Dear Sir/Madam!
We need your support to stop the death penalty of three Iranian protesters named: Amir Hossein Moradi, Mohammad Rajabi and Saeed Tamazidi who were arrested during the country’s anti-government protests in November 2019.
When protests broke out across Iran last November, thousands were arrested and an unknown number of Iranians were killed. The numbers of civilians killed by the government have been estimated to over 1,500. During the protests, the armed forces shot unarmed protesters in the head with real bullets, killing them instantly. As this was happening, there was a complete shut down of the internet all across Iran so that the world would not see the reality of the oppression and murder that was taking place.
Amir Hossein Moradi, Mohammad Rajabi and Saeed Tamazidi were arrested in November 2019 for allegedly destroying public properties during the protests. In February 2020 these three protesters were sentenced to death by judge Abolghassem Salavati, whom the US imposed sanctions on. Salavati is known for being cruel and unjust to Iranians and dual citizens.
The three young men are facing the death penalty for charges such as “participation in the destruction and destruction intended to confront the Islamic Republic of Iran” and “enmity against God” (moharebeh). They were also sentenced to between 11 and 16 years in prison and flogging on separate charges. All Iranians who are arrested in Iran are forced to confess under threats and torture to crimes they have not committed or to being a part of organizations that they don’t belong to.
The trial of the three men was tainted with gross irregularities, including denied access to a lawyer during the interrogations and investigation phases, in violation of their right to a fair trial. All three were allegedly subjected to physical and psychological torture to obtain forced confessions. This included prolonged periods in solitary confinement, beatings – including on the feet -, electric shocks, and suspension. Amirhossein Moradi’s “confession”, which was broadcasted on State television, was used as incriminatory evidence during the trial.
Mohammed Rajabi and Saeed Tamajidi had applied for asylum in Turkey but were deported back by Turkish government, in spite of being at risk of irreparable harm upon return and of Turkey’s non-refoulement obligations under international law.
The three men are currently held at Fashofouyeh prison, in Tehran province.
We believe in freedom of speech and consider capital punishment as a form of torture and we condom the death penalty in all circumstances. We, the following organisations, would like to urge you to pressure the Islamic regime in Iran to overturn the death sentences of Amirhossein Moradi, Mohammad Rajabi and Saeed Tamjidi; immediately and unconditionally .
International Committee against Execution
Campaign to Free Political Prisoners in Iran (CFPPI)
Campaign To Free Jailed Workers In Iran (Free Them Now)
June 29, 2020
