—————————————————–
Islamic Human Rights Commission
—————————————————–

10 July 2009

PRESS RELEASE: Iran – IHRC calls for a full inquiry into handling of protesters

The Islamic Human Rights Commission sends its condolences to the victims of the violence during the unrest that followed the recent Iranian elections. 20 people have been confirmed dead including 8 Basijis. There have also been hundreds of protesters detained. IHRC welcomes the release of the majority of the protesters but calls on the Iranian authorities to observe due process in relation to the remainder of the detainees.

IHRC acknowledges that the protests were mostly peaceful but also contained violent fringe elements including organised groups committed to violence and instability in the region.

IHRC is concerned with the allegation of external forces in the promotion of violence and feel that such involvement is counter-productive and damaging to civil society in Iran.

IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh stated:

“IHRC calls for a full inquiry into the policing of protesters and the handling of those detained.”

For more information please contact the Press Office on (+44) 20 8904 4222 or (+44) 0795822196, email: info@ihrc.org.[ENDS]

——————————————————————————————

The Islamic Human Rights Commission is an NGO in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org