U.N. Report Slams ‘Pattern’ of Abuses in Iranian Prisons

A  report published by the United Nations on Monday, March 5, criticizes the Iranian regime for its systematic abuse, torture, and rape of prisoners and for its heightened restrictions on freedom of expression and access to the Internet.

The report was reportedly drafted by Asma Jahangir, a Pakistani human rights activist who served as the U.N.’s special rapporteur on human rights in Iran. She passed away last month.

According to Radio Farda, Jahangir wrote in the report that she had seen “a worrying picture developing in the human rights situation” in Iran since she issued her last report in August. “Despite assurances from the government, improvements are either not forthcoming or are being implemented very slowly and in piecemeal,” she said. “Consistent reports received suggest a pattern of physical or mental pressure applied upon prisoners to coerce confessions, some of which are broadcast.”

The report will reportedly be debated before the U.N. Human Rights Council next week.

According to Radio Farda, “The reports said 482 executions were reported in the country in 2017, including five juvenile offenders, down from 530 in 2016 and 969 in 2015.”

Detainees in Iran are tortured during interrogations. They are reportedly denied medical treatment and subjected to sexual violence like rape, electric shocks, and amputations.

Everyday Iranians do not have freedom of speech or expression, nor does the press. Jahangir reportedly said Iran’s government had closed seven million Internet addresses over the past three years. In addition to this, women, minorities, people from other religions, and members of the LGBT community continue to experience discrimination.

The recent uprisings, which began on December 28 and have continued throughout the country, saw the arrests of thousands of Iranians and dozens of deaths. The events have also caused the government to strengthen its restrictions on the Internet and shut down access to popular apps like Telegram and Instagram.

Adelle Nazarian is a politics and national security reporter for Breitbart News. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.