2022-09-26
The Australian Greens remain deeply concerned at the recent crackdown on dissent in Iran, with official reports of at least 22 protesters killed and more than 1,000 Iranians detained.
Lines attributable to Greens leader in the senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters
“Two weeks ago, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in police custody. Mahsa had been arrested by Iran’s morality police for failing to comply with a new national code requiring women to wear a hijab. She was allegedly beaten and died from her injuries.
“Following Mahsa Amini’s death, women across Iran have taken to the streets to stand up to the oppressive regime, demanding freedoms that have been denied to them.
“In a country with harsh penalties for public protest, this is an incredible show of bravery and solidarity. Human Rights Watch has described the scale of protest, particularly on issues of women’s choice and police accountability, as unprecedented.
“The gendered impacts of authoritarian rule, whether by the Iranian government, the Taliban, Russia or others, cannot be ignored.
“The Australian Greens are in solidarity with the women of Iran. We will always protect the right to protest. And we will always fight for women’s rights to choose their dress, their partner, their religion, their career, and what they do with their bodies.”
Lines attributable to Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John, spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Peace
“The Iranian authorities' suppression of the rights of women, LGBTIQA+ people, and other minorities, including the Bahai, must end. People should not have to protest to protect their basic human rights.
“The Australian Greens are calling upon the international community to condemn the ongoing abuses of freedom and human rights. Those responsible for Mahsa Amini’s death must be held accountable through a criminal investigation.
“The Australian Government should meet with the Iranian ambassador as soon as possible to raise these concerns directly.”