Iran urged to stop protest-related executions
UN Experts Urge Iran to Stop Protest-Related Executions
Provpnmatrix.com – Independent United Nations human rights investigators on Thursday called for Iran urged to stop protest related executions, specifically requesting that Tehran immediately halt the execution of 10 men who participated in a demonstration in the central city of Isfahan earlier this year. The experts warned that some of the prisoners' relatives have already been notified for final visits, suggesting that more capital punishments could be carried out imminently.
The appeal by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran follows the dramatic 19 July execution of two other men in the same case – Erfan Esfandiari, reportedly 18-years-old, and Gol Mohammad Mohammadi, a 23-year-old Afghan national – which the Mission strongly condemned as part of a broader pattern of rapid judicial proceedings.
Context of Rising Death Penalty Usage
This critical development is unfolding against a backdrop of longstanding UN concern over the surge in the use of the death penalty in Iran and ongoing hostilities in the region which began in late February. All 12 men were arrested in connection with protests on 8 January in Isfahan's Alikhani Square that led to the killing of four members of the security forces.
"According to credible information, the families of at least two of the remaining 10 men have been summoned for final visits, suggesting that more executions are imminent," the rights experts stated in their official communication.
The Mission noted that the executions continue a pattern linked to nationwide protests that began last December, with Iranian authorities carrying out multiple sentences in recent months as part of their response to civil unrest. In March, three young men were executed in Qom after being convicted in connection with the killing of members of security forces.
The following month, four young men were executed after being convicted in relation to an alleged attack on a base of the Basij, a paramilitary volunteer militia within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in the capital Tehran. These cases add to a rising toll as the Mission has previously reported on the increased use of the death penalty during periods of political and social unrest and upheaval.
Fast-Tracking of Capital Cases
Credible reports indicate that more than 60 people, including at least three women and two boys, have been sentenced to death since December. According to the Iranian Judiciary, 23 men have already been executed in relation to the protests since March. The Mission was concerned that the Iranian authorities are fast-tracking capital punishment cases related to the protests and national security issues.
Members pointed to a 15 July announcement by Tehran Prosecutor General Ali Salehi, following a directive from the Head of the Judiciary, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, to expedite proceedings. The Prosecutor said that all cases related to the hostilities in June and those that began on 28 February, as well as the protests that started on 28 December, had been finalized and referred to the courts.
The rights experts warned that the announcement raises serious fears of further death sentences and executions across the country. They reiterated their call for Iran to immediately halt all executions, including those of individuals convicted in connection with the protests, and establish a moratorium on the use of the death penalty with a view to abolition.
Understanding the UN Mission's Role
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran was initially established by the UN Human Rights Council in November 2022. It is comprised of three members - Sara Hossain (chair), Viviana Krsticevic and Max du Plessis - who are not UN employees and do not receive payment for their work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran?
The Mission was established by the UN Human Rights Council in November 2022 to monitor human rights violations in Iran. It consists of three independent experts who investigate and report on human rights situations without receiving payment for their services.
How many people have been executed in connection with recent protests?
According to the Iranian Judiciary, 23 men have been executed since March in relation to the protests. Additionally, more than 60 people have been sentenced to death since December, including at least three women and two boys.
What is the current status of the 10 men facing execution?
The families of at least two of the remaining 10 men have been summoned for final visits, suggesting that more executions are imminent. The UN experts have called for an immediate halt to these executions.
When did the recent protests begin?
The protests that are central to these cases started on 28 December, with additional hostilities beginning on 28 February and in June. All related cases have been finalized and referred to courts following a directive from Iran's Head of the Judiciary.