Even after we shamed U.N. Iran rights monitor Asma Jahangir to finally speak out after six days of silence, her tweet of “condolences” for Iranians arrested, beaten, tortured & killed is far weaker in its criticism or opposition to the Tehran regime’s brutality than, for example, her recent expression of outrage on the U.S. embassy move, which she called “extremely provocative,” saying it “will destroy” the peace process, and should be “vehemently opposed.”
Notably, Jahangir has failed to issue an official U.N. statement or press release on the Iran protests. Releases are sent out to world media and posted on the U.N. website, and can have potentially significant impact.
Iranian citizens have a right to unprovoked peaceful protest My condolences for the martyrs and urge end of violence
— AGHS Legal Aid Cell, Asma Jahangir's Law Firm (@Asma_Jahangir) January 2, 2018
Shifting embassies to Jerusalem is extremely provocative It will destroy all chances of a two State option It should be vehemently opposed
— AGHS Legal Aid Cell, Asma Jahangir's Law Firm (@Asma_Jahangir) December 5, 2017
Sadly, Janhangir’s weak statement on Iran only came under protest from UN Watch.
3. Also silent on Iran's greatest protests in 40 years is—ironically—the UN expert on human rights in Iran. Her name: @Asma_Jahangir, sr-iran@ohchr.org. The @UNHumanRights experts call themselves "an early warning system." Then why is she silent on Iran's beating of protesters? pic.twitter.com/cV1Nk309Uq
— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) January 1, 2018