More than one week has passed since widespread public protests erupted across Iran, triggered by the rapid devaluation of the national currency. What began in Tehran’s mobile phone market quickly spread to cities across the country, with economically marginalized and impoverished regions disproportionately affected. Rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the Iranians, authorities have once again responded with excessive and unlawful force.
Credible reports from human rights organizations indicate that at least 29 protesters have been killed by security forces using live ammunition, and at least 1,000 individuals have been arbitrarily arrested and detained nationwide in connection with these protests. Many of those killed and imprisoned are young Iranians, including some children. Some have been forced to provide televised “confessions” broadcast by state media—an abusive practice that violates the rights of children and fundamental guarantees of due process. Accusations that these minors were acting on behalf of foreign entities reflect a long-standing and discredited narrative frequently used by Iranian authorities over the past four decades to deflect responsibility and silence dissent. The reality is that the current protests are rooted in decades of structural injustice, widespread poverty, systemic corruption, repression, and the severe restriction of political and civil liberties. The protesters filling Iran’s streets today are predominantly young people who see no prospects under the existing system.
Femena strongly condemns the violent repression of peaceful protesters in Iran and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained. We urge Iranian authorities to immediately cease the use of lethal force, end mass arrests, and uphold their obligations under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Furthermore, we call on the Iranian government to engage in genuine and meaningful reforms, including the dismantling of repressive structures and the creation of the conditions for free, fair, and democratic elections under independent international supervision. The right of the Iranian people to self-determination must be respected, and the future of Iran must be decided by its people and civil society—free from violence, coercion, and any form of foreign interference.