Sep 16, 2024

USCIRF Calls for International Accountability on Two-Year Anniversary of Mahsa Zhina Amini’s Killing

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today marks the two-year anniversary of Iranian security forces’ killing of Mahsa Zhina Amini for wearing “improper hijab.” Amini’s death on September 16, 2022 sparked nationwide protests in Iran against mandatory hijab laws and other religious freedom abuses. With the recent implementation of its Nour campaign, Iran has ramped up its violent crackdowns on protestors who peacefully call for greater religious freedom in the country.

“The U.S. government should support international efforts to hold the Iranian regime’s leadership accountable for grave violations of religious freedom,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Eric Ueland. “We urge the Biden administration to continue supporting the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran and to support a Security Council referral of the situation in Iran to the International Criminal Court for investigation of crimes against humanity against those asserting freedom of religion or belief.”

“The time is long overdue for Iranian regime officials who repress those seeking freedom of religion or belief to face accountability,” said USCIRF Commissioner Susie Gelman. “The Biden administration should unify a coalition of like-minded countries to impose joint sanctions on Iranian regime officials complicit in restrictions on religious freedom in Iran.”

In its 2024 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended the U.S. Department of State redesignate Iran a “Country of Particular Concern” for systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].