Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a damning report on Tuesday, marking the third anniversary of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody, which sparked widespread protests across Iran in 2022. According to HRW, the Iranian authorities have neither investigated nor prosecuted security officials responsible for the violent suppression of these protests, which saw hundreds killed and thousands arrested.

The report highlights a grim picture of the aftermath, where the judiciary appears complicit, focusing on punishing protesters with severe prison sentences and even death penalties, rather than addressing the abuses by security forces. Bahar Saba, HRW's senior Iran researcher, expressed concerns over the dire situation: "The victims and their families who suffered brutal violence at the hands of Iranian authorities have no prospects for justice, as those who should deliver redress are themselves implicated in violations and crimes and shield others responsible from accountability."

HRW's findings are supported by the UN Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which earlier this year accused Iranian authorities of committing crimes against humanity, including murder, imprisonment, and torture during the crackdown. Tehran has dismissed these claims as politically motivated.

The protests, driven by the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, represent one of the most significant challenges to Iran’s theocratic regime in recent decades. They began after Amini was arrested for allegedly breaching the country's strict hijab laws. Her death quickly became a symbol of resistance against state repression, particularly among women and young people. The subsequent government response included internet shutdowns, restrictions on freedom of expression, and mass trials, aiming to quell the uprising.

Despite international outcry and repeated calls from legal bodies and advocacy groups for reform, the Iranian parliament passed legislation in 2024 imposing stricter penalties for dress code violations, signaling a tightening grip rather than a step towards liberalization.

HRW is urging the international community and the UN Human Rights Council to maintain pressure on Iran by renewing the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission and exploring mechanisms for accountability, including supporting universal jurisdiction cases abroad. As public demonstrations wane under heavy repression, advocates warn that the unresolved grievances and ongoing rights abuses could trigger future unrest.

The situation in Iran remains a focal point for global human rights advocacy, as the international community watches and reacts to the evolving narrative of resistance and repression within the country.