Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO); September 16, 2022: Mahsa (Jina) Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who went into a coma hours after being arrested by the Guidance Patrol (morality police) on September 13, passed away in hospital today.
According to eyewitness statements, Ms Amini was killed as a result of the violence used against her by Guidance Patrol officers. Considering the Islamic Republic authorities’ attempts at justifying this crime and recalling the government’s practice of covering up other state crimes, Iran Human Rights calls for the formation of an international fact-finding mission.
The Organisation calls on the United Nations Human Rights Council to take a strong stance that will compel the Islamic Republic to accept a fact-finding mission under the supervision of the United Nations.
Iran Human Rights Director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said: “Regardless of what official cause of death is announced by authorities, the responsibility for the murder of Mahsa (Jina) Amini lies with Ali Khamenei as the Islamic Republic leader, Ebrahim Raisi as the head of government and the police force under their command.”
Mahsa (Jina) Amini was a 22 year old girl from Saqqez (Kurdistan) who had travelled to Tehran with her family to visit relatives in Tehran when she was arrested by Guidance Patrol officers on September 13.* Shortly after, she fainted at the Vozara police station and went into a coma.
According to witness testimonies, Mahsa was beaten by the arresting officers in the police van and later at the police station.
On September 15, the Islamic Republic Police issued a vague statement, claiming that Mahsa had suffered from a “sudden heart problem.” In media interviews, her family were adamant that she did not suffer from any underlying health issues and are under intense pressure from security forces.
IRIB news agency also stated Mahsa had suddenly fainted by publishing a heavily edited security footage of what it claimed was Mahsa at the police station. However, footage of her arrest and what went on in the police van have yet to be published.
Reiterating that the Islamic Republic’s version of events is unreliable, Iran Human Rights calls for the formation of an international fact-finding mission. The international community must hold the Islamic Republic responsible for crimes committed against its citizens.
* Edit: the date of her arrest was corrected from 14 September in the original statement.