A UN-mandated fact-finding mission has urged Iran to immediately restore internet access and halt its violent crackdown, as nationwide protests entered a third week amid growing international concern.
In a statement issued at the United Nations, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said it was alarmed by reports that security forces were ordered to suppress demonstrations decisively and without restraint.
Read more : Iran cuts Internet as protests rage across country
The mission noted that internet and mobile services were shut down on 8 January, severely limiting information access, while protests that began on 28 December over currency collapse spread to at least 46 cities.
As of 7 January, more than 40 people, including at least five children, were reportedly killed across several provinces, while Iran’s parliament also confirmed fatalities among security personnel during unrest.
Read more : Nationwide Iranian protests signal legitimacy crisis
Furthermore, the mission warned that the use of excessive force, especially in ethnic minority regions, mirrors patterns seen during the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests following the death of Jina Mahsa Amini.
The mission called for the unconditional release of arbitrarily detained protesters, respect for peaceful assembly, and stressed that any unilateral military intervention by third states violates international law.