Iran: Use of tear gas and batons against student commemoration protesters condemned

Amnesty International has condemned the excessive use of force by Iranian security forces today, following baton charges and the use of tear gas against demonstrators in Tehran commemorating today's 10th anniversary of “18 Tir” (9 July), the brutal suppression of student-lead protests in Iran in 1999.

Amnesty International Middle East and North Africa programme deputy director Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui said:

“Once again today, the authorities have demonstrated their intolerance of dissent in a manner all too reminiscent of the ruthless methods they used in 1999.

“It is high time that they stop using strong-arm tactics to crush protest and abide by their obligations under human rights law."

At least 200 demonstrators are reported to have gathered along Enghlab Avenue, around the gates of Tehran University, only to be confronted by a large presence of anti-riot police and plain-clothed security officials, possibly including members of the notorious Basij militia, who used baton charges and tear gas to disperse them.

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