselves with the declaration by High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell on the latest developments in Iran."[17]
  • Israel Israel: Prime Minister Yair Lapid said in his speech to United Nations General Assembly on 22 September that "Young Iranians are suffering and struggling from the shackles of Iran’s regime, and the world is silent. They cry for help on social media. They pay for their desire to live a life of freedom — with their lives. Iran’s regime hates Jews, hates women, hates gay people, hates the West. They hate and kill Muslims who think differently, like Salman Rushdie and Mahsa Amini."[17]
  • Netherlands Netherlands: Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on 23 September and stated that "Women’s rights are human rights and should be respected, as well as the right to peaceful protest."[22] On 6 October, Justice Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius cut her hair during in interview with Op1 to support the Iranian protests.[23]
  • New Zealand New Zealand: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stated on 3 October that she was "deeply concerned to see the loss of life and, of course, just generally what we would consider to be human rights issues as they relate to women and girls." The foreign ministry also summoned Iranian ambassador Mohammad Reza Mofatteh to discuss the issue.[24][25]
  • Norway Norway: Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt condemned Iranian law enforcement crackdowns on protestors, but rejected applying unilateral sanctions on Iran.[26]
  • Portugal Portugal: The foreign ministry stated that "Portugal follows with concern the repression of protests in Iran and mourns all civilian casualties. The right to public protest implies restraint by the authorities. Full, swift accountability of those repressing protests and those responsible for #MahsaAmini's death is vital."[17]
  • Spain Spain: The foreign ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador in Madrid to express "absolute condemnation" for Iran's excessive crackdowns.[27]
  • Sweden Sweden: Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson on 24 September urged "the Iranian government to refrain from violence against these protesters. Freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly must be ensured.” The next day, Foreign Minister Ann Linde also stated that "Sweden stands firmly behind the women and people of Iran that are peacefully taking to the streets in solidarity with Mahsa Amini."[17]
  • Switzerland Switzerland: The foreign ministry condemned the Iranian government's crackdowns and stated that Switzerland was "dismayed by the high number of victims in relation to the protests in Iran."[28]
  • Turkey Turkey: Presidential Spokesperson İbrahim Kalın said he was saddened by Amini's death and that Iran needs to find a balanced way to respect people's free will and maintain public order.[29] Demonstrations occurred in several Turkish cities, including a protest by a group of Iranians in front of the Iranian Consulate in Istanbul.[30][31]
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom: Foreign Office Minister Tariq Ahmad on 21 September stated "The death of Mahsa Amini in Iran following her arrest for alleged dress code violations is shocking. We are extremely concerned at reports of serious mistreatment of Ms Amini, and many others, by the security forces."[17][32]
  • United States United States: During his floor speech to the United Nations General Assembly, President Joe Biden offered solidarity to the protesters, imploring them to "secure their basic rights".[33] Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted: "We call on the Iranian government to end its systematic persecution of women and allow peaceful protest". U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan tweeted that "[Amini's] death is unforgiveable. We will continue to hold Iranian officials accountable for such human rights abuses".[34]

International organizations

  • European Union European Union: The European External Action Service (EEAS) condemned Amini's death in a statement and called for the Iranian government to "ensure that fundamental rights of its citizens are respected".[35] On 4 October, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the EU was considering sanctions against Iran. By 7 October, Denmark, France, Germany, and Italy had called for EU sanctions against Iran.[36]
  • United Nations United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres, on 27 September, issued a statement calling on Iranian security forces to "refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force".[37][38] Nada al-Nashif, the acting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern over Amini's death and Iranian authorities' response to the resulting protests.[39] Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the UN High Commission for Human Rights, urged Iran's clerical leadership several days later to "fully respect the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly, and association". Shamdasani added that reports specify that "hundreds have also been arrested, including human rights defenders, lawyers, civil society activists, and at least 18 journalists", and "Thousands have joined anti-government demonstrations throughout the country over the past 11 days. Security forces have responded at times with live ammunition".[40]

References

  1. ^ "His father was toppled in Iran's 1979 revolution. His take on hijab protests". Hindustan Times. AFP. 28 September 2022. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  2. ^ "Farah Pahlavi: '1st time we have seen a movement on such a scale in Iran'". i24news.tv. 28 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Iranian Football Star Calls On Army To Side With People in Protests". Iran International. 22 September 2022. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  4. ^ "IRGC Calls for Footballer Ali Karimi's Arrest Over Support for Protests". Iran Wire. 23 September 2022. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  5. ^ "Iranian sports world criticizes regime over brutal crackdown". dw.com. 5 October 2022. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  6. ^ "French police use tear gas to thwart Iran protest in Paris". France 24. 25 September 2022. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
  7. ^ Sherwood, Harriet (9 October 2022). "Protesters in Iran are 'beautiful and inspiring', says Persepolis creator". the Guardian. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  8. ^ Aitken, Peter; Papa, Ashley (28 September 2022). "Iran protests: Death toll continues to climb, as reporter who first highlighted Amini's death is arrested". Fox News. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  9. ^ Reuters (29 October 2022). "Diputados: el apoyo a la lucha de las mujeres iraníes generó resistencias del oficialismo y de la izquierda" [Deputies: the support for the struggle of Iranian women created resistance from the ruling party and the left]. Todo Noticias (in Spanish). Retrieved 30 October 2022. {{cite news}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  10. ^ Mitchell, Alex (2022-10-09). "Australia blasts 'disturbing' Iran arrests". PerthNow. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  11. ^ Kurmayer, Nikolaus J. (2022-10-03). "Austria in favour of additional Iran sanctions". www.euractiv.com. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  12. ^ "Austrian Foreign Ministry Issues Travel Warning for Iran". Vindobona.org. Vienna International News. 2022-10-04. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  13. ^ Szucs, Agnes (2022-10-07). "Top Belgian diplomat cuts hair in solidarity with protesters in Iran". www.aa.com.tr. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  14. ^ "Belgian lawmakers cut hair in support of Iranian women". news.yahoo.com. 2022-10-07. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  15. ^ "Three killed in protests over Iranian woman Mahsa Amini's death in custody". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 20 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  16. ^ AFP (30 October 2022). "Trudeau joins Canadian demonstrators in support of Iran protests". Al Arabiya. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h "World Leaders on Mahsa Amini's Death". The Iran Primer. 2022-09-28. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  18. ^ Hafezi, Parisa; Irish, John (2022-10-06). "France lambasts Iran after spying 'confession' aired". MSN. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  19. ^ "France pushes for EU asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian officials". RFI. 2022-10-04. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 2022-10-10.
  20. ^ Hafezi, Parisa (2022-10-09). "Protests grip Iran as rights group says 19 children killed". Reuters. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  21. ^ "Germany wants those behind Iran crackdown banned from EU, assets frozen, Bild am Sonntag reports". Reuters. 2022-10-09. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  22. ^ "Minister Hoekstra dringt aan op onderzoek naar dood Iraanse vrouw". gelderlander.nl/ (in Dutch). 2022-09-24. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  23. ^ Salem, Gaelle (2022-10-07). "Dutch Minister for Justice chops off hair on live TV in support of Iranian women". DutchReview. Archived from the original on 12 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  24. ^ "Ardern Says NZ Officials Met Iran Ambassador to Express Concerns - BNN Bloomberg". BNN. 2022-10-03. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  25. ^ Whyte, Anna (2022-10-05). "Iran: Protesters urge stronger stance by New Zealand Government". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  26. ^ Mizzy, Sugar (2022-10-01). "Will punish people connected to the Iranian clergy – NRK Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country". europe-cities.com. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  27. ^ "Spain Summons Iran Ambassador Over Protests Crackdown". www.barrons.com. 2022-09-28. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  28. ^ "Switzerland Condemns Violence By Iranian Security Forces". menafn.com. 2022-10-06. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  29. ^ "Cumhurbaşkanlığı Sözcüsü İbrahim Kalın NTV'de". ntv.com.tr (in Turkish). 23 September 2022. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  30. ^ Colak, Umut (22 September 2022). "Women in Turkey Protest Iranian Woman's Death". VOA. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  31. ^ "Kadınlar Türkiye'nin dört bir yanında Mahsa Amini için sokağa çıktı". Evrensel Gazetesi (in Turkish). 22 September 2022. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  32. ^ "Death of Mahsa Amini in Iran: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon's statement". GOV.UK. 2022-09-21. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  33. ^ "President Joe Biden UN General Assembly Full Speech". YouTube.[permanent dead link]
  34. ^ "US Officials React To Death Of Young Woman, Protests in Iran". Iran International. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  35. ^ "Iran: Statement by the Spokesperson on the death of Mahsa Amini | EEAS Website". European External Action Service. 19 September 2022. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  36. ^ "How Countries Are Responding to Iran's Crackdown on Dissent". US News and World Report. October 2022. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  37. ^ "UN chief calls on Iran to refrain from using 'disproportionate force' against protesters". France 24. 28 September 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  38. ^ "Iran: UN condemns violent crackdown against hijab protests". UN News. United Nations. 27 September 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  39. ^ "UN decries 'violent response' to Mahsa Amini's death". Al Arabiya English. 20 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  40. ^ Hafezi, Parisa (27 September 2022). "Iran security forces clash with protesters over Amini's death". Reuters. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
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