Iranian authorities violated international human rights law with excessive and lethal force against protestors in Kurdistan throughout September, October and November, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported Wednesday. HRW asserts that Iranian security forces continue to commit human rights violations with their inhumane treatment of detainees and executions. HRW calls on the UN to investigate these human rights abuses.

According to HRW’s report, Iranian security forces have used excessive and lethal force against anti-government protesters. This includes live ammunition, tear gas and pellets. HRW also claims that Iran is committing human rights abuses against detainees, such as arbitrary arrests, denial of medical care, torture, beatings, sexual harassment and assault. HRW researcher Tara Sepehri says, “Iranian authorities have dramatically escalated abuses against protesters in custody.”

The nationwide protests erupted in September 2022 following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating the nation’s hijab law. Nonprofit Iran Human Rights reports at least 469 people have lost their lives during protests at the hands of Iranian security forces.

JURIST dispatch reports that the execution of protestors is “fueling the social movement in Iran.” Earlier this month, the first official execution of 23-year-old protester Mohsen Shekari came as the family was still waiting on an appeal. Shekari was charged with Moharebeh, or war against God, and hanged. Human rights groups say he was denied access to his lawyer during the interrogation and legal proceedings. The entire process from arrest to sentencing took just 18 days.