Amnesty Australia calls for transitional authority to prepare for referendum

Amnesty International Australia on Sunday called on Iranian authorities to halt the crackdown on protesters and urged international action to address what it described as serious human rights violations.

In a statement issued by its Iran National Network, Amnesty International Australia said the right to protest was fundamental and accused the Islamic Republic of using violence, detention and intimidation against demonstrators.

“The systematic killing, detention, and intimidation of peaceful protesters are grave violations of international human rights law and constitute crimes under international jurisdiction,” the statement said.

The group called for an immediate end to the use of lethal and so-called less-lethal force against civilians, warning that such orders could trigger individual criminal responsibility under international law.

It also demanded the unconditional release of all people detained for protesting or dissent, an immediate halt to executions, and unrestricted access for United Nations-mandated investigators and human rights monitors.

Amnesty International Australia further called for international pressure and support for what it described as the Iranian people’s right to determine their own future.

“The current authorities must cooperate with the establishment of a neutral, temporary transitional authority, under international supervision, to stabilize the country and prepare for a free, fair, and verifiable national referendum,” the group said in a statement.

“The right to protest is a cornerstone of a free world.”