Majidreza Rahnavard, an Iranian activist, was executed on Thursday by the state’s judiciary for protesting against the government. The execution took place just 23 days after his arrest. This is the second such execution following mass protests in Iran since November.
Majidreza Rahnavard
Rahnavard’s case has spotlighted Iran’s increasing use of executions as a way to stifle dissent and punish those who protest against the government. Human rights activists have called out the country’s judicial system for its lack of transparency and speedy trials that often result in death sentences without due process being followed.
Rahnavard's execution has been heavily condemned worldwide as an unjust act that violates human rights enshrined in international law. The United Nations (UN) has expressed its "deep concern" about Rahnavard's execution and have called upon Iran to "immediately halt all executions." Amnesty International has described his death sentence as a violation of international law because it is a disproportionate punishment for his actions. The United States government has been heavily critical of the execution and expressed dissatisfaction with it.
The international community should not sit idly by while Iranian authorities carry out further unjust acts that violate human rights and international law. We call upon the international community to take strong punitive measures if Iran continues to ignore the international community's calls to stop these executions." Majidreza Rahnavard became the second person to be executed over Iran's November 2019 protests when the country committed a death sentence against him in January 2020. The execution of Majidreza, based on national security charges and torture allegations, has sparked outrage worldwide. This latest development is seen as Iran's way of sending a message to its citizens that it will not tolerate any form of dissent.
Rahnavard was convicted of "corruption on Earth" and sentenced to death by an Islamic Revolutionary Court following his alleged involvement in the November protests. The court also charged him with being a member of anti-regime groups and inciting violence against security forces during the demonstrations.
The execution of Rahnavard comes after another protester, Amirhossein Moradi, was hanged at Evin Prison in Tehran last week for his role in the protests that saw thousands take to the streets across Iran over rising fuel prices and government austerity measures. Human rights activists have condemned both executions as unlawful. "The executions of Rahnavard and Moradi, as well as the death sentence against Chitsaz, show that Iran's authorities are still refusing to respect the basic rights of their citizens and continue to use the death penalty as a tool to suppress dissent," said Philip Luther, Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International. These executions are particularly shocking as they mark a further wave of executions against political activists in Iran in the last few weeks, including four prisoners who were executed on 26 November. This is a clear sign that the Iranian authorities have no intention of ending the use of the death penalty. The death sentences against the three political prisoners are politically motivated, constitute an assault on freedom of expression, and must be quashed.
Rahnavard was involved in numerous anti-government demonstrations and rallies during his life and had faced numerous arrests for his activism. He is reported to have been accused of various charges, such as spreading propaganda against the state, insulting authorities, and disrupting public order. It is unclear what prompted the Iranian government to carry out this execution after a long period since the previous one.
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The people of Iran have also responded angrily to Majidreza's execution, with many protesting against what they see as unjust punishment. They argue that Majidreza was not given a fair trial and that his death sentence was politically motivated. Many feel that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions and call on the international community to take action. Some have even gone so far as to describe the situation as a 'human rights crisis'.
Majidreza Rahnavard
Rahnavard’s case has spotlighted Iran’s increasing use of executions as a way to stifle dissent and punish those who protest against the government. Human rights activists have called out the country’s judicial system for its lack of transparency and speedy trials that often result in death sentences without due process being followed.
Rahnavard's execution has been heavily condemned worldwide as an unjust act that violates human rights enshrined in international law. The United Nations (UN) has expressed its "deep concern" about Rahnavard's execution and have called upon Iran to "immediately halt all executions." Amnesty International has described his death sentence as a violation of international law because it is a disproportionate punishment for his actions. The United States government has been heavily critical of the execution and expressed dissatisfaction with it.
The international community should not sit idly by while Iranian authorities carry out further unjust acts that violate human rights and international law. We call upon the international community to take strong punitive measures if Iran continues to ignore the international community's calls to stop these executions." Majidreza Rahnavard became the second person to be executed over Iran's November 2019 protests when the country committed a death sentence against him in January 2020. The execution of Majidreza, based on national security charges and torture allegations, has sparked outrage worldwide. This latest development is seen as Iran's way of sending a message to its citizens that it will not tolerate any form of dissent.
Rahnavard was convicted of "corruption on Earth" and sentenced to death by an Islamic Revolutionary Court following his alleged involvement in the November protests. The court also charged him with being a member of anti-regime groups and inciting violence against security forces during the demonstrations.
The execution of Rahnavard comes after another protester, Amirhossein Moradi, was hanged at Evin Prison in Tehran last week for his role in the protests that saw thousands take to the streets across Iran over rising fuel prices and government austerity measures. Human rights activists have condemned both executions as unlawful. "The executions of Rahnavard and Moradi, as well as the death sentence against Chitsaz, show that Iran's authorities are still refusing to respect the basic rights of their citizens and continue to use the death penalty as a tool to suppress dissent," said Philip Luther, Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International. These executions are particularly shocking as they mark a further wave of executions against political activists in Iran in the last few weeks, including four prisoners who were executed on 26 November. This is a clear sign that the Iranian authorities have no intention of ending the use of the death penalty. The death sentences against the three political prisoners are politically motivated, constitute an assault on freedom of expression, and must be quashed.
Rahnavard was involved in numerous anti-government demonstrations and rallies during his life and had faced numerous arrests for his activism. He is reported to have been accused of various charges, such as spreading propaganda against the state, insulting authorities, and disrupting public order. It is unclear what prompted the Iranian government to carry out this execution after a long period since the previous one.
Read More
The people of Iran have also responded angrily to Majidreza's execution, with many protesting against what they see as unjust punishment. They argue that Majidreza was not given a fair trial and that his death sentence was politically motivated. Many feel that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions and call on the international community to take action. Some have even gone so far as to describe the situation as a 'human rights crisis'.
