José Daniel Ferrer García, leader of the unofficial political opposition group “Patriotic Union of Cuba,” who was arrested on July 11, 2021, in the context of island-wide protests and has been imprisoned ever since is once again being held with limited access to the outside world.
According to his family, he intends to initiate a hunger strike as an extreme measure in demand of his rights. He is a prisoner of conscience who must be released immediately and unconditionally.
The tragic killing of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini by Iran’s “morality” police has re-sparked nationwide protests. In violent crackdowns, authorities have tried to crush calls for respect of human rights. At least 144 civilians, including 23 children, have been killed with impunity since 19 September 2022.
A month after the start of nationwide protests in Iran, at least 215 people including 27 children have been killed by security forces and mass arrests made on and off the streets. Calling for the immediate release of all protesters and recognition of the Iranian people’s right to peaceful protest, Iran Human Rights warns about the dire situation of the detainees. Iran Human Rights Director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said: “Detainees who are often forcibly disappeared, are at serious risk of torture and death. Urgent action by the international community is crucial at this point.” Reports received by Iran Human Rights confirm that detainees are being subjected to verbal insults and torture and other ill-treatment. Some have been forced to make self-incriminating televised confession under duress and torture. Furthermore, some protesters have been taken to unofficial buildings without any regulations or monitoring. The official detention centres and prisons are filled above capacity without sanitary facilities. Children under 18 years are amongst the detainees.
Videos from Evin Prison last night showed the notorious prison burning, along with sounds of gunshots and explosions. Simultaneously, special forces were deployed to the prison without any explanation. From the early hours of this morning, official Islamic Republic media started publishing their own account of events with death and injury numbers. According to the Judiciary’s Mizan news agency, four prisoners were killed and 61 injured last night. Ten prisoners were taken to medical facilities and four are reported to be in critical condition.
Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO): At least 185 people, including at least 19 children, have been killed in the nationwide protests across Iran. The highest number of killings occurred in Sistan and Baluchistan province with half the recorded number. Iran Human Rights condemns the killing of protesters in the strongest possible terms once again, particularly the killings in Zahedan which it considers to amount to crimes against humanity. Speaking at a Human Rights Council side event on October 5, IHRNGO Director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam called for those responsible for the atrocities including the Islamic Republic leaders and the forces under theircommand, to be held accountable and prosecuted through establishment of an independent international mechanism under the supervision of the United Nations.
