GENEVA - Since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran commenced, repression of civic space and freedom of expression has significantly deepened across the Middle East, compounding the already existing climate of fear unleashed by multiple conflicts and crises, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned today.
"We are witnessing a sharp securitisation of civic space across the region, with severe restrictions imposed by governments on people exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," he said. "Waves of arrests and broad clampdowns, mostly on vaguely defined accusations, have had a deeply chilling effect on people, many of whom are already living with uncertainty, fear and anxiety."
In Iran, estimates put the number of people arrested since the onset of the conflict at 2,345, on charges related to national security, including terrorism, dissent, alleged espionage and "cooperation with the enemy".
Many of those arbitrarily arrested during the January protests and during the ongoing conflict are being held in shocking conditions, and face expedited proceedings that routinely lack due process and risk imposition of capital punishment. Eight executions have already been reported, three of which were related to the protests. Dozens of others who have been convicted - including children - face a similar fate.
"This is outrageous. As if the pain and suffering brought on by the war is not enough, some Iranians are being arbitrarily rounded up, jailed, prosecuted without due process, and in some cases then even executed by their own Government," Türk said.
"The human rights of the Iranian people must be prioritised. All executions must be halted immediately."
Meanwhile, Iran's nationwide internet blackout enters its fifth week - one of the most severe countrywide shutdowns ever recorded globally. Pervasive interrogation and intimidation of civilians by heavily armed security forces in public spaces continue to be reported.
"Across the region and linked to the conflict, my Office is receiving disturbing reports of arbitrary detentions and other forms of State repression," said Türk. "We fear vague security claims related to this conflict are being used instead to further repress and violate people's fundamental human rights - often members of minorities, and those already marginalised."
In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Israeli authorities announced the detention of 200 Palestinians from 28 February to 6 March, including for posting on social media, and on suspicion of "incitement" and "glorification of the enemy". Israeli security forces have also increased their raids of Palestinian communities across the West Bank, as well as further tightened movement restrictions. A 44-year-old Palestinian school principal in Dura, Hebron was physically assaulted on 11 March in front of his family and his house vandalised by Israeli authorities, for a post he reportedly published on social media in support of Iran.
In Bahrain, activist Mohammed Al-Mousawi died in custody on or around 27 March, with serious allegations of his torture. Various other arrests have been announced by Bahraini authorities, including those of foreign nationals, for filming or sharing content on social media platforms, or alleged expression of sympathy for the enemy. In cases of individuals accused of espionage, Bahraini public prosecutors have sought the death penalty.
In Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, authorities have announced the detention of 313 and 109 people respectively, in relation to the filming or sharing of information, among other charges. In the UAE, 35 people have been sent for expedited trial, among them individuals who have circulated video footage showing the impact of strikes and interceptions. Foreign nationals are reportedly among those detained.
In Kuwait, a new decree has imposed imprisonment and steep fines for the circulation of reports that seek to "undermine the prestige of the military" or erode public trust in it. An arrest in connection with the conflict has also been reported.
In Jordan, at least four critics were reportedly arrested during the current wave of hostilities, including three members of the Jordanian Communist Party, two of whom remain detained on unknown basis.
"We remind all States of their obligation under international human rights law to respect and protect people's right to freedom of expression. Everyone has the right to express critical opinions, particularly on matters of major public concern, without fear of arbitrary arrest and punishment," said the UN Human Rights Chief.
While narrow restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly are permissible under international human rights law, including on grounds of national security or public order, States must always demonstrate that they remain strictly necessary, proportional, and limited in time and scope. Blanket restrictions are generally inconsistent with international human rights law,
"Those arrested have the right to legal counsel, due process and fair trial. Pretrial detention must be a measure of last resort, used only when necessary and proportionate. Those individuals arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally," said the High Commissioner. "The death penalty runs contrary to the right to life and should never be imposed for conduct that is protected under international human rights law."
"There have also been attempts to limit media freedom, such as restrictions imposed by Israeli military censorship authorities, and a threat by the US Federal Communications Commission to revoke broadcast licences for coverage deemed critical of the war," he said.
