Statement Condemning the Death Sentence of Political Activist Ms. Varisheh Moradi
We, the undersigned human rights organizations, strongly condemn the death sentence imposed on Varisheh Moradi, a Kurdish-Iranian political activist. Ms. Moradi, who has been detained since August 2023, was sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran under the charge of “baghi” (rebellion against state authority), an accusation often used against political activists and dissidents.
Background and Judicial Violations
Ms. Moradi was arrested on August 10, 2023, by security forces near the city of Sanandaj. After a period of intense interrogation accompanied by reports of violence and pressure, she was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison. Her trial was marred by serious legal violations; she and her lawyers were denied the right to present a Défense or have sufficient access to her case files. This treatment contravenes international legal standards that guarantee the right to a fair trial and adequate legal representation.
Call for International Solidarity
We urge the international community, including governments, the United Nations, and human rights organizations, to publicly condemn the illegal conviction and impending death sentence against Varisheh Moradi. Immediate intervention is crucial to halt the enforcement of this unjust sentence and the unlawful procedures in this case.
The behaviour of the Iranian judiciary is an alarming example of the ongoing misuse of the judicial system to suppress political activists and ethnic minorities in Iran.
Varisheh Moradi and the Anti-Death Penalty Movement
Ms. Moradi is not only a political activist but is also actively involved in advocating for women’s rights, environmental protection, and equality. She recently participated in a hunger strike to protest against the increasing number of executions in Iran, particularly the sentencing of Kurdish activists. Her courageous resistance is part of a broader movement in Iran that demands the immediate abolition of the death penalty and an end to state repression.
Our Demands
We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Varisheh Moradi and all other political prisoners detained in Iran due to peaceful political activities, their advocacy for women’s rights, or their participation in protests. We echo the sentiments of Ms. Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, who expressed concern in her report about the rising number of death sentences and the lack of transparency in the Iranian judicial system.
The international community must not remain silent in the face of such grave violations of fundamental human rights. The death sentence against Varisheh Moradi is a clear violation of the right to life and freedom of expression. We call on all responsible governments and human rights organizations to do everything in their power to reverse this unjust conviction and protect human rights in Iran.
Vienna, 11.11.2024
Dr. Behrouz Bayat
Komitee zur Verteidigung der Menschenrechte im Iran, Österreich
Prof. Dr. Siroos Mirzaei
Medical Professionals for Human Rights in Iran – Austria