The British Committee for Iran Freedom (BCFIF) has issued an urgent call for the UK Government and its international allies to intervene to save the lives of two political prisoners in Iran who face imminent execution. Behrouz Ehsani, 70, and Mehdi Hassani, 48, have been condemned to death on charges of membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI), a democratic opposition group.
Imminent Danger and Gross Injustice
The two prisoners were recently transferred from Evin Prison to the notorious Qezelhessar Prison, a facility infamous for its high rate of executions. Their transfer has sparked protests and anti-regime slogans from inmates. Three weeks ago, Iran’s Supreme Court upheld their death sentences on charges of “rebellion” and “waging war against God,” accusations widely believed to be fabricated.
Amnesty International has condemned their trials as grossly unfair, citing evidence extracted under torture. The human rights organization has already launched two urgent appeals this month, urging the Iranian authorities to halt the executions.
These cases are part of a troubling pattern, following recent death sentences for six other political prisoners accused of ties to the PMOI. The BCFIF highlighted these executions in December 2024, emphasizing the regime’s use of judicial rulings and capital punishment as tools to suppress dissent and silence opposition.
Call for UK and International Action
The BCFIF is urging the UK Government to take immediate and coordinated action to stop these executions and to advocate for the release of detained activists and human rights defenders. The committee also calls for sanctions against those responsible for Iran’s escalating human rights abuses, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
“This is not just a matter of human rights—it is a test of the international community’s resolve to stand against state-sanctioned brutality,” the BCFIF stated.
The Path Forward: A Democratic Vision for Iran
The BCFIF stresses that addressing Iran’s deteriorating human rights crisis requires more than short-term measures. They have endorsed Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for Iran’s future, which includes the abolition of the death penalty and a commitment to human rights.
Rajavi’s democratic platform has garnered significant international support, including endorsements from over 250 cross-party MPs and Peers in the UK. Campaigns led by Rajavi and political prisoners in Iran continue to push for an end to executions and systemic repression.
Conclusion
The BCFIF’s statement underscores the urgency of saving Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani and the broader need for a unified international response to Iran’s escalating repression. The UK Government, in coordination with allies and international bodies, has a vital role to play in defending human rights and standing in solidarity with the Iranian people.
