An Iranian man, Javad Rouhi, has died in prison after suffering a seizure. Rouhi was sentenced to death in connection with anti-hijab protests following the custodial death of Mahsa Amini.
Rouhi was arrested in February 2023 after participating in a protest against the mandatory hijab in Iran. He was charged with "corruption on Earth," a broad charge that can be used to punish a range of offenses, including those related to Iranian morals.
Rouhi's death has sparked outrage among human rights groups, who have accused the Iranian government of using his death to silence dissent.
In a statement, Amnesty International said: "Javad Rouhi's death is a tragic reminder of the Iranian authorities' disregard for human life. His death must be investigated immediately and those responsible must be held accountable."
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has also called for an investigation into Rouhi's death.
"I am deeply concerned about the death of Javad Rouhi in prison," Bachelet said in a statement. "I urge the Iranian authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his death."
Rouhi's death is the latest in a series of deaths of Iranian prisoners in recent months. In July, a Kurdish political prisoner, Navid Afkari, was executed after being convicted of murder. Afkari's death sparked widespread protests in Iran and abroad.
The Iranian government has come under increasing international pressure over its human rights record. In June, the United States imposed sanctions on Iranian officials responsible for human rights abuses.
The European Union has also condemned the Iranian government's human rights record. In a statement, the EU said: "The European Union is deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Iran. We call on the Iranian authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to freedom of expression and assembly."
Rouhi's death is a reminder of the high price that is paid for dissent in Iran. His death must be investigated and those responsible must be held accountable.
