Jurist UN human rights chief warns deepening repression of civic freedoms across Middle East

[Dadparvar]

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned on Wednesday that repression of freedom of expression across the Middle East has deepened significantly since the US-Israeli attacks on Iran commenced.

In Iran, approximately 2,345 people have been arrested on charges related to national security. Many were arbitrarily arrested during the January protests. State security forces responded to protests with lethal force and incommunicado detention. The state has also cut internet access to prevent external sharing of information. Three protestors were publicly hanged in March after being convicted of “waging war against God” based on “confessions” obtained under torture. Many more are at imminent risk of execution.

Türk summarizes the increased restrictions on rights, stating:

We are witnessing a sharp securitisation of civic space across the region, with severe restrictions imposed by governments on people exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Waves of arrests and broad clampdowns, mostly on vaguely defined accusations, have had a deeply chilling effect on people, many of whom are already living with uncertainty, fear and anxiety.

In Palestine, Türk warned of similar trends. Israeli authorities have detained 200 Palestinians since the US-Israeli war on Iran began for posting on social media and on suspicion of “incitement.” Rights groups have also reported a rise in direct violence by Israeli forces and settlers. One school principal was physically assaulted and had his home vandalized by Israeli authorities in response to a post he reportedly published supporting Iran. Israel has also recently passed legislation providing for a death penalty to apply selectively to Palestinians for particular crimes.

Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa stressed the grave nature of this situation, saying:

It is unconscionable that even as the population is reeling from conflict and mass bereavement amid the ongoing aerial bombardment by Israel and the USA, the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran continue to weaponize the death penalty to eradicate dissenting voices and further terrify people.

Trends of repression and arbitrary detentions persist further across the region. In Bahrain, activist Sayed Mohammed Al-Mousawi died in custody in March after suspected torture. Human Rights Watch has also warned of Bahrain’s blanket ban on protests.

In Qatar and the UAE, authorities have announced hundreds of detentions for sharing information showing the impact of strikes. In Kuwait, authorities imposed a new decree of imprisonment and steep fines for anyone who “undermine the prestige of the military” or works towards eroding public trust in them. In Jordan, at least four critics have been arrested. For example, Omar Awad was taken from the streets by security forces without explanation and has been denied contact with his family and lawyers.

Türk called on states to respect their obligations under international human rights law related to freedom of expression and assembly, and ensuring access to legal counsel, due process, and a fair trial.

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