The death sentence of Hadi Rashedi and Hashem Shabani, two cultural activists from the city of Ramshir, was confirmed by Branch 32 of the Supreme Court. They were transferred to an unknown location by the Ahwaz office of the MOIS and subsequently executed.
MOIS officials told the families they would be informed of the site of their burial. These officials warned the families that they would face prosecution if they hold their own funeral procession.
These officials have set strict guidelines for the families of Hadi Shabani and Rashid Hashem. The families are not permitted to handle the corpses and they also may not hold a ceremony in a mosque. They can only hold ceremonies in their home within 24 hours and people are not allowed to gather in their home; otherwise they will be arrested.
On Friday, January 31, as news of the execution of Hadi Rashedi and Hashem Shabani was spread, a number of young people went to the home of the victims, carrying their pictures. Security forces arrested at least three of these young people.
MOIS officials suggested the family of the victims tell potential mourners and visitors “that our children were guilty and the Islamic Republic executed them.”
The bodies of four other opponents who were executed last December so far have also not been delivered to their families.
