NGOs warn that more Iranians could be executed over protests

At least 458 people have already died in the repression of demonstrations triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini – a young woman arrested by the moral police for wearing the veil inappropriately – according to the latest report from the NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), based in Norway, and by less than 14 thousand were arrested, according to the UN.

Mohsen Shekari, a 23-year-old man found guilty of wounding a paramilitary, was executed last Thursday following a trial that several rights groups called a “sham”.

Another ten people were sentenced to death for participating in the demonstrations, which the authorities describe as “riots”, reported the Iranian justice system.

According to Amnesty International, Iran is “now preparing to execute” Mahan Sadrat, 22, after a quick and “unfair” trial in which he was found guilty of pulling out a knife during the protests.

“Stronger” reaction

Sentenced to death on November 3, he was transferred on Saturday to Rajai Shahr prison near Tehran, which could mean “an imminent execution”, the UK-based NGO warned.

“Like the others sentenced to death, he did not have access to his lawyer” during the process, he reported.

Amnesty International also warned that the life of another young man, Sahand Nurmohammadzadeh, is in danger after he was sentenced to death on November 6 for “knocking down guardrails and burning rubbish and tires”.

Amnesty and IHR also cite the case of Hamid Gharehasanlu, a doctor on death row who was allegedly tortured and whose wife was forced to testify against him.

For Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of the IHR, the international response must be “stronger than ever” to prevent these executions.

International response

Several Western countries, as well as the European Union and the UN, condemned the execution of Mohsen Shekari. Canada and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on senior Iranian officials.

But human rights activists and NGOs want governments to take a firmer response, such as severing diplomatic relations or expelling special envoys.

Iran is one of the countries that imposes the most death sentences, second only to China, according to Amnesty International. More than 500 people have been executed in 2022, according to the IHR.

Earlier this month, the Supreme National Security Council said that “more than 200 people,” including civilians and security personnel, have died in Iran since September 16. A Revolutionary Guard general reported more than 300 deaths.

Source: AFP

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