AI warns of the “imminent” execution of three prisoners detained during the protests in Iran

May 17. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The NGO Amnesty International has warned about the “imminent” execution in Iran of three prisoners who were arrested last November in Isfahan during the anti-government protests over the death of the young Mahsa Amini.

“In the midst of the horrific wave of executions of dozens of people by the authorities since the end of April 2023, the international community must take urgent action to stop the execution of these protesters before it is too late,” reported the AI Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Diana Eltahawy.

Thus, he explained that the use of the death penalty is an “act of revenge” against those protesters who took to the streets to demand rights from the Iranian people in the last seven months. “It is further evidence that the authorities are taking increasingly violent and extreme measures to torment and terrorize people,” she said.

The authorities have informed the families that there will be no more visits for the three prisoners, Majid Kazemi, Salé Mirashemi and Saeed Yaghubi, who have had to make self-blame confessions after suffering torture and ill-treatment.

Specifically, Majid Kazemi assured in a recording that he was forced to confess his guilt after being beaten, electrocuted and subjected to mock executions. The interrogators, after suspending him upside down with ropes, showed him videos of torture against his brother and also threatened to kill his loved ones, among other violations of Human Rights.

The three men were tried between December and January, after which they were sentenced to death for enmity towards God” (‘moharebeh) for allegedly carrying weapons during protests. In May, the Iranian Supreme Court upheld the sentences despite irregularities in the process, the lack of evidence and the allegations of torture.

“Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception, regardless of the nature or circumstances of the crime; guilt, innocence or other characteristics of the individual; or the method used by the state to carry out the execution,” has settled.