During the 2022 ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ protests in Iran, citizen journalists reported the use of French-made shotgun cartridges in the crackdown on peaceful protesters. This shocking revelation sheds light on the porous nature of sanctions, raising questions about how dual-use products can be exploited for lethal purposes.
The investigative news site The Observers, a branch of France 24, tracked the journey of these shotgun cartridges from the factory to the streets of Iran. The reports from on-the-ground sources provide a harrowing account of the weapons being used against unarmed civilians, highlighting the human rights abuses that often accompany political unrest.
The use of French bullets in the crackdown on protesters underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight in the arms trade industry. As countries continue to navigate complex geopolitical relationships, it is crucial that measures are put in place to prevent the misuse of dual-use products for violent purposes.
This investigation serves as a reminder of the power of citizen journalism in uncovering atrocities and holding those responsible to account. The reports from Iran demonstrate the importance of independent media in exposing human rights violations and advocating for justice and accountability.
Watch the video by FRANCE 24 English
Video “Sanctions Busters: How Iran crackdown used French bullets • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 10/15/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English