Stepping on Fallen People and Shooting... Iranian Police 'Brutal Suppression' Video Scandal

Human Rights Groups Demand "Swift Investigation by UN Human Rights Council"
Iran Authorities Respond "Police Do Not Tolerate Brutal Actions"

During an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, on September 29, a police motorcycle is burning. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] After a video showing Iranian police violently beating a fallen man and even shooting him spread on social media, authorities launched an investigation.

According to CNN on the 2nd (local time), the video shows several police officers stepping on a man lying on the street, beating him with batons, and then firing a shotgun. A voice, presumed to be the videographer, says, "They fired the shotgun; that person must have died." However, CNN added that the date and location of the video could not be confirmed, and the situation at the time was unclear, so the condition of the man in the video could not be verified.

In response, human rights groups pointed out that Iranian police are in a 'crisis of impunity,' where they are not punished regardless of their actions. Amnesty International criticized on Twitter, "This video once again reminds us that there is no end to the brutality of Iran’s military and police," adding, "The police have been given the freedom to brutally beat and shoot protesters." They also called for a prompt investigation by the United Nations Human Rights Council regarding this matter.

As the controversy grew, Iranian authorities issued a statement the same day, saying, "Immediately after the video was posted online, an investigation was launched to determine the time and place of the incident and to identify those who attacked the citizen." They added, "The police do not tolerate such violent and ruthless behavior," and "Those involved in the assault will be severely punished."

Meanwhile, anti-government protests triggered by the suspicious death of Mahsa Amini (22), who was arrested and taken away by police for not wearing her hijab properly, have continued for over a month in Tehran and other major Iranian cities. According to the Iran Human Rights Commission, at least 270 people have died and over 14,000 have been arrested due to police crackdowns on the protests so far.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.