The British Committee for Iran Freedom (BCFIF) issued a statement about the murder of Mahsa Amini and the Iranian people’s uprising. 

While condemning the death of Mahsa Amini, the BCFIF wrote: “The international community must acknowledge that a wave of condemnation will not be sufficient to deliver justice for the victims of regime’s suppression. Neither will they convince the regime, headed as it is by an individual – Ebrahim Raisi – who himself stands accused of abusing human rights, to end the prevailing culture of impunity”.

The full text of the statement is as follows:

The British Committee for Iran Freedom strongly condemns the death in custody of the young Iranian woman Mahsa Amini.

We extend our condolences to her family and stand in solidarity with the Iranian people.

Mahsa Amini was, according to reports from Iran, arrested by the morality police for “improper veiling” in Tehran and beaten while in custody. She died in the hospital as a result of severe brain injury.

The regime and its repressive security organs must be held accountable for her death, which is another reminder of the systematic oppression of women and prevailing impunity in Iran.

Sadly, if the past is any indication, those apparently responsible will be rewarded rather than face justice.

The international community must acknowledge that a wave of condemnation will not be sufficient to deliver justice for the victims of regime’s suppression. Neither will they convince the regime, headed as it is by an individual – Ebrahim Raisi – who himself stands accused of abusing human rights, to end the prevailing culture of impunity.

The repressive security organs and judiciary in Iran are integral to the state’s oppression and, thus, part of the problem and not the solution.

The severe restrictions on internet use imposed in Iran signal that the regime is likely contemplating a significant crackdown on liberties with a view to crushing the protests, as it did in November 2019, when its security forces reportedly killed 1,500 protesters.

We fully support the protesters across Iran in more than 100 cities in 30 provinces, whose legitimate demands for justice, freedom and democracy are being met with overbearing violence by the regime. As the NCRI President-elect, Mrs Maryam Rajavi has said, the active participation of women and youths in these recent protests demonstrate the Iranian people’s determination to realise their democratic aspirations.

The international community must, as a matter of urgency, collectively support the popular campaign for justice in Iran by establishing an international commission led by the UN to investigate past and current human rights abuses by the regime with a view to prosecuting those responsible in an international tribunal.

British Committee for Iran Freedom

22 September 2022