Protest against death sentence against six defendants in Ekbatan case
We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the death sentences imposed on six defendants in the Ekbatan case, including Milad Armon, Alireza Kafai, Amir Mohammad Khosh Eqbal, Navid Najaran, Hossein Nemati, and Alireza Barmarz Pournak. These sentences highlight the blatant disregard for justice and human rights by the judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran and exemplify the grave injustice and repressive measures directed against protesters and young people arrested during the 2022 protests in the Ekbatan residential area.
Unfair Trials and Forced Confessions Under Torture
According to reports and statements from the defendants’ lawyers, the trial in the Ekbatan case was conducted behind closed doors, lacking transparency. Numerous reports indicate that the defendants were subjected to severe physical and psychological pressure, forcing them to make confessions against themselves and each other. These confessions were obtained under conditions that violate international laws and human rights principles and should not be used as evidence in a fair trial.
Violation of Fundamental Rights and Replacement of Judges
In this case, two new presiding judges were added in the final phase of the trial, who, without participating in previous sessions and contrary to the opinion of the head judge, imposed the death sentences. These sudden changes and the role of the new judges indicate political and security-based interference in the judicial process, further eroding trust in Iran’s judicial system.
Call for Reversal of Death Sentences and End to Repression of Protesters
We call on the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately halt the execution of these unjust sentences and to provide the defendants in the Ekbatan case with a fair trial in accordance with human rights principles. The international community and human rights organizations must not remain silent in the face of such cruel and baseless sentences. Imposing the death penalty on young protesters is not only a blatant human rights violation but also a continuation of the policy of suppression and intimidation intended to silence the people.
Appeal to democratic governments, international organisations and the UN Human Rights Council
We urge the United Nations, the Human Rights Council, and other international organizations to intervene in this case and to exert pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran to prevent the execution of these sentences. Such measures could contribute to reinforcing global pressure for the abolition of the death penalty and the end of human rights violations in Iran.
The imposition of the death penalty on the defendants in the Ekbatan case, who were coerced into confessions under torture, is a clear example of injustice within Iran’s judicial system. We reiterate the importance of upholding human rights and the principles of fair trials and call on the international community to take every possible action to prevent these cruel measures.
Vienna, 15.11.2024
Dr. Behrouz Bayat
Komitee zur Verteidigung der Menschenrechte im Iran, Österreich
Prof. Dr. Siroos Mirzaei
Medical Professionals for Human Rights in Iran – Austria