UN Calls for Investigation Into Iranian Woman's 'Tragic' Death

A top United Nations official on Tuesday demanded an independent investigation into the death of an Iranian woman held by the country's morality police as authorities acknowledged making arrests at protests over the incident.

The woman's death has ignited demonstrations across the country, including the capital, Tehran, where demonstrators chanted against the government and clashed with police.

“Mahsa Amini’s tragic death and allegations of torture and ill-treatment must be promptly, impartially and effectively investigated by an independent competent authority,” said Nada Al-Nashif, the acting U.N. high commissioner for human rights.

Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for al-Nashif's office, made remarks in Geneva on Amini's death.

Iran's government did not immediately comment on the statement but has previously criticised the work of U.N. investigators examining rights issues in the country.

The U.N. Human Rights Office said Iran's morality police have expanded their patrols in recent months, targeting women for not properly wearing the Islamic headscarf, known as hijab.

It said verified videos show women being slapped in the face, struck with batons and thrown into police vans for wearing the hijab too loosely.

A similar patrol detained 22-year-old Amini last Tuesday, taking her to a police station where she collapsed. She died three days later.

Iranian police have denied mistreating Amini and say she died of a heart attack.

Authorities say they are investigating the incident.

The police released closed-circuit video footage last week purportedly showing the moment Amini collapsed.

But her family says she had no history of heart trouble.

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[persnickety]

Those women who are protesting surely have fathers and brothers… THEY should be protesting too or at least protecting these brave women.

[geraldfriend]

Move along Sharia law nothing to see here