Iran Post-Election Protests 2009
Iran's presidential election on 12 June, took place against a backdrop of discrimination, worsening repression of dissent and violent unrest.
In the days following the election, hundreds of thousands of people took part in marches and demonstrations across Iran, protesting against both the process and outcome of the election. The police and security forces, including the volunteer Basij militia, have used excessive force, including beating with truncheons to end demonstrations. In some cases demonstrators have been shot with live ammunition. Over the last several months, protests have continued in Tehran and other cities in Iran. Mass demonstrations were held on Sunday 27 December to mark the Shi'a religious observance of 'Ashura. At least eight people were reportedly killed by government agents, including the nephew of presidential candidate Mir Hossein Moussavi. Hundreds have been arrested including prominent human rights activists and political figures such as Emadeddin Baghi and Ebrahim Yazdi.
Iran is now witnessing sweeping restrictions on the use of communications technology, including telecommunications, satellite broadcasts and internet access, a ban on peaceful demonstrations, armed attacks on students in university premises as well as the arbitrary arrest of political activists, students, journalists, and human rights defenders, many – if not all – of whom are prisoners of conscience.
Amnesty International has put out a large number of press releases, urgent actions, reports and other documents on the post-election human rights crisis in Iran. Following is a selection of these documents:
URGENT ACTIONS
- Urge the Release of Prisoners of Conscience in Iran (UA 171/09)
- Demand the Identification and Release of Journalists in Iran (UA 172/09)
- Urge the Release of Human Rights Defender and Lawyer in Iran (UA 160/09)
- Urge the Release of Political Leaders and Activists in Iran (UA 159/09)
- Release 28 Iranians Detained for Peaceful Expression (UA 152/09)
- Protect Demonstrators From Excessive Force in Iran (UA 150/09)
- End Violence Against Iran Election Protesters
- Iranian detainee "confesses" in court
- Some journalists freed, many still in prison
- Mourners arrested on way to cleric's funeral
ACTIVIST BRIEF
AIUSA Iran Blog Posts
AI INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT STATEMENTS, REPORTS AND ACTIONS
Post Election Statements
- AI Response to Friday prayers sermon delivered by Iran Supreme Leader
- Iranian authorities must respect and nurture debate
- Arrests and killings rise as election protests grip Iran
- Initial IS statement after elections
- Supreme Leader must act on torture
- Rape and other torture victims at renewed risk
- Open letter calls for independent investigation into the death of Dr. Pourandarjani
- Iran must allow peaceful gatherings during 'Ashoura
- End slide to more bloodshed
Public Statement Pre-Election
Reports
- Iran: Human Rights in the spotlight on the 30th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, MDE 13/010/2009, 5 February 2009
- Iran: Worsening repression of dissent as election approaches, MDE 13/012/2009, 1 February 2009
- Iran: Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review, 1 September 2009
- Iran: Election contended, repression compounded, MDE 13/123/2009, 10 December 2009
