17 January 2024
STATEMENT
To: Governments worldwide, the United Nations, the European Union, and the European Parliament
We, the undersigned, are profoundly concerned about the escalating rate of executions in Iran.
The Islamic regime in Iran has long used executions as a means of suppression and punishment for dissent. However, in recent years, the rate of executions has dramatically increased. This alarming trend is particularly evident since the 2022 protests and the tragic death in custody of Mahsa (Jina) Amini, and over a hundred detainees sentenced to execution based on fabricated charges. In 2023 alone, rights organizations documented at least 800 executions which encompass individuals imprisoned under drug-related charges. The rate indicates a 30% increase from the previous year, making it the country with the world’s highest execution per capita. The rate of execution particularly has increased while the world’s attention is on the Hamas-Israel conflict, and the regime uses this opportunity to execute prisoners daily.
The judicial system in Iran is not a fair one as there is no due process. Those accused of committing a crime are often denied proper legal representation and are tried in kangaroo courts. The regime frequently resorts to torturing prisoners to extract false confessions and uses groundless charges against political dissenters to justify their execution sentences. One particularly appalling case is that of Mr. Mojahed Kourkour, sentenced to execution for a crime he did not commit. Even the grieving parents of the victim, Kian Pirfalak, a nine-year-old child, publicly and repeatedly asserted Mojahed’sinnocence, confirming that Kian was shot dead by the regime’s security forces in 2022.
We respectfully urge governments worldwide, the United Nations, the European Union, and the European Parliament to take immediate and tangible actions to compel the Iranian regime to overturn these execution sentences and halt all executions. We firmly believe that the international community bears the responsibility to safeguard the right to life and put an end to capital punishment.
Signed by: (In alphabetical order)
1. 6Rang (Iranian Lesbian and Transgender Network)
2. Abolition of the Death Penalty in Iraq
3. Alborz, Paris – collectif en soutien au soulèvement “Femme, Vie, Liberté”- France
4. Artivism 4 Iran
5. Azadi Network- UK
6. Balochisan Human Rights Group ( BHRG)
7. Campaign Against Criminalising Communities (CAMPACC)
8. Campaign to free jailed workers in Iran (Free them now)
9. Campaign to Free Political Prisoners in Iran (CFPPI)
10. Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT)
11. Canadians for Democracy in Iran(CDI)
12. Children First Now (International Campaign for Children’s Rights)
13. Founding Iranian Kurdish women- the Netherlands
14. Free Uyghur Association
15. Freedom for Iran Solidarity Council
16. Hana Human Rights Organization
17. Hengaw Organization for Human Rights
18. International Committee Against Execution (ICAE)
19. Iranian Justice Collective
20. Kurdish Women Institute Against Discrimination
21. MARA – Community Belarusians-The Netherlands
22. Me too movement Iran
23. Menschenrechte-Eindundzwanzig e.V (Human Rights in 21st Century Association)-Germany
24. No to Taboo, No to Violence Against Women Institute
25. Peace in Kurdistan Campaign
26. Peter Tatchell Foundation
27. Rif Alert- The Netherlands
28. Simorgh network
29. Solidarity with Iranian BC
30. Stop Child Executions
31. The New Iran
32. Tibet Support Group- The Netherland
33. United for Iran
34. Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
35. Women’s Revolution Organization
36. Zagros Foundation
Also please see weekly update of:
List of political prisoners in Iran sentenced to execution/in danger of being given death sentence
Campaign to Free Political Prisoners (CFPPI) is calling on individuals and organizations to join the efforts in preventing executions in Iran by taking specific actions to raise awareness and advocate for change.
You or your organization can make a significant impact by:
By participating in these actions, you contribute to the collective effort to end executions in Iran and advocate for human rights. Your engagement is crucial in making a positive impact on the global stage.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Shiva Mahbobi
Spokeswoman
Campaign to Free Political Prisoners in Iran (CFPPI)
www.cfppi.org
+44(0) 7572356661
shiva.mahbobi@gmail.com