'Victims of a slaughter: Iranian people have been rising up for decades against the Islamic regime'

Key Concepts

• Internet Shutdown: The deliberate disruption of internet access by the Iranian regime as a tool for repression and concealing human rights abuses.
• Responsibility to Protect (R2P): The international norm asserting the responsibility of states to protect their own populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity, and the responsibility of the international community to intervene if states fail to do so.
• Crimes Against Humanity: Acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population, including murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation, and persecution.
• Woman, Life, Freedom (زن، زندگی، آزادی): The central slogan of the recent protests in Iran, representing demands for greater rights and freedoms, particularly for women.
• Targeted Sanctions: Sanctions specifically aimed at individuals or entities responsible for human rights abuses, rather than broad economic sanctions.

The Situation in Iran: A Call for International Action

This segment of France 24 news focuses on the escalating crisis in Iran following recent crackdowns on protests, featuring an interview with Aida Tavakoli, co-founder of We Are Iranian Students. The discussion centers on the severity of the situation, the Iranian regime’s tactics, and the urgent need for international intervention.

Current Situation & Regime Tactics

Aida Tavakoli immediately challenges reports suggesting a lessening of the crackdown, stating that a complete internet shutdown is in effect. She asserts this shutdown isn’t a sign of de-escalation, but rather a deliberate tactic by the regime to “unleash its cruelty and commit crimes against the civilians unarmed.” She expresses fear that the true extent of the violence will only be revealed once internet access is restored, suggesting the current situation is “way worse than we could ever imagine.” The regime’s use of a blackout is identified as the “most dangerous tool” currently employed.

Calls for International Intervention

Tavakoli emphatically calls upon the international community to fulfill its responsibility to protect civilians, referencing the 2005 principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P). She specifically urges the UN Security Council to vote for a resolution authorizing “collective action” against the Islamic regime to safeguard Iranian civilians.

She outlines several concrete actions the international community should take:

• Human Rights Documentation: Mandate a special committee to document human rights violations during the past 12 days of unrest.
• Humanitarian Aid: Provide assistance to civilians affected by the violence.
• Internet Restoration: Re-establish internet access, specifically suggesting the use of Starlink satellites, citing the importance of transparency in restraining repression, referencing the nine months of protests during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising where over 600 people were killed.

Critique of Current International Response

Tavakoli sharply criticizes the G7’s recent statement calling for “restraint in violence,” deeming it inadequate and questioning its meaning. She asks, “Does that mean that they should use violence but not too much?” and challenges the ambiguity of waiting for further deaths before implementing “restrictive actions.” She frames the situation as a moment of “huge gravity” and “huge responsibility” for the international community.

Geopolitical Considerations & Iranian Aspirations

Tavakoli acknowledges the complex geopolitical landscape, noting that various actors have vested interests in the region. However, she emphasizes that the Iranian people’s demand is clear: a “democratic secular country.” She highlights that they share values with the West and have been fighting “nonviolently” for decades. She characterizes the current repression as “crimes against humanity” and urges the international community to utilize all available means of pressure, including diplomatic measures, targeted sanctions, and UN resolutions.

The Significance of the Iranian Uprising

Tavakoli stresses the broader significance of the Iranian uprising, stating that it represents a “momentum” for positive change not only in Iran but also in the Middle East and globally. She emphasizes the courage and political project of Iranian civil society, arguing that it deserves international support.

Donald Trump's Role

The interview briefly touches upon Donald Trump’s response, noting that he did not retract his stance even with the postponement of an execution, and that human rights are not a primary concern for him.

Concluding Remarks

The segment concludes with the news anchor acknowledging the palpable anger in Tavakoli’s voice and expressing empathy for the suffering of the Iranian people. The anchor reiterates Tavakoli’s urgent plea for increased international action to support the people of Iran.

Data/Statistics Mentioned:

• Over 600 people were killed during the nine months of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising.
• The current situation is feared to be significantly worse than the previous uprising, with the full extent of violence unknown due to the internet shutdown.

Logical Connections:

The interview follows a logical progression, starting with a description of the current situation, moving to specific demands for international intervention, critiquing the existing response, and finally emphasizing the broader significance of the Iranian uprising. The anchor’s concluding remarks reinforce the urgency of the situation and the importance of Tavakoli’s message.