20 September 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The acting High Commissioner<\/a> for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif, expressed alarm on Tuesday<\/a> at the death in custody in Iran of a woman after she was detained for wearing an \u201cimproper\u201d hijab<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mahsa Amini was arrested a week ago by Iran\u2019s \u201cmorality police\u201d in Teheran. The 22-year-old, whose Kurdish name is Jhina – fell into a coma shortly after collapsing at a detention centre, and died three days later, officially of a heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Geneva, Spokesperson for the UN rights office OHCHR<\/a>, Ravina Shamdasani, said that there was also deep concern at the violent response of Iran\u2019s security forces to protests sparked by Ms. Amini\u2019s death<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She noted that thousands have taken to the streets in a number of cities across the country, including in Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Mashhad, Rasht, Saqqes and Sanandaj, in protests against Ms. Amini\u2019s death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSecurity forces have reportedly responded with live ammunition, pellet guns and teargas<\/strong>\u201d, she told journalists. \u201cAt least two people have reportedly been killed and several injured, and a number have been arrested.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ms. Shamdasani also highlighted that legislation had been passed in Iran allowing police to send text messages to women in their cars, telling them to not to take off their hijabs while driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe bottom line is that these rules should not exist, women should not be punished for what they are wearing<\/strong>\u201d, she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWomen who defy these compulsory veiling rules should not be harassed, should not be subjected to violence and there needs to be a fair investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ms. Nashif said the 22 year-old\u2019s \u201ctragic death and allegations of torture and ill-treatment, must be promptly, impartially and effectively investigated by an independent competent authority<\/strong>, that ensures, in particular, that her family has access to justice and truth\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The acting rights chief also condemned the reported unnecessary or disproportionate use of force against those protesting the Kurdish woman\u2019s death, inside Vozara Detention Centre, and called on Iran \u2013 a State party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights<\/a> \u2013 to respect the right to peacefully exercise freedom of expression, assembly and association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ms. Al-Nashif also echoed previous concerns voiced by UN Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres over the ongoing repression of women human rights defenders, who object to compulsory veiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThousands protest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hijab \u2018rules should not exist\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Prompt, impartial investigation needed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/h2>\n