UN Iran rapporteur urges authorities to respect rights to protest

UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Mai Sato, said she is closely monitoring a sixth day of demonstrations across the country and warned of “growing confrontation” between protesters and security forces, urging authorities to respect freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

“I call on the Iranian authorities to respect the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and refrain from using excessive force against peaceful protesters,” Sato posted on X on Friday.

“The violent response witnessed during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement must not be repeated. A functioning civic space is essential for any society. People must be able to voice dissent and participate in peaceful protest without fear of reprisal,” she added.