UN rights experts concerned over Iran demonstrations Clerics blames social media for unrest
DUBAI: A group of UN human rights experts has voiced concern over the deaths of more than 21 people in unrest surrounding protests in Iran and said it is “very disturbed” by the way authorities have responded to the demonstrations.
The four independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said in a joint statement issued on Friday in Geneva that authorities should “exercise restraint.”
They added that “the government’s instruction to the Revolutionary Guard to hit hard against the protesters, and the judiciary’s threats of harsh punishment, are unacceptable.”
They said they are also very concerned about reported shutdowns of social media services such as Instagram and messaging services like Telegram, arguing that “communication blackouts constitute a serious violation of fundamental rights.”
Meanwhile, a hard-line Iranian cleric has called on Iran to create its own indigenous social media apps, blaming them for the unrest that followed days of protest in the Islamic Republic over its economy.
Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami made the comments while leading Friday prayers in Tehran. He said that when the country blocked social media “the riots stopped.”
Khatami says that “the nation does not support a social network that has its key in the hands of the US.” He also said he believed anyone who burned Iran’s flag should be sentenced to death.
Meanwhile, state TV showed footage of pro-government rallies in cities, including Tabriz and Kerman. It marked the third day of such demonstrations.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Washington is “looking for reasons” to pressure Iran on its nuclear program.
Ryabkov was responding to US Vice President Mike Pence who this week said Washington will “not remain silent on Iran” and called for a replacement to the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement.
“If (the US) is looking for reasons to increase pressure on Iran that have nothing to do with the (nuclear) deal, and that’s how it looks like from what we see, then this is an unworthy method that should not be used by a great power,” Ryabkov said.
“We see no reason whatsoever to change the Iran deal,” he added.
Earlier this week Ryabkov warned Washington against interfering in Iran’s “internal affairs” after US President Donald Trump pledged to help Iranians “take back” their government following protests.
Britain’s media regulator said it is considering an official letter received from Iran’s Embassy in London complaining about media coverage of the protests.
The regulator, known as Ofcom, said Friday the letter is being carefully evaluated.
Iranian state media said the government is complaining about what it calls a propaganda campaign orchestrated by UK-based Persian-language broadcasters.
The letter asserted that the media outlets violated UK and international media regulations and tried to incite protesters into using violent tactics.
Ofcom has a broad regulatory role in Britain, overseeing television, radio, high-speed internet and other sectors. One of its roles is to protect British consumers from harmful content.