An urgent plea by an international coalition of scholars, legal experts, and political dignitaries has been directed to the UN Commissioner for Human Rights, urging immediate intervention to prevent the imminent executions of two political prisoners in Iran. Behrouz Ehsani, a 71-year-old detainee since the 1980s, and Mehdi Hassani, aged 48, have been transferred from Evin Prison in Tehran to Qezelhessar Prison, where executions are routinely carried out by the Iranian regime.
The charges leveled against Ehsani and Hassani include alleged affiliation with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and accusations of enmity against God. According to the group’s letter to Volker Türk, the transfer of the prisoners strongly indicates that authorities are preparing for their clandestine execution. The letter asserts that both individuals were subjected to physical and psychological torture during their time in Evin Prison after being arrested in late 2022. Furthermore, they were denied a fair trial, with their appeals summarily dismissed, in clear violation of Iran’s international human rights obligations.
The grim situation in Iran is further underscored by the alarming statistic that approximately 1000 prisoners were executed by Iranian authorities last year, as a means to instill fear in the population and crush any form of dissent. The urgency of the matter prompted the transmission of the letter not only to the UN Commissioner but also to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, seeking broader international attention and action.
Amnesty International’s Call for Urgent Intervention
Echoing the concerns raised by the international group, Amnesty International has issued a call for immediate action to prevent the scheduled execution of six men in Iran. Following what the organization describes as a “grossly unfair” trial, these individuals were convicted of charges related to armed rebellion against the state. Amnesty International’s plea, directed at the head of Iran’s judiciary and the Iranian Embassy to the EU in Brussels, urges a halt to the executions and emphasizes the need for international solidarity in condemning such violations of human rights.
According to Amnesty’s findings, the six men were accused of being part of the PMOI and engaging in actions deemed as threats to national security. Reports indicate that the detainees were subjected to torture and other forms of mistreatment during their arrest and interrogations, including physical abuse, solitary confinement, and death threats. The organization highlights the repeated violations of the men’s rights to a fair trial, access to legal representation, and protection against self-incrimination under duress.
In light of these grave developments, supporters are urged to lend their voices to the cause by using the provided letter template to reach out to relevant authorities. The systematic abuses and flagrant disregard for due process in Iran demand a unified response from the international community to uphold the fundamental rights of individuals facing persecution.
The unfolding situation in Iran serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding human rights and ensuring accountability for those who seek to suppress dissent through arbitrary and unjust practices. The collective efforts of activists, legal experts, and concerned citizens worldwide play a crucial role in shedding light on these injustices and advocating for the protection of political prisoners who have been unjustly targeted by oppressive regimes. Through sustained advocacy and solidarity, we can strive towards a future where justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity prevail in all corners of the globe.