Iran: UN expert strongly condemns attack on memorial ceremony in Kerman city

GENEVA (5 January 2024) – Those responsible for the deadly attacks in Iran on Wednesday that killed over 100 people must be held accountable, a UN expert said today.

“I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms,” said Javaid Rehman, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. “Killing constitutes one of the most serious attacks against international human rights values. It is therefore essential that respect for human rights and the rule of law be the bedrock of the global fight against such attacks,” he said.

The attack reportedly killed more than 100 people taking part in a commemoration for a former top military general in the eastern city of Kerman. More than 183 people have also been wounded according to Iranian officials at the scene. However, given the scale and size of the blasts, it is likely that the death toll will rise, the expert warned.

Rehman extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and the people of Iran.

According to news reports, there were two explosions as thousands were walking along the route to a cemetery in Kerman, which is the final resting place of Qassim Suleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad four years ago.