Iran: 34 Prisoners Including 10 Protesters on Death Row
Published by Ali on September 19, 2020
International Liberty Association: According to the reports, at least 34 political prisoners and prisoners of conscience are currently sentenced to death in Iran, 10 of whom are protesters who took part in nationwide protests in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Two protesters in Isfahan and Shiraz have already been hanged. Mostafa Salehi was executed on 5 August for his role in Iran’s December 2017/January 2018 protests in Isfahan. The father of two said he was tortured to confess to a murder he did not commit. He maintained his innocence until his death.
Another protester Iranian champion wrestler Navid Afkari was executed in Iran on 12 September, despite a high-profile international campaign calling for the sentence not to be carried out. He was accused of killing a security agent, a charge he vehemently denied and said was forced to confess to under torture.
The 27-year-old has been hailed as a national hero by many Iranians and has become a well-known Iranian freedom fighter prisoner in the world due to his brave statements from prison on the Iran’s injustice.
ILA: The Iranian authorities’ use of the death penalty against prisoners of conscience and protesters is aimed at intimidating would-be protesters and prevent future protests.
