Berkeley Human Rights Center Uncovers Iranian Security Forces' Blinding of Protesters
In a groundbreaking revelation, the Human Rights Center at UC Berkeley has unveiled evidence indicating that Iranian security forces deliberately targeted protesters, resulting in the partial or complete blindness of approximately 120 individuals during women’s rights demonstrations in late 2022.
The investigation, presented at a side event during the U.N. Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Switzerland, showcased the harrowing accounts of victims, including students and even a 5-year-old girl, who suffered irreversible damage to their sight due to the use of shotguns, paintball guns, tear gas canisters, and other violent tactics by Iranian security agents.
While the Center investigators stopped short of explicitly asserting a broad intent to blind protesters, the analysis presented compelling evidence suggesting deliberate targeting, particularly of women. Melinda Zou, a senior at Berkeley and co-leader of the investigative team, emphasized the resonance of the victims' bravery and the personal connection she felt to their plight.
The findings could potentially serve as crucial evidence in future prosecutions against Iranian authorities in international legal forums, according to Alexa Koenig, faculty co-director of the Human Rights Center. Furthermore, the data aims to raise global awareness about the ongoing human rights violations in Iran and advocate for justice on behalf of the victims.
The protests erupted following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Jina Amini, sparking widespread outrage over the Iranian government's oppressive policies regarding women's rights. The subsequent crackdown by security forces resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of detentions, with reports indicating rampant abuse and violence against protesters.
Two victims, Kosar Eftekhari and Hossein Noorinikoo, shared their harrowing experiences at the Geneva event, shedding light on the brutality they endured and their subsequent struggles for justice and safety.
Berkeley's role in the investigation underscores its commitment to human rights advocacy and its expertise in rigorous investigative techniques. Through collaborations with international partners and the utilization of cutting-edge methodologies, the Center aims to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable and amplify the voices of those who have been silenced by oppression.
The investigation not only seeks to defend the rights of Iranian protesters but also resonates with broader global efforts to uphold the autonomy and dignity of women and girls worldwide. In Berkeley and beyond, the fight for justice continues, fueled by the courage and resilience of those who refuse to be silenced in the face of tyranny.
