A/HRC/43/61 following the protests and that 10 Baha’is were arrested in Baharestan on 29 and 30 November 2019.10 8. Government officials, including the Supreme Leader, the President and the head of the judiciary, have all issued public statements denouncing the protests, attributing them to foreign meddling in the affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 11 There has been a public admission by the Governor of Quds City that she herself ordered the security forces to shoot protesters who had entered the Governor’s building. Iranian media sources have reported that protesters were violent and burned businesses and public buildings. In contrast, human rights organizations have reported that the protests were largely peaceful. Footage and reports have recorded unarmed protesters being shot by security forces as they were running away, as well as security forces aiming directly at protesters’ heads and vital body organs. 12 The Special Rapporteur expresses grave concern about reports that lethal force was used against unarmed protesters. As set out in principle 9 of the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, the intentional lethal use of firearms is permitted only when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. Moreover, everyone is allowed to participate in lawful and peaceful assemblies, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In its comments, the Government challenges the peaceful nature of the protests by claiming that a number of protesters were armed and by noting the destruction of public and private property. The Supreme Leader reportedly issued an order addressed to the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council to promptly address the situation of detainees and provide the required assistance to the families of the deceased. In addition, the Government reports the creation of a committee, consisting of the Vice President for Legal Affairs, the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Justice, to investigate the events and ensure compensation to all those affected by the violence and destruction. 9. The Supreme National Security Council voted on 16 November 2019 to restrict Internet access, resulting in connectivity rates in the country dropping to 5 per cent of their usual levels.13 The Security Emergency Centre of the Ministry of the Interior reportedly stated that it would legally pursue social media users who shared footage of the protests online, and accused some of spreading lies and recycling footage from previous incidents to undermine public confidence and disrupt national security. 14 In some cities, Internet connectivity was reportedly restored by 19 November, but full connectivity was not restored countrywide until 5 December. B. Impact of sanctions 10. The Islamic Republic of Iran has continued to struggle economically since the reimposition of sanctions by the United States in November 2018. 15 In addition, foreign companies and banks are exercising increased caution out of concern for reputational risk and other repercussions, which have had a serious impact on Iranian banks, businesses and the economy as a whole. This in turn has had a significant negative impact on the human rights of Iranians, especially in relation to the rights to food and health. 10 11 12 13 14 15 4 www.en-hrana.org/tag/bahai-arrests-iran. www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-gasoline-protests-minister/hundreds-of-banks-and-government-sitesburned-in-iran-unrest-interior-minister-idUSKBN1Y10GY; https://fr.reuters.com/article/media News/idUKL5N27X0LP. www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/11/iran-world-must-strongly-condemn-use-of-lethal-forceagainst-protesters-as-death-toll-rises-to-143/; www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/11/iran-morethan-100-protesters-believed-to-be-killed-as-top-officials-give-green-light-to-crush-protests/; www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50562584. www.france24.com/en/20191117-internet-restricted-in-protest-hit-iran-report; https://netblocks.org/reports/internet-disrupted-in-iran-amid-fuel-protests-in-multiple-citiespA25L18b. www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50444429. https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm541.