ASIATODAY.ID, TEHRAN – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has issued a scathing condemnation of Iranian authorities amid nationwide anti-government protests, saying he is horrified by escalating violence carried out by security forces against peaceful demonstrators.
Reports indicate that hundreds of people have been killed and thousands arrested, as protests continue across all provinces of Iran.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Türk urged the authorities to immediately halt all violence and repression, restore full access to the internet and telecommunications, and respect the right to peaceful assembly.
“The killing of peaceful demonstrators must stop. Labelling protesters as ‘terrorists’ to justify violence against them is unacceptable,” Türk said.
Demands for Change Met with Brutal Force
Since 28 December, Iranians have taken to the streets to protest record inflation, soaring food prices, and the sudden collapse of the national currency. What began as economic protests has rapidly evolved into broader demands for systemic political change.
Türk recalled similar nationwide protests in 2022, noting that once again authorities have responded by deploying brutal force to suppress legitimate calls for reform.
“This cycle of horrific violence cannot continue,” he said. “The Iranian people and their demands for fairness, equality, and justice must be heard.”
The UN rights chief called for independent investigations into all killings and human rights violations, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable.
Death Penalty Threats Raise Global Alarm
Türk expressed deep concern over reports that hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, including children. Nationwide internet shutdowns have severely hampered independent verification, emergency services, and human rights monitoring.
He also described public statements by Iranian judicial officials suggesting the possible use of the death penalty against protesters through expedited trials as “extremely worrying.”
“Iranians have the right to demonstrate peacefully. Their grievances must be addressed—not crushed or instrumentalised,” Türk said.
UN Experts: Iran Violating International Law
In a separate statement, independent UN human rights experts urged Iran to break the cycle of violence and open space for dialogue, warning that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters, arbitrary arrests—including of children—and attacks on medical facilities constitute clear violations of international human rights law.
According to reports, security forces have fired live ammunition, metal pellets, water cannons, and tear gas directly at largely peaceful crowds, while also carrying out beatings and mass arrests.
Accounts also describe raids on hospitals, tear gas deployed inside medical facilities, and attempts to arrest wounded protesters. More than 2,600 people have reportedly been detained, including schoolchildren.
Regarding reports of death sentences, the experts warned that, if carried out, such measures would compound unlawful street killings with state-sanctioned executions.
The experts are Special Rapporteurs appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. They operate independently, serve in a voluntary capacity, and are not UN staff. (AT Network)
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