The news of Mohammad Javad Vafai Thani, a supporter of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), receiving a death sentence has sparked widespread international concern over the Iranian regime’s human rights violations.
The timing of this verdict, less than two months before the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s tragic death and the outbreak of an uprising, reflects the regime’s attempt to cause terror and intimidation, particularly due to its fear of the people’s revolt against its rule like in 2022.
The abrupt issuance of a death sentence for a political prisoner who has already spent more than three years in prison can be seen as the regime’s act of revenge against the people for their recent uprising. Furthermore, this verdict aligns with the regime’s recent media propaganda campaign aimed at countering the MEK’s growing support. It appears that the regime’s struggle against the opposition has resulted in a painful defeat, reflecting a shift in political power in favor of the MEK.
The regime’s propaganda against the MEK indicates that the group’s solution for regime change is gaining support among the Iranian population. This, in turn, may be pushing the regime to implement illegal and extrajudicial measures, such as the death sentence issued under the pretext of ‘corruption on Earth.’
The mullahs’ rule has been unable to address the demands expressed by the Iranian people during the recent uprisings, and the government is facing internal disputes among different regime factions. The economic situation has worsened, and the regime appears to be resorting to increasing executions as a means of survival amidst new challenges.
Various domestic and international political and legal campaigns have emerged to challenge the ruling regime and defend the Human Rights Charter, as well as the Iranian people’s right to overthrow the regime and express support for the MEK.
Numerous prominent figures, including ten former prime ministers and ministers from different countries, have written to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urging him to issue an urgent statement to save the life of Mohammad Javad Vafai Thani. Additionally, several members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and human rights advocates from Australia have called for action to prevent the execution, even suggesting sanctions against Iranian judicial authorities and the Revolutionary Guards responsible for executions in Iran.
Former Member of Parliament and Minister of Immigration of Canada, Ms. Judy A. Sgro, penned a letter urging Volker Turk to utilize all available means at his disposal to exert pressure on the Iranian regime. The primary objective is to halt the execution of Mohammad Javad Vafai and put an end to the cycle of violence and execution in Iran.
The international community is voicing its concerns over the extrajudicial nature of the ruling and highlighting the right to political activity and the fight against the dictatorship and religious fascism of the mullahs.
Reuters news agency also reported on the widespread calls to stop the execution of Mohammad Javad Vafai Thani, with rights activists, lawyers, and former prosecutors urging the UN Human Rights chief to intervene in preventing the execution.
The case of Mohammad Javad Vafai Thani’s death sentence has become a focal point for international attention, reflecting concerns about human rights violations in Iran and highlighting the regime’s escalating struggles in the face of growing opposition.
