Official Letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations
Date: January 8, 2026
Location: New York, United States of America
To the Honorable Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Office Address: United Nations Headquarters, 760 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA
When Unarmed Civilians Are Shot: Systematic Violence by Iran’s Leadership and the Urgent Need for UN Action
Akbar Lakestani, the Secretary-General of the United Front of Iranian Turkic Speakers
Dear Secretary-General,
As a fellow human being, and in defense of my compatriots, I feel compelled to draw your attention to the systematic and organized violence being inflicted on defenseless people in Iran. These acts, directed by the leadership of the Islamic Republic, include direct gunfire targeting the heads, hearts, and eyes of unarmed protesters, as well as depriving the wounded of medical care—clear manifestations of crimes against humanity.
According to credible international reports and independent human rights groups, in the recent crackdown on protests in Iran, which began on December 28, 2025, over 500 civilians have been killed, thousands more injured, and more than 10,000 arrested or disappeared (sources include Al-Monitor and independent human rights organizations).
This violence has been accompanied by a widespread shutdown of internet and public communications, aimed at restricting independent reporting and global awareness. Denying the injured access to medical care and the use of direct weapons against civilians demonstrates a clear, organized, and premeditated pattern of violence. Given the severe limitations on information, the actual numbers of victims and detainees are likely far higher. The warning signs of a systematic massacre against civilians are unmistakably evident.
Iranians, both inside and outside the country, expect the United Nations—under your leadership—to respond to this crisis with scientific expertise, meticulous verification, and adherence to international legal mechanisms. This response must be practical, effective, and protective of civilian lives, not limited to verbal statements or simple condemnations.
Immediate responsibilities for the United Nations under your guidance should include:
Establishing and strengthening independent monitoring mechanisms for human rights in Iran;
Utilizing scientific and legal tools to document crimes against civilians with precision;
Supporting impartial collection and recording of evidence by human rights experts and civil society;
Ensuring that international actions are based on verified evidence and take immediate measures to prevent further massacres of civilians.
This letter serves both as an official record of ongoing crimes against defenseless people and as an urgent appeal for scientific and practical action by the United Nations. The international community
Akbar Lakestani, the Secretary-General of the United Front of Iranian Turkic Speakers
