Iran: Death Penalty Looms Over Protestors After Unfair Trials

Amnesty International raises grave concerns about Iran’s use of the death penalty against participants in the 2022 protests. At least eight individuals face execution following grossly unfair trials, while nine others have already been arbitrarily executed.

Unjust Trials and Torture Allegations

The report highlights the systematic violations of fair trial rights experienced by these protestors. They were denied access to chosen lawyers, subjected to torture, and forced to make confessions used against them. Methods of torture documented include beatings, electric shocks, and sexual violence.

Cases in Focus

The report details several specific cases. Reza (Gholamreza) Rasaei, for example, was sentenced to death based on torture-extracted confessions despite presenting exculpatory evidence. Toomaj Salehi faces execution solely for social media posts criticizing the government and calling for human rights.

Heightened Executions and Ethnic Bias

Amnesty International emphasizes a surge in executions in Iran. In 2023 alone, authorities executed at least 853 people, a 48% increase from 2022. Executions disproportionately target Iran’s Baluchi minority, who make up only 5% of the population but faced 20% of executions in 2023.

Call to Action

The report urges the Iranian authorities to:

• Immediately quash all convictions and death sentences stemming from the protests.
• Halt further executions and ensure fair trials for those facing charges.
• Release all those detained solely for exercising their right to free expression and assembly.
• Investigate torture allegations and hold perpetrators accountable.
• Grant independent observers access to executions and death row inmates.
• Establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty.

Amnesty International provides a model letter for readers to directly appeal to the Iranian Head of Judiciary. The situation in Iran demands immediate international attention to prevent further executions and ensure fair trials for those exercising their fundamental rights.