Iran, Jan 16 : Amid ongoing anti-government protests across Iran, which the regime repeatedly labels as “foreign-backed,” Iranian-American journalist Ahmad Batebi has accused the Islamic Republic of subjecting him to severe torture, solitary confinement, and forced confessions during his imprisonment.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday, Batebi recounted that he was arrested as a student for participating in demonstrations similar to the current unrest. He was sentenced to death, imprisoned for a decade, and spent two years in solitary confinement, during which he endured repeated physical and psychological torture, including mock executions.
Batebi said the regime forced him to appear on state television and falsely confess to being a spy for the United States, Israel, Mossad, and the CIA. “They tortured me to say I got money from the US, Mossad, Israel, CIA, to run demonstrations. I never did that,” he stated. He also highlighted that similar forced confessions are still broadcast on Iranian state media, targeting innocent protesters.
“The Iranian regime parades ordinary citizens demanding their basic rights, labeling them as foreign agents,” Batebi told the UNSC. He credited the United States with providing him safety after he escaped prison and called the Ayatollah-led regime “demonic.”
Urging international action, Batebi warned that mere condemnation was insufficient. “You cannot fight a demonic regime with slogans alone. The Iranian people need real help,” he said, highlighting the risk of ongoing mass killings.
Iranian authorities continue to claim that the protests are orchestrated by foreign powers. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi cited alleged Mossad involvement, while references to similar claims on social media by former US Secretary Mike Pompeo fueled speculation about external influence.
According to the Human Rights Activist New Agency, the protests, now in their 19th day, have resulted in at least 2,677 confirmed deaths, 2,677 serious injuries, and 19,097 detentions, with additional cases under review.