Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has called for a comprehensive investigation following the death of a man in police custody in Lahijan, a northern city in Iran. The incident, which has garnered significant attention, raises serious concerns about human rights and the treatment of detainees by law enforcement in Iran. According to state media reports on Thursday, Pezeshkian has instructed the Interior Minister to form a special committee to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and deliver a report to the cabinet at the earliest opportunity.
Elias Hazrati, the head of government public relations, confirmed the president’s directive, emphasizing the need for a transparent and swift investigation. “The president has ordered the immediate formation of a committee to investigate all aspects of this incident,” Hazrati stated. In response to the case, five policemen have been arrested, as reported by the judiciary’s Mizan news agency. However, critical details, such as the deceased’s identity, the charges he faced, and the exact date of his death, remain undisclosed. Lahijan’s prosecutor, Ebrahim Ansari, noted that forensic examinations are ongoing to determine the cause of death, although no further information has been provided.
The lack of transparency and the apparent delay in releasing information have fueled public outrage and skepticism, particularly among human rights groups. Iranian activist organization Hengaw identified the deceased as 36-year-old Mohammad Mirmousavi, claiming that he was arrested on August 24 following an altercation and tortured to death the same day. If true, this incident marks the seventh case of death in custody reported this year, a disturbing trend that raises serious questions about the systemic issues within Iran’s law enforcement agencies. Although a blurred video purportedly showing Mirmousavi’s injuries has circulated on social media, Reuters has not been able to verify its authenticity.
The Iranian government’s handling of this case will be a litmus test for President Pezeshkian, who campaigned on promises of upholding citizens’ rights, including those of women and minorities. His administration must address the root causes of such abuses, ensuring that the rights of all citizens are protected. However, the arrests of the policemen involved, while necessary, may not be sufficient to prevent further incidents unless accompanied by broader reforms in the policing system.
This case echoes the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman who died in custody after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict hijab laws. Her death ignited widespread protests across the country, challenging the Islamic Republic’s authority and highlighting the deep-seated issues within its law enforcement and judicial systems. Amini’s case serves as a grim reminder of the potential for unrest when citizens’ rights are perceived to be systematically violated.
The investigation into Mirmousavi’s death will be closely watched both within Iran and internationally. The outcome will likely have significant implications for human rights in the country, particularly in terms of law enforcement practices. If the Iranian government fails to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, it risks further eroding public trust and inciting additional unrest. Conversely, a rigorous inquiry that holds those responsible accountable could be a crucial step towards much-needed reforms and greater respect for human rights in Iran.
