Ref:      161/M/367

Date:    Monday, 15 June 2009

Ban Ki-moon

Secretary General;

United Nations

Sir, as I am sure you are aware there has been growing unrest and dissatisfaction expressed by the Iranian people following the tenth presidential elections in Iran. Quite apart from the fact that elections in Iran are not fair or free, the outcome of this one is strongly challenged by the three approved candidates who have registered their official protest to the relevant authorities. While they wait for the outcome, the people have poured into the streets to express their anger at ‘the hijacking of their votes’. 

The regime has responded violently by using riot police and the Bassidj militia. Their use is not a legitimate use of force to restore law and order but an excessive and violent use of force against demonstrators (who by the way were encouraged to gather freely last week during the election campaigning period to ensure high voter turn out). It is this very people who are now demanding justice, completely disillusioned by the results which they, along with the three candidates, believe to be untrue and an inaccurate reflection of their will.  

Despite the regime’s attempts to close Iran’s communications borders by jamming satellite broadcasts, closing down newspapers, expelling foreign journalists, filtering internet sites, closing down SMS texting facilities and such like news is pouring out. The world has watched in horror images of violence by the State against its own people. News is being reported about attacks at universities throughout Iran where student dormitories and campuses have been raided. Students report of the use of live ammunition with many injured and possibly 3 students dead. These attacks were preceded by the arrest of over 100 pro-reform campaigners and human rights defenders.  

ACI would like to register its protest and concern about

	the use of excessive force against  unarmed people
	lack of due process during arrests and detentions
	the conditions under which the detainees are being kept

ACI would like to warn against

	the possible use of live ammunition by the security forces leading to fatalities
	the possible use of torture and degrading or inhumane treatment against those identified as organisers of the demonstrations

In the last few days it has become clear that the Islamic State is not accountable to its people. We therefore have no choice but to look for international support. As the highest authority and protector of the Nations’ rights, ACI respectfully asks you, Sir, to demand from the Islamic Republic 

	a full list of names of those arrested and detained,
	their whereabouts,
	the condition under which they are being detained,
	an assurance that their rights to legal representation is being met

 Sir, we trust that as you have previously stated you will translate concept of the ‘Responsibility to Protect’ from words to deeds to ensure timely action before the situation becomes uncontrollable in Iran.

 Respectfully yours

Roya Kashefi

Head of Human Rights Committee - ACI