Turning a blind eye: Why the international community must no longer ignore torture in Iran

Freedom from Torture’s new report “Turning a blind eye: Why the international community must no longer ignore torture in Iran” analyses forensic evidence of torture documented in the cases of 69 Iranian survivors of torture. These reports document alarming levels of torture and abuse perpetrated by the Iranian government between 1985 and 2015, and criticises the muted response to these human rights abuses from the UK and other countries.

At a time when the UK is seeking deeper political and financial links with Iran, and the detention of British-Iranian nationals highlights the shocking way those who are arrested and detained in Iran can be treated, our report calls for a greater emphasis from the UK government on human rights in all of its dealings with Iran.

The evidence demonstrates how torture has been used by the Iranian regime to restrict real and perceived political, religious or minority ethnic activity, including low-level activities such as attending a protest, blogging or drawing graffiti.

The research confirms that the widely-reported crackdown following Iran’s 2009 election was not a one-off, detailing the use of torture both before and afterwards by the police, intelligence and security services. It exposes the horrific abuses that take place inside detention centres across the country. Given that international monitors are routinely denied access to these facilities, the evidence represents a unique and detailed insight into the country’s shocking detention practices.

The evidence demonstrates how torture has been used by the Iranian regime to restrict real and perceived political, religious or minority ethnic activity, including low-level activities such as attending a protest, blogging or drawing graffiti.

Torture methods identified in “Turning a Blind Eye” include appalling physical abuses, from beatings and stress positions to electric shocks and cutting with knives, as well as high levels of sexual violence perpetrated against men and women, including rape. A distinctive feature of torture in Iran is the sophisticated use of psychological torture, including humiliating treatment, extended use of solitary confinement, and threats or harassment directed at torture survivors and their families. This appears to be an effort to destroy not just individuals but societal structures and trust in order to maintain control.