Shabtabnews In this dark night, I have lost my way – Arise from a corner, oh you the star of guidance.
Iranwire – As the first anniversary of the eruption of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests approaches, the Iranian government is increasing pressure on victims’ families demanding justice and truth.
“One family after another amongst the plaintiffs is subjected to arrests and summonses,” according to a joint statement shared by several of these families on social media.
“Between us, who carry the lifeless bodies of our loved ones on our shoulders, and you and your prisons, whips and threats, there is only one sentence left: We swear by the blood of our comrades that we will stand until the end,” it said.
The Iranian officials’ concerns over a possible resurgence of nationwide protests on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death next month have led to escalating pressure on civil and political activists as part of efforts to intimidate and silence those who might speak out against the government.
Amnesty International has condemned the Iranian government’s treatment of the families of protest victims, calling it a “campaign of intimidation.”
In a report published on August 21, the London-based human rights watchdog documented the cases of 36 victims’ families from 10 provinces across the country who have been subjected to human rights violations in recent months.
They include families of 33 individuals who were unlawfully killed by the security forces during the protests; families of two individuals who were arbitrarily executed in connection with the protests; and family of one torture survivor who committed suicide upon release from detention.
