In a deeply troubling ruling, the criminal court of Tehran Province has sentenced two defendants in a theft case to finger amputation, a form of punishment that starkly contradicts the principle of human dignity. This verdict continues a pattern in Iran’s judicial system that disregards international human rights norms and has drawn widespread condemnation.
The Case: Theft at the National Bank
The case dates back to June 2022 when a group of 13 individuals, led by two main defendants, Hatef and Armin, orchestrated a theft at the National University branch of the National Bank of Iran. The group targeted safe deposit boxes in a brazen heist. Following the robbery, the perpetrators fled the country but were eventually apprehended by Turkish authorities and extradited to Iran.
The trial took place at Branch 10 of the Tehran Criminal Court, where the defendants were held in custody for months during legal proceedings.
The Sentencing: Amputation and Flogging
After months of deliberation, the court handed down its sentence. The two principal defendants, Hatef and Armin, were each sentenced to 74 lashes and the amputation of their fingers for the crime of “possession of stolen property.” Four other co-defendants were sentenced to 74 lashes and prison time, while the remaining individuals involved in the case were also given prison sentences.
This ruling has once again brought attention to Iran’s continued use of corporal punishment, which includes flogging and amputation—practices widely condemned by the international community as inhumane.
A Violation of Human Rights
The punishment of amputation and flogging is not only brutal, but also a direct violation of international human rights standards. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Iran is a signatory, expressly forbids such cruel and degrading treatment. Article 7 of the ICCPR states that “no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,” a principle that the Iranian regime continues to disregard.
Despite both domestic and international protests, Iran’s judicial system persists in applying punishments such as amputation, stoning, and even crucifixion. These punishments are codified in the Islamic Penal Code and are periodically enforced by the judiciary, reflecting a legal system that remains resistant to international pressure for reform.
The Ongoing Use of Inhumane Punishments
The Iranian regime’s adherence to these archaic and barbaric punishments has long been a source of international outrage. Human rights organizations consistently call for Iran to abolish such practices, citing the profound physical and psychological harm they inflict on individuals. Yet, the regime remains defiant, using these punishments not only as a means of retribution but also as a tool to instill fear and maintain control over its population.
The recent sentencing of Hatef and Armin is a stark reminder that Iran continues to implement these draconian measures despite mounting pressure from the global community. The use of amputation and flogging as forms of punishment undermines any claim to justice and human dignity, and their continued application perpetuates a culture of fear, repression, and violence.
The case of Hatef and Armin is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of judicial brutality in Iran. Without sustained international pressure and a commitment to human rights, such practices will continue to thrive, further eroding the fundamental rights of individuals and tarnishing the global commitment to justice.
It is imperative that the Iranian authorities be held accountable for their continued disregard for human dignity. Only through concerted global action can we hope to put an end to these egregious violations and pave the way for a more just and humane legal system in Iran.
