More than 130 UN human rights experts called on governments to take coordinated action to counter the cross-border repression of opponents, journalists, and human rights defenders.

In a statement published on the first of Mehr, they stressed that governments are obligated to protect individuals against threats, surveillance, and cross-border violence. The killing, abduction, threats against families, cancellation of passports, asset freezes, spyware, and misuse of extradition and Interpol mechanisms were cited as examples of this repression.

The call was issued alongside reports about threats to Persian-language journalists and actions by the Islamic Republic against opponents outside the country. For instance, the “Eslah” system seeks to identify opponents abroad and has mentioned asset freezes and denial of consular services as possible measures.

The experts warned that cross-border repression would lead to fear, self-censorship, and the weakening of independent journalism, and urged governments to independently investigate allegations, hold perpetrators accountable, and support victims.