This week, the Tasnim News Agency, associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported statements from Kazem Gharibabadi, the secretary-general of the Iranian parliament’s High Council for Human Rights.

Gharibabadi criticized the United Nations for what he perceives as a double standard in its response to unrest in the United States over the war in Gaza compared to its actions toward Iran’s internal issues. This comes against a backdrop of severe human rights criticisms directed at Iran, particularly following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022.

Amini’s death, which occurred after she was detained by the morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly, sparked widespread protests across Iran. These were met with a brutal crackdown by the authorities, involving live ammunition, mass arrests, and reports of torture. The People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK), a major opposition group, claims that at least 750 people were killed during these protests, with over 30,000 detained.

The situation in Iran has only intensified since then. The renewal of Javaid Rehman’s mandate as the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran and the extension of the UN Fact-Finding Mission’s tenure highlight ongoing international concerns. Reports indicate that in the past two weeks alone, at least 74 individuals have been executed as part of a crackdown, including those arrested for non-compliance with Iran’s strict dress codes. Ahmadreza Radan, head of Iran’s State Security Forces, has affirmed the regime’s commitment to enforcing these codes, leading to further violent incidents and arrests.

Adding to the controversy, a leaked IRGC document revealed details of the death of Nika Shakarami, a 16-year-old protester killed in 2022. The document, confirmed by multiple sources and reported by the BBC, disclosed that Shakarami was beaten to death by members of a paramilitary group affiliated with the IRGC. This incident, and others like it, are feared to be part of a larger pattern of cover-ups and underreporting by Iranian authorities.

Iran’s use of these incidents to draw parallels with protests in the U.S. over the Gaza conflict has been criticized as hypocritical. While the Iranian government attempts to shift focus from its human rights issues by pointing to perceived inconsistencies in UN responses, the reality within Iran tells a story of ongoing repression and brutality. The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, with many advocating for justice and accountability in Iran.

The situation remains tense and complex, with Iran’s internal human rights issues casting a long shadow over its international relations and domestic stability. As the world watches, the hope for an end to the violence and for a fair and just resolution for the victims and their families remains a central concern.

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu