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** SPOTLIGHT
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Credit: © Rouzbeh Fouladi/ZUMA Press Wire

Stop the bloodshed in Iran

People in Iran have endured days of a near total communications blackout, deliberately imposed by the Iranian authorities to conceal a massacre of its own people.

As information slowly emerges from inside the country, international human rights groups and media outlets are piecing together the horrific scale of the killing, torture, and mass arrests. According to some estimates ([link removed]) , over 2,600 people have been killed, and over 18,000 arrested – figures likely to be severe underestimates.

The brutal crackdown serves one purpose: to intimidate and silence those who have peacefully taken to the streets to call for democracy, freedom, justice and respect of their human rights.

The gross human rights violations committed under the guise of communication shutdown mirror the patterns of repression during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. The international community must act now to finally put an end to impunity for the crimes committed.

UN member states and regional bodies, including the European Union, must press Iran to halt the bloodshed and restore internet access. We join civil society ([link removed]) in calling for states to pursue universal jurisdiction prosecutions for crimes like murder and torture – to bring those responsible to justice.
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ALSO IN THE NEWS

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Free Andrei and all political prisoners in Belarus

This week, our colleague and friend Andrei  Aliaksandrau marks 5 years behind bars in Belarus.

Andrei, a dedicated champion of freedom of expression, was jailed in the aftermath of the pro-democracy protests in Minsk. He faces a range of charges, including public order offences and ‘high treason’.

‘Andrei has been in prison for five years simply for defending free media and human rights. He has always been dedicated to supporting the Belarusian people – his people.

‘His stamina, strength, kindness, and determination should be an inspiration to us all. As some political prisoners are being released, we hope to see his face in the free world again soon.’ – Joanna Szymańska, ARTICLE 19’s Head of Programmes and Strategy for Europe.

In December, we welcomed the release of 123 political prisoners in Belarus.

We must continue our efforts until Andrei and others are free.

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