Javaid Rehman, the special U.N reporter on human rights in Iran asked the Islamic Republic to allow him to travel to Iran.

On Monday, March 11, while referring to the arrests and torture of political activists, workers, and attorneys, Mr. Rehman demanded the immediate release of these prisoners. He specifically named two labor rights activists, Sepideh Gholian and Esmail Bakhshi, and asked the Islamic Republic to allow peaceful assemblies of people.

Iran’s ambassador to Geneva, Esmail Baghayi Hamaneh called these reports unfair and untrue. He said Iranian representatives have met with Mr. Rehman last week to explain the human rights achievements of the Islamic Republic.

Rehman’s main point regarding Iran’s human rights violations:

• Sepideh Gholian and Esmail Bakhshi have been tortured in prison. I ask Iran to release these individuals and allow people to have peaceful assemblies.
• Arrests of attorneys and other activists in Iran is very concerning. The attorneys are not allowed access to their clients’ cases in preliminary stages and there are many reports of people who have been tortured in those preliminary stages of their case.
• We remember how so many civil rights activists were incarcerated for their objection to mandatory hijab.
• Iran’s laws allow 9-year-old girls and 15-year-old boys to be executed for committing a crime.

EU representative’s reaction to the report:

• We condemn the execution of underage criminals in Iran. We read Mr. Rehman’s report and realized many have been arrested for peaceful assembly and their rights have been violated.
• We ask Iran to forbid child marriages.

Iranian ambassador’s reaction:

• These reports are unfair and filled with clichés that are always used against our country. Protecting human rights is one of the greatest achievements of our system.
• We have always been a victim of terrorism. We are targeted by U.S sanctions. Protecting human rights is a common goal.
• Last week our representatives met with Mr. Rahman to educate him on the lies in his report.

Israel’s reaction:

• Iran increases its missile capabilities and supports all terrorist militia.
• A few days ago, Ali Shamkhani threatened Israel with destruction by Iranian missiles. Iran uses proxy groups to continue the war.
• It has been 40 years since the revolution in Iran and the Islamic Republic is proud that it has wasted the lives of Iranian people.