The Human Rights defenders are in mourning!
It is with deep hearth felt sadness that we heard the passing of a true human rights defender of the Iranian people. Maurice Copithorne passed away on February 19, 2019.
We at the Union for Secular Republic and Human Rights in Iran mourn his loss and send our condolences to his family and human rights activists across the globe.
He served as the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran from 1995 to 2002 and was the only one able to obtain permission to visit Iran to witness hands on the harsh condition of human rights in Iran.
Unfortunately situations of human rights in Iran have worsened since then. The Islamic Republic of Iran continuously refuses entry to any other Rapporteurs for visitation. We encourage the new Rapporteur, Mr. Javaid Rehman, to continue Mr. Copithorne’s mantle, and pressure the Islamic Republic of Iran to allow his visit to the country.
February 20, 2019
USRHR
International Relations Office
