(07/13/99) -- Human Rights Watch today called on Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to ensure that an independent public inquiry is carried out into the July 9 attack on students at Tehran University dormitories by the extremist group Ansar-e Hezbollah and police. The attack on the student dormitories, which began on Friday July 9 at 4:30 a.m., has led to at least one death and hundreds of injuries. After the Friday noon-time prayers, students protested the assault by holding a rally, during which members of Ansar-e Hezbollah attacked again with sticks and chains while the police reportedly stood by.
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This is what happens when the state allows armed civilian groups to take the law into their own hands. Ayatollah Khamenei must act swiftly to ensure ordinary Iranians are protected against such lawlessness.
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Human Rights Watch also welcomed the July 10 statement of the Supreme National Security Council calling for a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, and prosecution of those responsible.
Click here for the text of the letter.
For Further Information:
Elahe S. Hicks - 212.216/1233
Hanny Megally - 212.216/1230
